CRS 231 How has the housing crisis affected home fashion retail?

During the holidays there is much need for home fashions. Because families are having their relatives stay over for Thanksgiving and Christmas, they are in need of sheets, towels, pillows, and other bedding supplies. However, places like Bed Bath and Beyond, and Lenon's And Things are having to discount their supplies because the market is so bad. Houses are also not selling for as much due to the market. Because relatives are staying over the house needs to look nice and the bedding supplies needs to match according to color and feel. Having a colorful and comfortable environment and setting to stay in makes all the difference.

CRS 231 problems in apparel retail

There are various problems in apparel retailing, some of which include the dropping of sales, size standards to fit a wide variety of customers, and selecting a line of clothes that will be successful in a competitive market.

The market is poor right now, with the dropping of sales contributing to an over shipment of stock in stores that people are not buying. People do not have the money to afford big shopping sprees. Businesses are trying to over come this issue by promoting sales of "50 percent off", "buy one get one free" or "buy one get one half off." These sales encourage customers to buy more merchandise, and spread the word about the company's good sale to get more customers and business.

Size standards is a problem in the apparel retail industry because its the merchandisers job to fit all of the different sizes of the various customers who shop at a particular store. Size ranges have to fit those who have petite and short body types, those who are tall and slim, and others who are more heavy set. A business will lose a lot of customers if they do not have clothes which will fit all sizes. Because buying a lot of fabric to fit different sizes can become expensive, there are specialty stores that cater to the various sizes. Some of these stores sell clothes for pregnant women, clothes for children, clothes for plus sizes, and even clothes for disabled people. Size standards is sill a problem, but the method of mass production has helped to solve this problem by creating department stores that sell a variety of sizes. Even though mass production is found in sweat shops where they pay their workers a minimum amount of money, it is what keeps businesses running by creating a mass supply of a variety of clothes in different sizes.

Selecting a line of clothes that will be successful in a competitive market is a major part of what keeps a business running among other stores. Picking the right color, the right style, and the right sizes to sell can either make or break a company. If a company orders a large shipment of clothes in a brand new color, consumers might not be used to this new color and at first probably will not buy any of the merchandise. Therefore, to get business, the company may have to discount the clothes to get people buying them. However, if these clothes are popular then the business will be very successful and the color could be used as a line by line favorite because the merchandisers know that it is a favorite among consumers and that it will sell. The right size in the right style is a big factor because consumers all have very different body types and some colors will either make one seem bigger or smaller, and the certain style can either be too exposed or too conservative depending on the certain look that a consumer wants. Sizes and styles are hard to work with because if someone likes a certain style, they will not buy it unless it is in their size.

RCS 362 PR and celebrities

Britney Spears has been criticized and is known for her risque behavior. Her sexual songs, music videos, attire, and personal struggles have been widely publicized. From shaving her head, to drunk and wild behavior, to not taking good care of her baby boys, she is portrayed by the advertisers to not be living up to her good role model standards. Little girls look up to her, following in her footsteps and studying her persona as a celebrity. But is it right to tap into Britney Spear's personal life, to a point where the rumors could drive her even more crazy or lead her to act out even more? Imagine having a camera always in your face, who knows what we would all personally do if one could never have a moment of privacy. On the other hand, being a celebrity comes with expectations to set a good example and create a good reputation for oneself. Celebrities are always in the eye of the public, and if one does not know how to act appropriately they should probably consider either owning up to the negative rumors or acting in a more appropriate manner. If I were Britney Spears I would clean up my act, or at least focus on the positives about myself. If Britney Spears had more respect for herself, and was supported and encouraged by more people then her whole reputation would probably improve for the better.

Blog 9 superbowl ads

Advertisements shown during the Superbowl are very pricey and highly anticipated, totaling up to millions of dollars for a time span of only a few minutes. The commercials are known to be incredibly funny and innovative. They generate buzz and excitement to prepare its viewers for the big game. Some of the most famous, well known, and funny advertisements are for beer and cars... which is not surprising because the expected audience or the majority of viewers who watch the Superbowl are men who are big consumers of car and beer products. Commercials that run during the Superbowl will gain popularity and consumer knowledge for whatever product it is advertising. It is a good way to catch and draw in a consumers attention, making one interested in buying the product. Many of the commercials will advertise a new "hip" product, to gain popularity and increase the likelihood for success for buying and selling of that product. Some famous commercials include well known celebrities that will also attract consumers to buy a product because they want to be like their role model. Some people even watch the Superbowl just to see the commercials!

RCS 362 Advertisements

What makes people buy? Bright attractive colors with big fonts will catch one's attention. Popular catchy slogans will remain in someone's head and motivate one to buy something. Bargains and deals will catch one's desire and encourage them to try a new product. Company's want to draw in a consumer and then keep them as loyal customer's that will continue to shop with them.

Advertising is found all over the place: on buses, cars, billboards, sidewalks, paper brochures posted on street signs, the radio, TV, etc. Advertisements can be successful in the market depending on their method of selling of a product. Some advertisements can turn off a customer, depending on their method of selling a product if it's inappropriate or offensive to an audience. The type of advertisements that encourage me to buy something are ones for the products that include shampoo, food, clothes, music, movies, or any other popular products.

RCS 362 2 ads I like and 2 ads I don't like

I do not like the make up ads that I see on TV, mostly from Covergirl and L'Oreal Paris. I think these models are photo shopped and look perfect. Young girls and women buy their make up products because they think they will look like the models selling the make up. The models are flawless and have had professionals do their make up. I think this is false advertising because when people buy this make up they get mad when they sweat and the make up fades, or after a long day at work or at school the make up looks coated on and oily.... exactly what the make up company promised would not happen.

I like the dove truth commercials advertising how frequently young girls are exposed to false advertisements every day. One commercial shows a woman sitting in a chair getting her hair and make up done. They completely change her look, but after they are done they photo shop her picture as well, completely changing her facial features ad hair. I think this commercial is good because it shows the behind the scenes adjustments done to pictures, that viewers do not see or know about on a regular basis.

I like the Nike commercials that advertise their equipment and sports paraphernalia. The commercials show athletes in action, playing sports and working hard to achieve a goal of theirs. The Nike brand sells sports equipment. The commercials correctly advertise this because the people playing the sports are wearing Nike shoes, shits, hats, wrist and headbands, showing how Nike equipment can better enhance one's performance while playing a particular sport.

I like the Gatorade commercials. The Gatorade brand uses different methods of advertising their product in the commercials such as making their athletes "sweat Gatorade" showing the athlete's sweat in a Gatorade drink color. The Gatorade company also shows the athletes working out and playing sports, and then drinking Gatorade afterwards to regain their strength. This is a good method of advertising their product because Gatorade is a popular and well known energy drink that rejuvenates one's body and gives one energy after working hard and sweating a lot.

creative brief

Dove Evolution Commercial:
This commercial shows a lady sitting in a chair getting her hair and make up done for a photo shoot. The catch is, after they have dolled her up with a new make over, they take her picture and photo shop it changing her facial features, hair, and bone structure to make the woman look "more beautiful" and perfect. The dove self esteem fund sends a message at the end of the commercial aimed at women and young girls whose perception of beauty is distorted by the photo shopped models in magazines and on billboard advertisements. The commercial advertisement is to encourage people to take part in the Dove Real Beauty Workshops for Girls, taking a stand against the stereotypical images and expectations that are placed upon them to look a certain way.

The ad is talking to young girls and women who are subjected to the expectations and pressures of society to look beautiful and perfect. However, the commercial gives way to the behind the scenes photo editing that the public does not see or realize goes on. This photo editing covers up the flaws that every woman and young adult has, and fixes the model's appearance to look beautiful and perfect. Ironically, both women and men have different flaws about them, however, this commercial pin points the idea that no matter what, women are expected to look a certain way to fit the norm of a narrow and close minded society. The purpose of the ad is to inform the public of this drastic photo editing process which takes place... therefore, one should not believe the pictures they see of these gorgeous popular models because chances are, these pictures are misleading, and the models do not look that flawless in reality. This advertisement stands out because of it's personal subject about the pressures that women face to look a certain way. The advertisement shows us just how much photo editing and work is involved in transforming a once normal picture into something fake and misleading.

Sweatshops

A sweatshop is a working environment that is characterized by hazardous conditions which are very dangerous towards someone’s safety and health. The workers in sweatshops have very few rights and little to no voice in order to address the horrible conditions they are under. Poor conditions can include exposure to harmful materials, hazardous situations, extreme temperatures, and abuse from employers. Sweatshop workers are demanded to work long hours earning little to no pay, forcing the workers into a struggle to feed and provide shelter for their families. The clothes people buy and wear, the toys children play with, and most store shelves are stocked with goods made in sweatshops. The key factor in sweatshops is finding cheap labor which causes fast production, and enables the management to not have to pay their workers that much money.

Source: Stop Sweatshops. Retrieved October 27, 2008, from AFL-CIO America's Union Movement Web site: http://www.aflcio.org/corporatewatch/stop/

Milan Fashion Week

I really enjoyed looking at the different designer's collections in the Milan fashion week. I felt like the collections of Milan fashion week followed a different path, than the collections in the Paris fashion week. The Prada and Blugirl collections are evident of this trend, incorporating very bright and eye catching colors, combined with intricate patterns of florals, geometric shapes, and layering of different fabrics which created an animal print look.

Prada: Fall 2008 Milan
Very innovative and impressive designs that included the use of bright eye catching colors that stood out and added character and personality to the designs. Patterns included geometric circles, colorful over lapping stripes, and big bows on the collars.

Burberry Prorsum: Fall 2008 Milan
The use of luxurious fabrics in neutral colors of brown, black, grey, charcoal, olive green, navy blue, and burgundy made the collection stand out from the other designer's who used bright colors. Very intricate designs in the coats and dresses, you can see the layers of fabric and fringe used. Some of the designs almost looked like animal skin with different layers resembling fur.

Blugirl: Spring 2008 Milan
I loved the fun, girly look the collection has. The dresses have a sort of “poodle skirt” look to them, and the feminine swim suits which date back in history make the collection unique. I like the use of florals, belts, and animal prints. The lavender or purple colored pieces are very classy and feminine to look at. All different types of patterns are used including florals, animal prints, pok-a-dots, and other stripe looking designs. I love the use of the different shades of black, grey, red, pink, lavender, animal print, blue, and yellow. All of these very different colors ad a certain characteristic and flavor to the line whether a dress is sexy, fun, flirty, classy, or elegant.

CRS 231 Blog #5

I am not a fashion design major, but I am studying the merchandising part of fashion retailing, and I want to become a stylist. However, all fashion students or for that matter anyone interested in fashion, occasionally comes up with or thinks about different outfits that he or she would like to wear either on a daily basis or to a special event. I personally like clothes that have a vintage look, yet are still girly and casual. I usually shop at Forever 21 and Nordstrom because they have a young fashionista look that fits almost every style. Most of my dresses in the past have come from Cache, because I like the colors, fabric, and feminine silhouettes that they sell. I typically look at shoes, purses, and accessories first because they contribute to making any simple outfit dressy and unique looking. I then go for clothes that have interesting colors, design patterns, and are sophisticated looking.

My taste of fashion or style includes:
- Feminine silhouettes that really define and flatter the curves and shape of a woman.
- Halter dresses, because I have a slim body and it ads more curve to my figure, and accents my neck line more.
- Short cocktail length dresses, they are fun and adventurous to wear, you can dress them up or dress them down.
- Colors that stand out, such as a dark red or a burgundy color. Bright colors like tangerine, yellow, turquoise, white.
- The Grecian look right now. The draping of fabrics, twisting and wrapping intertwined look.
- The jewelry in Kristina Davis star from Sex and The City, line at Belk’s. She combines the neutral colors of black,

grey, white, silver, and gold in jeweled bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and rings in her new collection. It is a

classy, elegant, and sophisticated look combined with a fun and youthful touch.

RCS 362 Blog #5 The Brand Name Trap

People are surrounded by advertisement’s every day. Advertisements will use sexuality, humor, or a serious tone to get their point across and get some type of reaction from the viewer. Think of a billboard or some form of advertisement that you saw or came in contact with today… what was it that caught your attention and made you think? What catches my attention personally, are advertisements that use personal situations such as people who are against smoking, or ones that sell things like clothes, food, and the latest technology.

Companies that are in the fight against cigarette smoking will use very personal and serious advertisements to get the viewer’s attention. Some examples of this are pictures of people in hospital beds who have become ill from smoking, or little siblings who find weed in their bigger sibling’s rooms and look disappointed, or advertisement’s that show people smiling with rotted teeth from smoking cigarettes. I personally do not smoke, so seeing these advertisement’s reminds me of why I choose not to, and makes me feel proud that I’m avoiding one thing that can be tempting at times but will hurt you in the long run.


Nike’s “Just Do It” slogan is what sells their top of the line products. They use motivational pictures or commercials that have people running, swimming, or playing some type of other sport to increase the viewer’s need to exercise and therefore buy their merchandise. Nike sells competition and endurance to sell the best quality of merchandise, therefore, if you do not have Nike apparel you do not have the best equipment to play a sport.











Pantene Provine sells a line of beauty products including shampoo and conditioner that help “revitalize your hair, making it shiny and strong.” They are in direct competition with Herbal Essences, and on the contrary Herbal Essences has won my vote with their advertisement slogan guaranteeing an “herbal experience.” Herbal Essence’s commercials on TV, advertisements in magazines and on billboards, catch my attention. Herbal Essences sells a flowery scent that is feminine and soft, exactly what a woman wants her hair to smell and feel like. With their use of bright colors in their products, tasty scents, and line of certain hair care products for different types of hair, I feel like in the long run I will not be cheated out of my money.

Victoria Secret advertisements are very popular among both women and men. Women feel sexy in their clothes, and men like the confidence that women have while wearing it. For this same reason, their advertisement’s make me want to go buy their merchandise because they are very feminine and the women look confident while wearing their clothes and lingerie. Their advertisement’s illustrate women having a sense of confidence and pride, and the brand itself is brilliant because it’s made for only women and that’s something all ladies can share together.

CRS 231 Blog #4 Ethnic Influences on Apparel Design

Ethnicity refers to the ethnic traits, background, allegiance, or association that someone identifies with in their specific ethnic group. Members of an ethnic group use symbols as badges to identify or emphasize their distinct background from other ethnic groups. Language, religion, and style of dress are common ethnic symbols.

Ethnic groups may emphasize with their ethnic symbols, to identify with their dominant culture. Some people may prefer to speak their native language, even while living in the U.S. because it makes them feel close to home and it is a way to stay true to their culture. Where as other immigrants living in the U.S. may chose to speak English, as to not distinguish themselves from the majority of the population.

Clothing styles vary among the different ethnic groups. This could be due to a difference in cultural beliefs or in traditional values. Below are some examples of different ethnic groups. One can see the variation of clothing due to the traditional life style routines, and to the religious festivals.

Filipino Americans are of Philippine ancestry. The Filipino American community is the second largest Asian American subgroup and the largest Southeast Asian American group. More than half of the community are naturalized and American-born, while the remainder are Filipino nationals, and citizens of both the Philippines and the U.S. Filipino Americans loves to put on celebrations. A family will host up to a dozen occasions a year, for events such as baptisms, birthdays, funerals, holidays, showers, weddings, etc. Celebrations include festivities such as large buffets of traditional Filipino food and beverages.

The Vietnamese people are an ethnic group that originated from what is today northern Vietnam and southern China. They are the majority ethnic group of Vietnam, totalling 86% of the population. They distinguish themselves as the Kinh. The earliest recorded name for the ancient Vietnamese people was known as the Lac peoples.









The culture of Saudi Arabia has been shaped by its Islamic heritage, its historical role as an ancient trade center, and its Bedouin traditions. Saudi society has taken their values, traditions, customs, hospitality and style of dress, and has adapted them to suit the modern changes of the world. Saudi traditions are rooted in Islamic teachings and Arab customs, which are learned at an early age from families and in schools. An important time of the year is the holy month of Ramadan. During this time, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, and during the Eid-Al-Fitr holiday, it is custom to buy and present clothes to children, and visit friends and relatives. Arab traditions play an important role in Saudi life. These custom traditions have evolved over time. They include generosity and hospitality, when every Saudi family offers to strangers, friends, and family. The most simple display of hospitality is coffee, its preparation alone is an intricate cultural tradition, and is served in small cups along with dates and sweets. Another gesture of hospitality is the burning of incense to welcome guests.

RCS 362 Blog #4: Flat Earth Positioning

Flat Earth's slogan is "When Pig's Fly," or in other words when the impossible happens. The company combines the "impossible" combination of nutritious and delicious together in a new healthy chip which consists of half a serving of fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and other healthy ingredients in every ounce. Flat Earth's chips are appealing for a child's appetite because they come in creative and fun flavors such as Apple Cinnamon Grove, Peach Mango Paradise, Wild Berry Patch, Garlic and Herb Field, Farmland Cheddar, and Tangy Tomato Ranch. Flat Earth's logo is a flying pig, something fun and entertaining for a kid to think about while eating their chips.

I agree with the targeting because Flat Earth's funny logo of a flying pig engages a youthful audience. Once kids see the commercial they will want to try this new kind of chip, which is only a big plus for the parent's because their child will want this healthy new treat, instead of other greasy and fattening foods.

I think the commercial is funny and creative. I like how the pig randomly walks into the kitchen, catching the attention of the owner of the house, who then follows it. The pig signaling to the bag of chips on the counter and then flying away ads humor to the commercial. I think kids will like the commercial because of the adorable looking pig, who flies away, something both sweet and funny to a younger audience. I like the facial expression the woman makes after eating one of the chips, because she shows that the chips are both satisfying and delicious, yet healthy.

If the brand was positioned towards a college going women, I would suggest something in replace of a pig. I understand the whole message of "impossible is a pig flying, as impossible is a healthy and good tasting chip." But I do not find a pig appealing, and it does not make me want to eat the chip. The pig is very cute looking for a younger audience, but to a college women such as myself, pig's only remind me of dirt, mud, and snorting. I would suggest that the brand finds some other way to advertise their chips if it were to be directed at an older audience. If the brand says that their chips are good tasting and healthy, I would have the woman be eating the chips somewhere peaceful and relaxing, somewhere she feels most pleasant and calm in. This setting would deliver the point of when someone eats a healthy chip that tastes delicious, they are eating something that they can feel good about and be proud of.

CRS 231 Main Trends of the New York Fashion Week

I think the trend this year at New York's Fashion Week was free flowing fabrics, gorgeous textures, interesting variation of color, and intricate patterns.



BCBG Max Azria:
Layering, and draping of fabrics created the dress or garment. Neck line cuts made the silhouettes sexier. Some of the dresses looked like the fabrics were woven or wrapped around each other to create a swirling affect, such as that used in the light brown dress.

Betsy Johnson:
The white colored garments stood out from the rest of the collection because they added elegance. Betsey Johnson is known for her innovative designs that include fun silhouettes, and crazy patterns, but I think she took a chance on this collection and succeeded, because she thought outside the box, and tried something different. The ruffly tops are both cute and fun to wear, while still incorporating Betsey's fun and out of the ordinary style.

Carlos Miele:
I thought his use of black and white, and combining the shades of both of these neutral colors was brilliant. He used a belt in some of his designs to make the waist look slim, and to ad a feminine touch. The floral pattern in the dress is artistic, the colors flow together to create an asymmetric design. The second design is more casual yet elegant. With the combination of grey and white, the colors combine to ad texture to the design, with a ruffly shirt.

Carolina Herrera:
I thought the use of florals in both texture and pattern was an innovative idea. The interesting shades of red, yellow, and black ad flavor to the collection. I like how the red dress has a floral pattern at the bust, but then the body of the dress is composed of a plain fabric, as to not take attention away from the focus of the dress. The yellow dress is more free spirited, with a floral bust pattern as well, and a plain body, something that both the red and yellow dress have in common. The black dress is more elegant, maybe intended for a more formal event. The fabrics accent each other in a delicate pattern, and the floral designs ad to this delicacy.

Douglas Hannant:

These two dresses are the perfect gown to wear to a Saturday cocktail party. With their elegant sun-hats, these dresses share a floral pattern with beautiful colors of cream and orange.

Isaac Mizrahi:

These designs are composed of new and gorgeous colors of mint green, lime, tangerine, and raspberry. I like the collard jacket, and pant combination of the first design, with the belt with a bow tied around the waist ads a feminine touch. The floral pattern of the blouse in the second design, makes me want to touch it for myself, with a texture that is eye catching. The green dress ads elegance to the collection, with its layered style of a flip down corner along the bust, the silhouette molds to the model, and flows with her as she walks. The last design ads color and spunk to the collection. With a white overcoat, tangerine blouse, and raspberry candy colored pants and pink bow around the waist, this silhouette is new and exciting. A trend I have noticed with Isaac Mizrahi, is his use of belts with bows wrapped around the waist, ads a feminine and young look to his creations.

Oscar de la Renta:

All of Oscar de la Renta's designs have one thing in common, the use of belts to make the design look more feminine, slender and shapely. The use of texture in the first dress is amazing, with a lacy pattern, accented with a burnt red purse. The second dress is for the party girl in the crowd! It's black skirt and black belt with a bow accent the white, v-neck cut dress. The third dress is for a more elegant evening. With a long feminine silhouette, accented with an orange belt with a bow, shows off her beautiful neck line.

RCS 362 Ethics in Advertising

Children and Advertising

Children are the most vulnerable targeted audience in the advertising industry. Starting as young as three years old, kids are able to recognize brand logos, but are not able to understand that commercials are trying to sell something to them. The average child views up to 40,000 commercials every year. Children who watch hours of television, want and desire the products being sold in the media. In fact, four hours of television programming contains about 100 ads.


Advertisements create interest in their products for children, by using cartoon and Disney characters, bright colors, and fun music to help engage kids, and persuade them to want their product. As the child gets old, their desire for the product increases, because more and more kids their age are getting these popular products making it a "mast have" item in society.

"Real life" characters such as Hannah Montana on the Disney channel, are used to sell a line of merchandise and promote certain T.V. shows in the media. One way of doing this is through T.V. ads, and look-a-like barbie dolls.

This merchandise can also include school supplies: Notebooks, pencils, lunch boxes, binders, and book bags.

Video and Board Games

Most parents do not want their children exposed to all of this advertisement in the media, but they are still sometimes bombarded with the merchandise through methods of fast food "happy meals." By getting small versions of the toys in the happy meals, this can enlighten their kid of this new toy, or increase their need for it. Below is a picture of a McDonald's happy meal promoting the "Bee" movie. Not only will the kids want to go see this movie, but they will probably want every toy, and every piece of merchandise that promotes this movie. To increase satisfaction and business, this picture shows the "healthy" route that some fast food restaurants are following. By replacing fries with apples, and soda with milk, McDonald's is trying to make the meal healthier for kids, therefore increasing the chance of getting more business from families.

CRS 231 Organic and Environmental Friendly Clothing

Organic cotton, wool, silk, and hemp

To be considered organic, textiles are made from raw natural fibers like cotton, hemp, ramie, wool, and alpaca that have been grown without the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators or defoliants. To say a shirt is made from a natural fiber such as cotton, does not mean that it is organic, or cannot cause health problems. Growing the natural fibers organically is only half the process to qualify as organic clothing. The manufacturing process is the second part, the part that is the most abused by toxic chemicals. Organic clothes do not receive any synthetic chemical finishes or treatments such as moth resistant, fire retardant, easy care, anti-pilling, stain resistant, or wrinkle-free. Dyes used on organic clothing is either plant or mineral derived, or of natural origin are environmentally responsible low impact dyes. No heavy metals or other harmful chemicals should be used in the dyeing process. An ethically and environmentally aware approach is extended to all aspects of the organic clothing industry.

Cotton

The benefits of choosing organic cotton over regular grown cotton are as follows:
1) Pesticide reduction, and one's personal environmental responsibility.

2) Cotton is the second highest pesticide-laden crop in the world. The use of pesticides in the growing of cotton is the leading cause for thousands of deaths per year. Making a single t-shirt from regular cotton requires 1/3 of a pound of pesticides. In West Central Africa, cotton provides employment for approximately 10 million people, and it is their only cash crop. Therefore, change may come slowly for cotton growers.

3) Organic cotton costs about twice as much to produce because it is labor-intensive and it can produce a lower yield. But instead of using pesticides, ladybugs are used to control pests, and manure is used instead of fertilizer.

Wool

Organic wool clothing and yarn provide the most natural environment for the sheep and the sheep growers, and reduce the lack of pesticide residues and synthetic chemicals next to the skin. Commercially grown wool is laden with chemicals. Then, the sheep are treated with pesticides to kill parasites. The fleece is cleaned with petroleum-based detergents. The dyes used are highly toxic and include heavy metal content. The runoff from these processes pollutes our streams, and workers exposed to these chemicals may suffer neurological damage. New Mexico is the U.S.'s largest producer of certified organic wool, representing about 80% of North American organic wool production.

Silk

Silk, a natural fiber harvested from the cocoon of the silkworm, is a wise choice for organic clothing. The mulberry tree is the silkworm’s primary food source. The major concerns with silk production are labor exploitation and the harm cause by using synthetic dyes. A better choice is dye-free raw silk, and silk which has been treated with natural, plant-based dyes.

Hemp

Hemp is the newest creation in the protest against pesticides. A naturally insect-resistant plant, hemp can yield three times the amount of fiber as cotton, with no need for pesticide use. However, it is still illegal in the U.S., but is currently grown in many countries throughout the world and then imported to the U.S.

The clothing industry is a seven trillion dollar industry worldwide. This money making industry, has been accused of worker exploitation, child labor and environmental pollution. To change these negative connotation's towards the clothing industry, the creation of organic clothing has been introduced, and is now at an increasing growing rate of 11% each year. The organic and environmental safe clothing industry is doing so well, that sales are predicted to reach three billion by the year of 2010. Therefore, it is possible to be well dressed and environmentally conscious!

RCS 362 Brand Identity Analysis

Nike is the world's leading supplier of sports equipment and apparel in the United States. As of 2008, Nike employed over 30,000 people world-wide. The company was founded in 1962 as Blue Ribbon Sports by Bill Bowerman and Philip Knight, and the company officially became Nike, Inc. in 1978. The company takes its name from Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. Nike markets its products under its own brand as well as Nike Golf, Nike Pro, Nike +, Air Jordan, Nike Skateboarding Team Starter, and also Cole Haan, Hurley International, Umbro, and Converse. In addition to manufacturing sportswear and equipment, the company runs retail stores under the "Niketown" name. Nike sponsors many talented and successful athletes, and sports teams around the world. It's recognized trademarks of the popular "Just do it" phrase and the well known "Swoosh" logo can be found anywhere, and everywhere in stores. Nike's headquarters are near Beaverton, Oregon, and the United States, serving worldwide.


Nike's first products were track running shoes. The company currently makes shoes, jerseys, shorts, etc. for a wide range of sports including football, basketball, track and field, combat sports, tennis, golf, cross training, skateboarding, cycling, volleyball, wrestling, cheer leading, aquatic activities, auto racing, baseball, ice hockey, lacrosse, and cricket. The most recent additions to their line are the Nike 6.0 and Nike SB shoes, designed for skateboarders. Nike has recently introduced cricket shoes, called Air Zoom Yorker, designed to be thirty percent lighter than their competitors'. In 2008, Nike introduced the Air Jordan XX3, a high performance basketball shoe designed with the conservation of the environment in mind. Nike's product audience is aimed to appeal a youthful, materialistic crowd, positioned as a top performance brand. However, Nike also engineers shoes and apparel at a reasonable, discounted price at stores such as Wal-Mart under the starter brand. Nike is well known by the youth culture, hip hop culture, and urban fashion clothing.


"Nike"... when people think of this brand, the swoosh logo and "just do it" phrase comes to mind. Nike's thrilling commercials, and illustrative ad's, catches the viewer's attention, and supports the company's belief of pushing oneself to the limit, working hard to accomplish victory in sports. The thrilling and intense music, and clips of hardworking athletes in their commercials, encourages the viewer to try hard, and not give up when attempting to achieve victory and success while competing in sports. This technique is what motivates the audience in their ads, and commercials on TV.



The Nike brand stands for strength and endurance, what it takes to win and succeed in sports. For this reason, black and white are Nike's trademark colors. The colors are bold and exact opposites of one another, with the white swoosh symbol automatically popping out to the buyer against the black background, and catching their attention. This color contrast looks bold, and makes the buyer feel powerful. Therefore the buyer wants to wear the logo to feel in charge, which is a key component of having confidence when competing in sports. A Nike buyer is one who likes and wants the comfort and support provided by the shoes and sports wear, and will spend money on this brand for its reliance and strong built or composition in it's design.

CRS 231 My Favorite Designer and Why?- Katherine Norkus

"The tones of gray, pale turquoise and pink will prevail."




"I have designed flower women."
Christian Dior

About The Designer:
Christian Dior was born on January 21, 1905 in Granville, a town on the Normandy coast in France. Dior was the second of five children, son of Alandre Lous Maurice Dior; a wealthy fertiliser and chemicals manufacturer. Dior wanted to become an architect, but his family pushed him to obtain a diplomatic career, therefore he enrolled at the Ecole des Sciences Politiques in Paris. In 1928, Christian Dior followed his heart, abandoning his diplomatic career. His father gave him money to open an art gallery, under the conditions that their family name did not appear over the door. In 1931, Christian Dior's brother and mother died, leading to a collapse in the family business, and the closing of his art gallery. Dior there after, made a living by selling fashion sketches to haute couture houses. He received a job as an assistant to the couturier, Robert Piquet, and after World War II ended, Dior went to live with his family on a farm until he was offered a job by couturier Lucien Lelong. Dior spent the rest of the war dressing the wives of Nazi officers and French collaborators.

The New Look:

In the spring of 1947, Dior had success when he joined with Marcel Boussac, and opened the House of Dior featuring his first collection the "New Look," inspired by his mother. The name of the line was originally called "Corolle," but the title "New Look" was thought of by Carmel Snow, the editor in chief of Harper's Bazaar fashion magazine. The success of the "New Look" pushed Christian Dior to the top of the French fashion industry. Dior's first couture show was presented on February 12, 1947. His silhouettes featured the use of long, full skirts, tiny waists, padded busts, rounded shoulders, and the use of beautiful fabric. For this brilliant creation of his, the French government awarded him the Legion of Honor.

His Designs:

Christian Dior was an influential fashion designer, who changed the look of women's clothing and gave the post World War II French fashion industry, a new feminine look. Dior's designs, were more voluptuous than the boxy, fabric conserving look from the previous war. Christian Dior was an innovative designer, who worked with feminine shapes, and luxurious fabrics in his creations. His look employed bustier style bodices, hip padding, waisted corsets and petticoats that made his dresses flare out at the waist. All of these particular features gave his models a flattering curvaceous form. The hem of the skirt highlighted the calves and ankles, creating a beautiful feminine silhouette. At first, women protested his designs because the dresses covered their legs, which was something new to their time, because of the previous limitations on fabric during the war.

Fun Facts:
Christian Dior liked to spend time with Bobby, his dog. He was very shy, and left socializing to his sales director, Suzanne Luling. In every collection, Dior had a coat named "Granville" named after his birthplace. Before every show, he would consult his tarot card reader. Dior liked to use different sized models to prove and show that his clothes could fit on different sized women. In 1957, Christian Dior went to a spa in the town of Montecatini in northern Italy. Ten days later, Dior died of a heart attack from choking on a fish bone at dinner. About 2,500 people attended his funeral. Yves Saint Laurent was his successor.

RCS 362 Ad Agencies and Campaigns

1) J. Walter Thompson:
- car rental ad "birthday girl": I liked this ad because it reminded me of every teenage girl getting her first car (something I can relate to).... really happy and overly excited. The fact that the car was a rental was even more funny, because the parents managed to rent the car, and have it for her to open as a "birthday present"..... a way to save money!
- Smirnoff ad "Sea": This ad was interesting because it started with the idea of protecting the environment by not polluting, with a guy throwing a can into the ocean; the can immediately shot back out, along with all of the other trash that was dumped into the water. I like how the commercial demonstrates the importance of "pure water" and keeping trash and waste that doesn't belong out of it. Then it related the purity of water to the "clean taste" of Smirnoff liquor.... pure water, and Smirnoff ice both tasting satisfying and refreshing.
2) McCann Erickson
- MasterCard ad "Commentators": Commentators are cheering on a football game, and each time they get up to celebrate they damage something expensive in their office. I like the whole point of the commercial, which is centered around a priceless moment where two of the men hug, sending the message that the most valuable moment didn't cost any money, hinting the idea of a MasterCard.
- Madrid Metro ad "A Little Story": This ad is focused around two people who have just ended a relationship, and immediately become "little people" because they are no longer happy. They stick together in the city, having fun being smaller than everyone else, and find true happiness together. I liked the idea of "true love" that the two single people find together; one that makes you happy... if you are stuck in a relationship that isn't good then you have not obtained true happiness.
- Verizon ad "Maternity Ward": This ad takes place in a maternity ward, where parents are looking at their new born babies through a window. I liked this ad because the dad gets overly excited about his new born baby, and starts cheering loudly like a hockey fan would do. It introduces a new phone that has video, saying the hockey fan can now see and cheer the game on by watching it online on his phone.
3) Grey Worldwide
4) Euro RSCG Worldwide
5) Fallon Worldwide
6) Arnold Worldwide
7) Publicis
8) Campbell Mithun
9) BBDO Worldwide
10) Deutsch