Monday, 23 May 2011

When is an Injunction Super?

Hey Everyone,

In between working on some new frame designs (note-to-self do not use Mischa Barton as a muse, see below), a new web design project and working out just how hot Rihanna is (currently devising a new ratings scale) we have been debating the super injunctions.

The arguments from both sides of Originals HQ are pretty valid and we all understand that it’s a complicated issue. Who’s rights are right and should we even care?

The whole Imogen Thomas story was a bit of an average story until CTB (aka Ryan Giggs, according to John Hemming MP) decided that he wanted to find out the names of the tweeters via the courts. We all agree that CTB had a right to his privacy but his actions have only galvanised tens of thousands of people. An honest admission and some responsibility for his actions may have helped salvage his reputation but essentially advocating a witch hunt only garners negative headlines.

There are numerous grey areas including the validity of the Super Injunctions in a global social media domain etc. There was some initial suggestions that super injunctions are used by the rich to keep secrets and I’m sure that happens but Premiership players don’t sign up to abide in a certain way off the field so why is there such public interest over his nocturnal activities. In the instance of Fred the Shred, the link to the public interest as more apparent and I can see a strong argument against a Super Injunction ever been given. However a footballer being unfaithful, whilst wrong, really has no relevance to the masses.

The right to freedom of speech can contradict the right to privacy and Twitters role in how the story has developed has resulted in it helping determine the how laws are monitored and adhered to on a global scale.

If there are any winners in this super injunction episode; then Twitter, lawyers and the newspapers could be considered high on the list. At the end of the day the people actually involved in the story are all worse off and I think that is sad, not as sad as Britney performance at the Billboard Awards though (blimey she has gotten lazy).

In true Originals style here is a picture of a Rihanna looking amazing on the white carpet!!

O

x

Wednesday, 11 May 2011

Fashion Icons – Batman and Cheryl Cole

Hi Everyone,

Whilst casting my peepers over the inter-web a few things caught my eye so I thought I would share them.

Working in the fashion industry we are aware that designs and styles are often influenced from many sources. This week has been no exception and you have to love the inter-web and it’s users for the ability to spot where ‘similarities’ have occurred.

Here’s a look at our fav homage’s/inspirations this week.

Firstly we have the super-cool lead singer of 30 Seconds to Mars, the age-less Jared Leto, sporting a cape. The man-cape has been gracing the catwalks for a while with an example from the Trussardi 1911 A/W 11 shown with the caped crusader himself, Batman. I think it's only a matter of time before man-capes will be appearing on a high street near you.

As many students will know equations can be rearranged and the picture below shows how Ocean-crossing Cole seems to be inspiring globally. Rebecca Ferguson (we are making no comment on her relationship with 18 year-old Zain Malik) and Sarah Jessica Parker appear to have embraced different aspects of Cole's style. Which is sensible as you certainly don't want to look like a bad imitation.

At Originals HQ we love the capes (that will be my super-hero fetish) but we doubt that the big hair would last if you’re disco dancing with the lights down low.

The quest to be Original will always be fraught with wrong turns down questionable cul-de-sacs but keep testing/trialling and mixing it.

I’m going to get sized up for some capes.

O

x

Friday, 6 May 2011

Good News Friday!! Including Obama, Green Lantern and X-men

Hi All,

Nearly the weekend again and according to all sources, it’s going to be a scorcher! I shall be packing my Frisbee and heading to the park.

Due to some short weeks there has been a distinct lack of Good News Friday Blogs, but we’re back now!

1. Impromptu Shopping – The Originals Team disbanded for the bank holiday weekend and travelled back home, I went back up to Grimsby. It was full of surprises, with questionable sea bass, dry humping/dancing from mum’s dog and some clothes shopping.

I genuinely can not remember the last time I went shopping in Grimsby but I managed to pick up a few bits. Kudos to the Burtons sale but my fave purchase was my casual joggers (below) from River Island. Back to the vintage stores this weekend.


2. Obama roasting Trump – I do love a slice of politics and for all of Donald Trumps posturing (read as promotion for American Apprentice) regarding Obama’s birth certificate, it was amazing to see the President defending himself and making Trump look like a chump.

3. The Leisure Society – Perfect lazy summer music, I’ll be playing this all weekend. I think ‘Into The Murky Water’ is my favourite track but I can be a bit fickle so expect a change in the future.

4. Geeking out – There has been a number of new/updated trailers this week including some character trailers for X-Men First class, my favourite is Banshee.

There is also a new and possibly final Green Lantern Trailer, Kilowog looks amazing.

Finally, it’s free comic book day tomorrow. I would highly recommend the re-print of Green Lantern #30!

Well I hope that keeps you content over the weekend.

O

x


Tuesday, 3 May 2011

A McQueen Weekend

Hi Everyone,

Hope you all feel refreshed after another long weekend!

What a huge few days it has been for the team working at Alexander McQueen. Firstly there was the amazing wedding dress worn by Kate Middleton, designed by Sarah Burton and the Metropolitan Museum of Art held a retrospective for the designer last night.

Royal Wedding fever is starting to die down, although the reports of people queuing outside Westminster Abbey to view the bouquet may suggest otherwise. However, the dress worn by Kate looked incredibly elegant, stylish and classy. How the dress and designer were kept a secret we’ll never know so credit all round. Apparently replica versions are already hitting stores!! In all it was a good day for British fashion with Vivienne Westwood, Philip Treacy and Anna Valentine all coming out on top. Personally, I liked the fact Princesses’ Beatrice and Eugenie went for a bolder approach to stand out.

Over in the US last night a host of classic McQueen designs were displayed as part of a retrospective look at the designers work. Sarah Jessica Parker wore one of the outfits from the collection (on loan) and looked incredible. I like the understated dominatrix look that Leighton Meister wore. It’s going to be interesting to see how far the high street will go with the S&M vibe in the next few months.

O

X

Thursday, 28 April 2011

Royal Wedding Part 2

Hi Everyone,

So we went and had a look at the preparations here are a few images of what we found.

Parliament Square getting busy with tents securing the prime spots for tomorrow.

So we know that Kate Middleton is making few public appearances but that doesn’t deter one fan. They have brought a doll version to replace her!

I’m sure there are people who have travelled from further afield but USA is being represented here.

Lady in a home made hat in the colours of the Union Jack, love her!

This picture does not do full justice to this ‘fan’ whose random shouting may result in some close attention from security!

We’re sure this is just a taster for tomorrow but the crowd are excited and so are we.

O

X

Royal Wedding Part 1

Hi Everyone,

This week has been a short one, we’ve had a lot crammed into a short space of time with project work, birthdays and of course the Royal Wedding. We are assuming that our invite was lost in the post but we don’t mind as excitement is building in chilly London Town!

Views on the Royals are a little bit mixed in the office. Nobody owns a commemorative mug (although I’m sure one of my Grandparents has one) and nobody is up on treason charges so we sit in the middle ground. What is amazing is the atmosphere and excitement in London that is growing in the build up to the event. Hopefully the atmosphere is similar in villages, towns and cities up and down the realm.

Every coin has two sides, and there will be many people arguing the cost of the wedding, the security and the cost to the tax payer. However there are very few events (possibly the Olympics) that have such vast media coverage and focus on positive news. The coverage will also span many different genres, there will be history, fashion (hats and fascinators at the ready), the Military, politics, food and musical aspects all analysed, reviewed and viewed over the day, therefore, something for everyone. All eyes will be on the dress (personally I'm hoping the Queen pulls out a cheeky little number but I think I will be disappointed).

For some the Royal Wedding is a day off work for others it is a waste of time and money. For us at Original HQ it’s a day for people to celebrate and be involved in a huge event on a scale that rarely occurs.

We are going to head down to the preparations and take some pics. We’ll report back with any interesting news and photos shortly.

In the meantime here’s a picture of some Royal Pugs!!

(Source: cassket)

O

x

Thursday, 21 April 2011

Gaga, Super 8, Wilderness and Webcams

Hi Everyone,

It’s been a hectic week and due to the bank holiday tomorrow I am going to talk about some marketing campaigns that we have enjoyed this week.

Lady Gaga is responsible for some classic marketing/publicity this week by releasing the single Judas, over Easter, and holding a number of interviews where she swears and is generally a bit controversial. Lady Gaga is an amazing artist and she pushes the boundaries in so many ways that in order to have an impact you have to mix it up otherwise people get bored and this week we think she has demonstrated her business skills by filling column inches and undoubtedly selling records. Single is embedded for those interested.

Google will always be push the boundaries of social media and marketing and by collaborating with Arcade Fire (who we love) and some HTML5 they have come up with something that is very cool. Have a look at the link below and enjoy the results of Google using its immense assets and setting it to some emotive music from a great band.

http://www.thewildernessdowntown.com/

A slightly unusual collaboration between movies and video games. Super 8, the new J.J. Abrams film is due out this year and as per usual Abrams has been very secretive. Until the release of Portal 2! The game includes an extra which effectively lets you interact with one of the key elements of the teaser trailer. We’re not entirely sure how you measure the success of project but it’s awesome to see different things being attempted.

I know it’s over 6months old but the final piece of marketing that we enjoyed this week involves webcams, boys and an attractive girl. Reaction videos are always good and this is no exception. Be warned that if something seems too good to be true it probably is. Check out the link for The Last Exorcism.

Enjoy the sun and follow Nigellas lead and protect yourself!!



O

x