Gucci by Gucci

Everything about this advert infuses beauty and luxury. The models are absolutely gorgeous, the setting is moody with gold, creams and browns and the fabrics are soft silk. David Lynch (director) has completely captured the essence of Gucci. The camera shots merge into one another creating a dream like scene that emphasises how amazing the perfume must smell. I also think 'Heart of Glass' by Blondie is the perfect sound track. 

Nice Weather For Ducks

This song by Lemon Jelly never fails to cheer me up! The music video is pretty good too... The dancing ducks are the best bit. 

Cannonball

'Cannonball' by Damien Rice is one of my favourite songs of all time. The lyrics are so thoughtful and pure; I particularly love how he juxtaposes ideas of love and lying, life and dying. I have posted the lyrics below if anyone would like to read them. 

Cannonball

Still a little bit of your taste in my mouth
Still a little bit of you laced with my doubt
Still a little hard to say what's going on

Still a little bit of your ghost your witness
Still a little bit of your face I haven't kissed
You step a little closer each day
Still I can't say what's going on

Stones taught me to fly
Love taught me to lie
Life taught me to die
So it's not hard to fall
When you float like a cannonball

Still a little bit of your song in my ear
Still a little bit of your words I long to hear
You step a little closer to me
So close that I can't see what's going on

Stones taught me to fly
Love taught me to lie
Life taught me to die
So it's not hard to fall
When you float like a cannon

Stones taught me to fly
Love taught me to cry
So come on courage!
Teach me to be shy
'Cause it's not hard to fall
And I don't wanna scare her
It's not hard to fall
And I don't wanna lose
It's not hard to grow
When you know that you just don't know

Guess How Much I Love You

Did anyone read this as a child?! It was my favourite book, the illustrations are gorgeous and the story is simple and sweet; a perfect read for a child. I also loved Beatrix Potter who wrote the famous Peter Rabbit stories, which had a similar illustrative style to Anita Jeram. 

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Tim Burton's 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' is my favourite fantasy film of all time. The story follows Jack Skellington 'king of the pumpkin patch' from Halloween Town, who is amazed by the feelings of Christmas Town when he accidently finds a portal leading to it.  Jack wants to introduce the holiday to Halloween Town, but the locals are not too keen, so elements of Halloween are introduced and Jack gradually becomes more obsessive about Christmas. The rest of the film involves kidnapping, disguise and romance... I won't go into it all incase anyone hasn't seen it!

The idea of the film originated from a poem written by Burton whilst he was an animator for Disney, and then after years of thinking about the project, production started in 1991. It is one of those Christmas films that will always be popular, and even now I still enjoy watching it. 

The Mill

Being Europe's leading post-production house, The Mill wanted to offer an exclusive service for their clients. They worked with MadeThought to create all of the branded material. The colour palette is kept simple and sophisticated with clean, crisp typography that really stands out in white. The layout is so precise and professionally done, which is an important reflection on the company. 

Unfold Japan

This poster was designed by MadeThought creative agency. The idea is simple, but the effect is quite striking. 

CKIN2U

The Calvin Klein advertising always conveys the sexy and daring streak that is associated with the brand. The camera work creates a fast paced sequence, perhaps trying to connote the heartbeats of the characters as she is chased up the building. I think the name of the campaign is really successful in promoting two fragrances for males and females, and they keep the sex appeal with the suggestiveness of 'CKIN2U'. 

Logo

'Logo' book is written by Michael Evamy, and has been designed by Spin creative agency. The book covers many logos, from the more traditional to the new and contemporary, which means it has a very wide range to refer to.

Keeping a simple black and white palette for the majority of the book ensures it looks smart and fresh. The reverse of the dust jacket also doubles as a poster which outlines the categories within the book, which is a nice touch to something that some people take off and don't use. 

Dog Brochure

I found this brochure whilst browsing through The Chase's website. I really like the simplicity of the type layout, letting the image of the dog be the initial focus. It is clever the way they have managed to use the Dalmation's spots to subtly show the areas surrounding Manchester. 

It Must Be Love

'Magical' from BBH London for Vodafone's 'Make The Most of Now' campaign simply makes me smile... What more could you need from an advert?!

Claes Oldenburg

Oldenburg is renowned for his sculptures of mundane, everyday objects, and has displayed them around the world. Some of these sculptures have interactive capabilities, creating more interest for the viewer. The style of the sculptures meant they were often associated with the Pop Art movement, as they were seen as fun, bright and were a popular addition to the environment. 

Wrap It

Christo and Jeanne-Claude are in my eyes legendary for their large scale artworks. They are known for the art of 'wrapping', which can go from wrapping trees (as shown above) to wrapping buildings and even islands! Such large projects have a massive impact upon the surrounding environment and take a lot of planning and preparation. 

Christo and Jeanne-Claude have completed 18 projects, and failed 37, which just shows the passion and commitment that goes into each design. Many of the 37 failed projects were down to refusals of plans and the loss of interest from the designers themselves. Their website explains that their projects are their own ideas, so when they lose the passion for it, it is time to move on. The wrapped Reichstag in Berlin took 25 years to complete... that's commitment! 

Water Painting

I first came across the works of Gary Hume after a visit to the Tate Modern, where I was intrigued by 'Water Painting' 1999. The brightness of the painting conceals the ambiguity of the body parts, which do not actually belong to one whole body, but are all segmented across the piece.

Hume's works are very varied; I would recommend taking a look at some of them on the Tate website.

www.tate.org.uk

All That Jazz

I'm a big fan of musicals; Chicago being one of my favourites. 'Cell Block Tango' is my favourite scene in the film, because I like the way it is dark yet glamorous, and it does not lose the feel of a theatre production. The simplicity of the dark room with the spotlights allows the viewer to feel the sounds and the lyrics that are so important when watching a show. The use of close up and overhead shots also enhance the drama of it all. 

Khaosan Road

The Khaosan Road, Bangkok, is renowned as the stop off for travelers en route to various destinations in Thailand, explaining the vibrant and eclectic atmosphere of the place. I have never felt so bombarded with messages as I have here (see photo!). Travelers are shaded by the vast amount of signage above the buildings, all in bright neon lighting. To me, Khoasan captures the essence of Bangkok completely; hectic, loud and buzzing.

Miami Deco

Nowhere captures the beauty of the Art Deco movement better than Miami. The typical symbols of the sunshine, waves, rainbows and the colours gold, orange and green reflect the sun kissed, glamorous lifestyle that Miami is famous for. The architecture conveys Art Deco through curving structures, the windows and the signs, where the typography is in a typically Art Deco style.  

The Lion King

The Lion King has the best costume and set design I have seen in a West End production. Particularly the animal costumes, which are so intricate and designed to imitate the way each individual animal moves. I would definitely recommend seeing this show if you are planning a night in London!

Henri de Toulouse Lautrec

Henri de Toulouse Lautrec was drawn to the Montmartre area of Paris, where his most famous works were inspired. His connections with the Moulin Rouge were what initially drew me to his works, as I love the old poster designs with the characters like Jane Avril. However, I have discovered many more of his works, particularly figure drawings that show what a skilled artist he was. It could be said that he lead a quite 'seedy' lifestyle, spending much time in brothels, where many of his works came from. In my opinion, it is easy to tell Toulouse Lautrec embraced the French style, particularly the shapes of the figurines and the choice of colour. This is what attracts me to his work. 

Moulin Rouge

As you can probably tell, I like all things from musicals and all things French... so Moulin Rouge was an obvious choice for my film section! Everything from the costumes to the music makes me love this film, and the camera work is experimental; which is appropriate in conveying the atmosphere of Paris at this time.

Steve McCurry

Steve McCurry's photography captures the essence of human struggle and joy, which has won him some of photographys top awards. McCurry has travelled the world documenting scenes that we in the Western world are not often exposed to. During his travels in India, McCurry learned to watch and wait on life; 'If you wait, people will forget your camera and soul will drift up into view'. Personally, I really believe in this statement, as his photography shows a vulnerability that seems built on a trust in him and his camera. 

McCurry's career launched when he disguised as a native Garb and crossed the Pakistan border into rebel-controlled Afghanistan. He hid his film rolls by sewing them into his clothes, and he emerged with images that would be shown around the world; the first of their kind. I would recommend taking a look at the Afghanistan gallery on his website (www.stevemccurry.com), as they are incredibly moving and fascinating captures of the time. 

A highlight of his career was rediscovering the previously unidentified Afghan refugee girl, that many have described as the most recognisable photograph in the world today.  

Cow Parade

I first came across the Cow Parade when I was carrying out research for my D&AD project last semester. The Cow Parade is the worlds largest public art display, which has been going since 1999. Each cow sculpture remains the same, whilst each cities artists/designers are challenged to come up with an inspirational, eye catching design. 

The Cow Parade is also a good cause, as after the display, many of the cows are auctioned off and the money is given to charity. The organisations Chicago auction raised a staggering $3 million for charity back in 1999. The highest bid was for the Tiffany cow, which went for $60 thousand. 

This event is fantastic for creating a buzz for art amongst the general public, who perhaps are not all keen on modern art. Stumbling across a life size model cow whilst walking through your city would create much interest and get people thinking about the thought behind each cow design. 

The Interesting Thoughts of Edward Monkton

Edward Monkton's illustrations are becoming more and more well known as time goes by. His comical outlook upon life's simplest things is quirky and fun, making the books, mugs and toys popular gifts.

www.edwardmonkton.com

Ugly Dolls

This website is cute and quirky, like the dolls themselves. It is set out like an Ugly Dolls 'world', with many little details that means the viewer could explore for hours!

Pop Up Persil

This cute little book is part of the Persil advertising by BBH London. It tells the story of the environmental benefits of the new Persil, and the pop-up book adds to the charming tone of voice that Persil aim to portray. The involvement of children in the advert gives the brand a friendly, family feel that consumers can trust, and the pop up book itself is so cleverly done that it keeps viewers interested in quite a boring product! 

Mary Ellen Mark

The photographer Mary Ellen Mark has achieved worldwide success through her many books, exhibitions and editorial magazine work. Her work has been featured in many highly successful magazines, including LIFE, New York Times magazine, Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair. Although her editorial work has contributed highly to her success, I am fascinated by her documentary photography, that reflects the high degree of realism that she wanted to achieve.

She spent many years in India, exploring circuses, brothels and documenting the life of Mother Teresa. I have shown photos from her times spent with the circus, as the interaction between the humans and animals is incredible. Seeing a human stand so still and calm next to a raging Hippo seems so crazy, yet shows perhaps a sadder side of the circus, whereby animals are not free to act upon their natural instincts. The photograph of the dogs looks quite comical and cute, yet it is actually quite sad to see them putting on a show like this. Perhaps this is why Mary Ellen Mark has chosen to have these photos in black and white, rather than showing the colourful and fun surroundings.

London Underground

What a confusing place! However, the London Underground map has been designed in such a simple way that it would be hard to get lost with one of these on you. The lines are all straight, and clearly colour coded, and you simply have to know your North, South, East and West!

Coca-Cola Glass Bottle

In 1915, the Root Glass Company won the competition to design the Coca-Cola bottle, and the rest is history. Personally, I much prefer having a coke in a glass bottle rather than a can... probably because it reminds me of holidays! The bottle design has developed somewhat over the years, but the Coca-Cola typeface has remained as strong as ever. 

Marc Newson

I first came across Marc Newson's designs on a visit to Londons Design Museum. I had not heard of his works before, but after a bit of research I discovered that over the years he has created for many prestigious clients, his work ranging from chairs and household objects to restaurant and private jet interiors.

Newson was born in Australia, but has had his own studios in Tokyo, Paris and London, making his success over the years worldwide. I am intruiged by his designs as they challenge the way we interact with design, whilst ensuring they are functional pieces. 'The Black Hole Table' and the 'Orgone Lounge' are two of Newson's most exhibited designs (see below). The chair is a real statement, from the choice of colours and materials to the structure of it (which I am not sure looks too comfy?!). Nevertheless, it is very memorable, which shows the strength of the design.




Marc Newson's website is worth a visit; www.marc-newson.com. 

Inflate

After Inflates success with its launch at the first ever 100% Design Show, the company rapidly grew from producing household objects to architectural structures and are now an award winning agency. Their inflatable designs are quirky, fun and innovative in comparison to anything else I have seen. 

Inflate have a vast range of products, my favourite being their inflatable egg cups (which I can't find on the website!). I came across Inflate in the Icons of Design book by Charlotte and Peter Fiell. See link below!

www.inflate.co.uk

Antoni Gaudi

I went to Barcelona in 2006, and was absolutely fascinated by the beauty of Gaudi's architecture around the city. The style is gothic, which creates a romantic air about the place, particularly at night when the city is lit up. 

La Sagrada Familia is Gaudi's most spectacular piece, which he never lived to see finished. It is very overwhelming and the design is so detailed it seems like a never ending task! Gaudi was interested in natures angles and curves, which explains why his work compliments the surroundings so beautifully. 

Adrian Boot

Adrian Boot is renowned for his music photography, and has freelanced for NME, Melody Maker, The Times, The Guardian and The Face (to name a few!). He has also been chief photographer for worldwide events such as Live Aid (for Nelson Mandella) and Green Peace in the Soviet Union. 

I think his photos of the Sex Pistols are just brilliant, particularly because of the chosen settings, which really make them stand out. Also, their rebellious streak really shines through in the photography.