Trendscaping: A Free Resource For Innovative Ideas and Trends on Food and Fashion.
Friday, October 31, 2008
TCHO opens retail storefront
By Shannon Kelly
Quick update on TCHO- a concept out of SF that marries technology & chocolate to create products based on a combination six flavor profiles (above). Right in time for Halloween, TCHO has opened their first beta store on pier 17 in SF.
Eco-friendly online retailer Organica Deluxe is attempting to do for specialty gifting what Linda Loudermilk has done for fashion- provide beautiful, fashionable and sustainable solutions to conscientious customers.
What we love is that the eco-boutique products are delivered in the most responsible and attractive manner- with natural, organic, fair-trade gifts packaged with post-consumer recycled materials (tissue, cornstarch peanuts) in a single box. It's luxury you can feel good about.
The Sweet & Salty collection & French Spa package (above) offer unique products that anyone could enjoy. We also love the delectably moist ginger cookies- personally tested and IYH approved.
When times are tough, we often look at forms of escapism. It should come as no surprise that our cultural fascination with sporting events (hello Olympics) and the past (Mad Men, vintage clothing, Hollywood glamor) in the midst of political and economic uncertainty.
Resurrection: Avant-Gaurde Fashion, curated by Mark Haddaway and Katy Rodriguez (of Ressurrection boutique in NYC & LA) fits the bill. Thanks to Christie's of London, the private collection 250 timeless cutting edge pieces "that illustrates the translation of architecture, design, structure and materials in fashion" will go on sale Oct. 30th.
Reflect vicariously with epic designs from Vivienne Westwood, Gianni Versace, Norma Kamali, Paco Rabanne, Pierre Cardin, Yves St. Laurent and Jean Paul Gaultier at Christie's. {source: telegraph.co.uk}
According to Reuters, a line of Italian wines that will be launched in the United States this fall based on "The Sopranos".
"We feel that these quality Italian wines are the perfect complement to all of our other carefully planned product extensions for "The Sopranos" brand," James Costos, HBO spokesman, said in a statement.
Can't wait to see the marketing & packaging. It'll be a hoot! {source: yahoo.com}
As we read the NYTimes article, "A Label for a Pleather Economy" we were stunned at how the alternatives to "free-spending style hounds" (formerly known as “fashionistas”) were all big brand, marketing driven designer focused as opposed to quality compromises that are stylish and support local economies.
Is recession chic that extreme? Marketing may imply that an oversized nylon/rayon cardigan from Target is comparable to TSE cashmere but we beg to differ on both quality and experience. As we shift our shopping habits, consider boutiques and specialty retailers as opposed to those global mass market chains. There are plenty of choices between $29.99 and $1,000. Check out sweaters from Souchi and Lutz & Patmos or Vince and J.Crew if you want clothing that will last more than one season. {photo: lutz & patmos.com}
This little space (just 17cm deep) is alluring, efficient, fashionable and modern. Created by James Plant Design, "private dining" was inspired by pop-up books and can completely transform any environment with a table, chairs + a pleasing wallpaper.
It's no surprise to anyone that I'm quite taken with mugs given my background in working for three major coffee brands. First thing in the morning and again at 3pm, I select the perfect mug to fit my mood and beverage.
My online find of the day is from Up to You in Toronto. Both are inventive and playful without loosing usability. I also love that they can be marketed to the growing segment of tea drinkers.
Photos from the IYH installations to get you excited for "Ghosts in the Garden"- a collaboration between PulpLab, Project Runway Season 4 alum Sweet P, and visual artist Sage Vaughn. The collection includes 6 individual pieces (on display here in October), small accessories and limited edition t-shirts ranging in price from under $50 to $1500.
If you are in Seattle, please join us at the launch reception for Sweet P & Sage on 11/1. More details at PulpLab.com or purchase tickets here for the event.
When life gives you a credit crunch- market an affordable luxury treats to soften the blow. As we reported last month, chocolate sales are not showing any sign of decreasing and Selfridges & Co plans to capitalize on the opportunity with 'Credit Crunch'- an exclusive treat of velvet Valrhona chocolate over honeycomb pieces (£3.99 for a 150g bag).
Call it shrewd marketing if you must. It would make a prefect treat for chocolate lovers and investment bankers alike.
Blurring the lines between art and fashion, the Chanel Mobile Art container (designed by Zaha Hadid) will launch Oct. 20th in NYC. Hardly a pop-up in the literal sense (it's been under construction for the past three weeks), the futuristic pre-fab orb will house 18 modern artists work inspired by the iconic quilted Chanel handbag.
Top Chef Tom Colicchio is putting the old Craftbar space to good use with bi-weekly Tuesday dinners that celebrate "no-holds-barred cooking". The menu at Tom: Tuesday Dinner will reflect seasonal ingredients, quality artisanal foods and the chefs whim. One price, one menu.
While the concept is not really that inventive (think underground dining at Gypsy diners or Ghetto Gourmet & restaurants like The Corson Building or Herbfarm), I kinda like that Tom's back in the kitchen. Keeping it real. Nice one.
Social networking just got a new friend in the fashion biz. Closet Couture launched yesterday promising to connect "people of stylish minds with those who live or work around them". Members manage their wardrobes online and can get help if needed (from the community or hand-selected staff stylists). Other options include the ability to upload photos, share links and videos.
Marks & Spencer has tapped Sex and the City stylist Patricia Field for a capsule collection in the UK that is stylish and affordable. Available for online and in retail locations in the UK. Is it just me or do the images below (from the M&S collection) remind you of a certain fictional stylish New York writer?
Those of you stateside can mark your calendars for 9/23- when her other collection, "Destination Style", will pre-sell on HSN.
Karl Lagerfeld is the latest celebrity designer to redesign France's “Le Petit Larousse Illustré” (“Larousse Small Illustrated Dictionary”). The limited edition book (think dictionary meets encyclopedia) with two corner illustrations by Lagerfeld will be released 11/4.
Absolutely stunning sculptures "Strange Carafes" by Etienne Meneau for wine. Starting at 1500 euros + shipping, these carafes are not the most economical but they are certainly art. We love use of imagination.
This stackable set of 6 pieces from ibride made in melamine forms a vase when assembled. It's beautiful and practical as an everyday ceramic or serveware. Available online at www.poaa.nl.
Target.com has begun selling the Anya Hindmarch for Target line online but those in the UK can purchase the collection on her website starting Oct. 8th. Very smart to offer multiple points of distribution for varying tastes.So, do you think she playing both ends by offering these super luxury gift baskets at Selfridges AND doing a line for Target OR do you think Anya has her sights on mega fame? Maybe she's just a clever business woman...
Iconoclasts on Sundance does a great job with intimate interviews. I was particually taken with how art, sustainability and fashion were expressed by Stella McCartney & Ed Ruscha.
Clay jewelry modeled from German delicacies (over sized pretzel brooch and wurst necklace) at the Bernhard Willhelm show in Paris.{Source/photo: Gudrun Willcocks for style.com}
We'd love to see Heidi Klum create a gold bratwürste as part of her jewelery collection.
"In an uncertain economy, the here-today, gone-tomorrow nature of pop-up stores appears ever more enticing. Featured fashion brands don’t bear the burden of finding suitable locations, negotiating long-term leases or paying for costly overhead — all of which are managed by the hosting retail stores that have the experience and staff." - WWD article, Creative Concepts Popping Up at Retail, 10/2/08
Going to the market doesn't mean compermising your fashion... use that whole foods bag for recycling and grab an ortolan organic cotton grocery tote bag available at pulplab.com.
Quick update on TCHO- a concept out of SF that marries technology & chocolate to create products based on a combination six flavor profiles (above). Right in time for Halloween, TCHO has opened their first beta store on pier 17 in SF.
What we love is that the eco-boutique products are delivered in the most responsible and attractive manner- with natural, organic, fair-trade gifts packaged with post-consumer recycled materials (tissue, cornstarch peanuts) in a single box. It's luxury you can feel good about.
When times are tough, we often look at forms of escapism. It should come as no surprise that our cultural fascination with sporting events (hello Olympics) and the past (Mad Men, vintage clothing, Hollywood glamor) in the midst of political and economic uncertainty.
According to Reuters, a line of Italian wines that will be launched in the United States this fall based on "The Sopranos".
{photo: lutz & patmos.com}
This little space (just 17cm deep) is alluring, efficient, fashionable and modern. Created by James Plant Design, "private dining" was inspired by pop-up books and can completely transform any environment with a table, chairs + a pleasing wallpaper.
Photos from the IYH installations to get you excited for "Ghosts in the Garden"- a collaboration between PulpLab, Project Runway Season 4 alum Sweet P, and visual artist Sage Vaughn. The collection includes 6 individual pieces (on display here in October), small accessories and limited edition t-shirts ranging in price from under $50 to $1500.
When life gives you a credit crunch- market an affordable luxury treats to soften the blow. As we reported last month, chocolate sales are not showing any sign of decreasing and Selfridges & Co plans to capitalize on the opportunity with 'Credit Crunch'- an exclusive treat of velvet Valrhona chocolate over honeycomb pieces (£3.99 for a 150g bag).
Blurring the lines between art and fashion, the Chanel Mobile Art container (designed by Zaha Hadid) will launch Oct. 20th in NYC. Hardly a pop-up in the literal sense (it's been under construction for the past three weeks), the futuristic pre-fab orb will house 18 modern artists work inspired by the iconic quilted Chanel handbag.
Top Chef Tom Colicchio is putting the old Craftbar space to good use with bi-weekly Tuesday dinners that celebrate "no-holds-barred cooking". The menu at Tom: Tuesday Dinner will reflect seasonal ingredients, quality artisanal foods and the chefs whim. One price, one menu.
Social networking just got a new friend in the fashion biz. Closet Couture launched yesterday promising to connect "people of stylish minds with those who live or work around them". Members manage their wardrobes online and can get help if needed (from the community or hand-selected staff stylists). Other options include the ability to upload photos, share links and videos.
Marks & Spencer has tapped Sex and the City stylist Patricia Field for a capsule collection in the UK that is stylish and affordable. Available for online and in retail locations in the UK. Is it just me or do the images below (from the M&S collection) remind you of a certain fictional stylish New York writer?
Karl Lagerfeld is the latest celebrity designer to redesign France's “Le Petit Larousse Illustré” (“Larousse Small Illustrated Dictionary”). The limited edition book (think dictionary meets encyclopedia) with two corner illustrations by Lagerfeld will be released 11/4.
This stackable set of 6 pieces from ibride made in melamine forms a vase when assembled. It's beautiful and practical as an everyday ceramic or serveware. Available online at www.poaa.nl.
So, do you think she playing both ends by offering these super luxury gift baskets at Selfridges AND doing a line for Target OR do you think Anya has her sights on mega fame? Maybe she's just a clever business woman...
{Source/photo: Gudrun Willcocks for style.com}
"In an uncertain economy, the here-today, gone-tomorrow nature of pop-up stores appears ever more enticing. Featured fashion brands don’t bear the burden of finding suitable locations, negotiating long-term leases or paying for costly overhead — all of which are managed by the hosting retail stores that have the experience and staff."
