Prada Animated: Parallel Universes

I enjoy studying the methods of established brands/companies marketing their brand especially when they decide to be unconventional. 

My first experience with viral marketing was the teaser trailers on YouTube of the movie Cloverfield - the film which was shot from the nauseating view point of a handheld camera that recorded the rampaging Godzilla-like monster minus the screaming Japanese people, in an almost amateurish  which lends to a degree of realism. The trailers were a collection of short recorded clips that showed bizarre sightings suggesting the existence of the something big but not revealing anything more. Keep in mind, the movie content was kept under wraps really well without a hint of what the movie was about so the impact of these trailers was absolutely gripping. The concept was simple and the content even simpler (in fact, the movie didn't show much of the monster itself which gave it more suspense and played on the imagination of the viewer) but it was 'cool'. 

Some of the key elements of viral marketing is something that sticks; exploits common motivation; and can be easily shared by leveraging on the network of others.

I'm a month late with this news but...

Prada's S/S 2012 car inspired shoes are a collection that definitely sticks to ones imagination whether you like it or not. Yes, it's pretty obvious I'm a huge fan of this particular collection's design. And teaming up with Iranian-born, Paris-based graphic artist Vahram Muratyan to present their new project Prada Parallel Universes, a series of illustrated animated gifs. is a brilliant way to spread effortlessly across the internet world. Admittedly, the design of the gifs. is so simple that it looks like something anyone with minimal knowledge of flash could accomplish. But, there lies the charm no? A simple concept with even simpler content but undeniably 'cool'.

On a side note, Vahram Muratyan is famed for his delightfully witty ‘Paris vs New York’ series, visually contrasting the two cities cliché’s. Do check him out!

See the rest of the animations here or at Prada.com.
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How To Handcraft Prada's Walking In Milano Shoe?

As promised, here is the drool worthy video for the "Walking in Milano” handmade collection. 

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Walking In Milano With Prada Men

This is Prada's “Walking in Milano” collection of handmade men’s shoes. I've been studying and increasingly appreciating men's handmade shoes, to the extend I struggle to find my two machine produced leather shoes as interesting as they used to be. This collection of Prada shoes are probably contributors to my current shoe predicament. The design theme, “with classic character with a modern twist” admittedly, isn't a very new idea. But, how far can you go with men shoes for the more formal occasion? The majority of the men market (and women's perception of how a man should dress) isn't receptive to more deviant or abnormal designs. I am still of the opinion that there should be a distinction between the styles of the men and women (I'm still trying to grasp the idea of men on heels) but I would like to see more daring fashion innovations among the men.

Anyway, the modern twist on the classics is looking absolutely dandy to me. Personal favorites are the two-toned "wingtip bluchers" (the 1st photo) and the monk straps (the 4th photo, on the right). I'll be posting up the step by step video of the shoe's handmade process that will leave you simply awed and desiring your very own handmade shoe.

All photos are courtesy of selectism.com

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Natalia Vodianova & Michael Fassbender For Vogue

The sight of Michael Fassbender suited up and snuffing the life out of nazis in the movie X-Men First Class was an absolute re-ignition of my fascination with the 60s. I was immensely pleased with the movie even before it got to the middle of the plot, just because of the styling of the outfits and setting of the movie. While I do believe a worthwhile movie has a compelling good story-line and stunning visuals,  I always feel that a movie is still first and foremost a visual treat. So, if the story-line is going to be less than impressive then it has to at least be intriguing to the eye. Fortunately for me, the X-Men First Class had both!

I think that Michael Fassbender does add to the visual treat of the movie as he does have a suave but yet has an intense aura underneath. It only seems natural that it is applied into this editorial and resulting with a theatrical quality to it. The outfits worn by the exquisite Natalia Vodianova befits a futuristic utopian that does bear contemplation of the 1920s which is something I seem to favor of recent - the imagined future of the generations before. On the point of shoes though, there seem to be features of boots with form extensions that are simple but are amazing. Pay extra attention to the Balenciaga and Givenchy boots. 


Modern Times by Craig McDean

for

Vogue US

All photos are courtesy of fashionising.com
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Shoes With Power For Men

Clothing is a tool of power and a way to express male vanity. That was according to Miuccia Prada.

What attracted me to this Prada collection is the theme which draws its inspiration from men of power. No, not because I crave it. Rather, there is always an unseen expectation for the male to exert his 'authority' whether it be over himself or surroundings and Prada might have a way to achieve to do so.   

Masculine elegance.  

The collection is intriguing, probably because of the choice of models too. Actors chosen were of a distinct pedigree within their theatric realm - William Defoe, Adrian Brody, Tim Roth, Gary Oldman & Jamie Bell.

The shoes are, gem to me. Men shoe designs cannot deviate much without losing its semblance to an accepted 'male' shoe. Prada shoes of the A/W 2012 collection are brogues decorated with emblems/badges which has its roots in nobility/military, lending more to the theme of 'power'. Just like the women's A/W 2012 shoe collection, the shoes appear to be chunkier/broader. For the men's collection, it is to bestow a stronger/more masculine form to the man.  

My choice would be the black brogue with prints. 

Photos are courtesy of thesartorialist.com & i-donline.com

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Prada A/W 2012 Shoes

I've become a real fan of the Miuccia Prada fashion family of late.

I like the bold designs & crazy prints. It doesn't look gaudy but rather pleasing to the eye.

Now, If only I could find those floral prints for my own shoe designs hmm...

Not really fancy-ing the blocky brogue though. What you think?

All photos are courtesy of vogue.com

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Ornamental Shoes

Maybe I'm the only one who doesn't get it?

Who'd want to wear these?

Trend overload.

 
Those were my initial thoughts from an early draft of the post but then, the shoes started to grow on me...

Prada's 2012 S/S cadillac inspired heels. 

Sure, they definitely aren't shoes you can wear just anywhere. You aren't meant to anyway. I think what endeared me about it, is that even though those are obviously vintage car fenders from the 50s, Prada has managed to assimilate the shapes of the car with the form the heel into a wearable shoe. A tasteful blend of art & design. And it isn't beyond comprehension to the common person. So they are statement shoes even for the not so bold/eccentric. 

All photos are courtesy of fashionising.com

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Quirky Fashion Ads

Recently, I've noticed fashion advertisements that have struck me as being refreshingly creative. 

More so, because of the current fashion ads that I personally feel always seem to be 'affected' or depressing. I'm sharing 3 advertisements in particular by first Louis Vuitton, then Prada and finally Lanvin. Enjoy!

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