Swatch Colour Codes and POP Magazine Collaboration
A few months ago, I was contacted by POP Magazine and asked to participate in a special contest. Swatch, the iconic brand of watches that originally launched in 1983 (and have gone on to become the most successful wristwatch of all time) is going back to its roots by launching a series of monochromatic plastic watches called Colour Codes.
I immediately agreed to take part on POP’s behalf because I’ve been a huge Swatch fan since middle school (I think I still have the neon splashed version my mom bought me in the 7th grade around here somewhere). When Swatch came out with the Typically Square model featuring the Swiss flag, I wore it for three years straight.
But, back to the brief. We were asked to create images of Swatch watches that focused on color co-ordination with clothes and surroundings and were given complete creative freedom.
For the advertisement design, my brother and I each decided that since we each had drastically different styles, it would be fun to each take a shot at one. For mine (above), I went with a clean and classic Swiss-inspired poster feel since Swatch is Swiss-based and the Colour Codes collection is meant to go back to their roots.
In contrast, my brother referenced 80’s Swatch ads with his design which tend to be very bold with contrasting themes and multi-angled designs. In the end, our submissions were tied amongst the POP art directors so they made a hybrid of the two which can be seen below. This is the version that went to print:
Thanks to POP for inviting me to participate as well as Swatch for providing the watches and brief. I’d also like to thank my brother for art directing, styling and taking all of the photos. Oh…..and to our beloved bear rug for so kindly assisting!
The POP issue featuring our ads should be arriving at newsstands worldwide right about now. You can view all of the Swatch Colour Codes entries on the Swatch website. Please vote for us under POP!
I Love New York
My first visit to New York was on Halloween 2001. In past years, I’d really never given the city much thought. Everything I’d seen in the movies and on television portrayed it as a crime ridden, rat infested dump. It seemed so overwhelming and scary, especially to a girl like me who was mostly raised in the suburbs.
A few fateful months earlier in 2001, I had a chance meeting with a New Yorker while visiting Seattle and he convinced me that not only was it the safest big city in the country but also the equivalent of an urban Disneyland. I wasn’t so sure that he was telling the truth, but I decided to bite the bullet and booked a ticket.
In my ten subsequent trips, I’ve fallen madly in love with the city and though it’s consistently hitting you with the highest highs and lowest lows, most can nod their heads in agreement that it is never stagnant or boring.
I’d like to know:
What is your favorite New York memory?
What is your favorite neighborhood?
What is your favorite store / landmark / restaurant?
With love from New York,
Nubby
Acne Atacoma Wedge Shoes
I’m a shoe fanatic. Completely and totally. And, I’m not ashamed. Think about it; shoes are the equivalent of wearable art. Really, what could be better than that?
I like my shoes chunky, clunky and oh so tall. When I first laid eyes on the Acne Atacomas, it was love at first sight. Now that they’re attached to my feet as I stroll through the East Village, I must say that for the height and silhouette, they’re ridiculously comfortable.
Great shoes can take any so-so outfit to the next level. Even when draped in mass market clothing, the right shoes can add a dash of magic and mystery. Shoes are so much more than protection for your feet; they’re a style statement.
Michael Jackson’s Influence on Fashion
Even before his untimely death, it was quite apparent that Michael Jackson was having his moment in fashion (most notably witnessed in the recent Balmain collections). Now that he’s left us, the sartorial tributes will surely escalate.
The fall fashion lineups have taken a cue from his early 80s style with sequins, military jackets, skinny silhouettes, exaggerated shoulders and excessive zippers. They seem to be everywhere you look. And, you can bet that Michael is looking down from a much more clear vantage point than his closely-guarded life allowed him to, finally realizing that his legacy will live on forever with bits and pieces of his contributions scattered throughout our fashion and music.
Michael’s fashion sense was brilliantly translated to a female perspective in a jaw-droppingly great Grazia layout shortly after his passing (below images courtesy of delightful). Each look is clearly referencing key moments in his career yet it doesn’t feel dated. The new versions of the 80s and 90s themed outfits have been updated and cut to reflect the current landscape of fashion yet the influence remains poignantly on target.
In his later years, Michael was often spotted in pajamas and baseball caps but too often he wasn’t given enough credit when he made the effort and stepped out in of-the-moment fashions from Balmain and Givenchy, to name a few. He was one of the very few celebrities, male or female that could wear an item directly off the runway and into real life (well, as real as it could be for someone with his level of fame).
A studded Givenchy jacket for a day out with the kids; mixing and matching seasons of Balmain; he was still in touch with popular fashion. And it’s only fair that he was; it was heavily referencing him!
He had a knack for interpreting fashion that is rare. The clothes never wore him. He wore sequins better than anyone else. Liza, Liz and Liberace had nothing on him. Even when he was wearing an extreme costume (gold lamé and space inspired for instance), we didn’t think twice. He could make the truly outlandish garb seem somewhat wearable. Maybe it was because we didn’t really think that he was from this planet anyway.
Image via The Cold Cut.
The true innovators of fashion always seem otherworldly (Isabella Blow and Anna Piaggi come to mind). They couldn’t possibly be human. They aren’t like us. And then, one day when they are no longer alive, we realize that they were human all along.
Fall Fashion Must-Haves
My style direction this Fall will be influenced by Michael Jackson with baroque elements and hints of the future. My look will revolve around overdone accessories paired with sleek and molded futuristic silhouettes.
Key: Willow zip-detailed jacket, Forever 21 felted sequin plate necklace, Kova & T wet look leggings, Sam Edelman Zoe booties, Nouvella Royale Mister bag, Forever 21 rhinestone pyramid elastic bracelet, Modcloth The Draper equestrian hat, Modcloth Batallion Jacket in beige, Alexander McQueen knuckle duster clutch, Christian Louboutin Fred glitter lace-up shoes, Acne Atacoma wedges and Preen Mixed Mono dress.
What are your must-have items for Fall?
Smooth Criminal
Hello, I’m Nubby! A graphic designer, blogger and art personality residing in Portland, Oregon, I am excited to be joining THEPOP.COM blogging brigade. Generally, I try not to have any division between myself, my living space, my art and design. It’s all one big constant to me and the same colors and themes carry through everything. Life is a lot easier that way. My days are spent blogging for Nubbytwiglet.com and designing for an amazing roster of clients. Thank you to the POP staff for extending an invitation; I’m honored to be included with such an awesome group of bloggers.
Love,
Nubby