The Power of Beauty

I used to work for a financial services company and I remember vividly one of my most embarrassing moments as a new associate. I overheard a conversation about how one of our most attractive colleagues got preferential treatment because of her appearance. I thought it a lucky advantage and useful tactic to note. I mentioned my observation to one of the seniors who was not amused. Later that day, she walked past my desk and shouted, “I’m on my way to a meeting. I’ll be sure to put my lipstick on.” I could have died.  But, turns out, maybe she should have.  In her new book, Erotic Capital: The Power of Attraction in the Boardroom and the Bedroom, Catherine Hakim examines the power of beauty in the workplace.

Neiman Marcus features Fine Art for Fashion

Fashion’s Night Out was started in 2009 to support the fledgling retail industry in the wake of the economic downturn. Now, 2 years later, it’s a runaway success with FNO events at fashion retailers all over the world. It’s so important that every major fashion brand has launched a campaign around the singular evening. Apple has even expanded fashion apps available on their main page in support of the event. Atlanta will not be left out of the loop.  This year marks the city’s second year as an official FNO participating city.

Burberry’s Glitch in the Matrix

I mentioned last week that I ordered a sample of Burberry Body through their innovative online campaign launched via Facebook and Youtube. I also wondered aloud how that would work logistically considering the huge number of fans placing orders for a sample. Well as I predicted, there were some fulfillment issues for Burberry. “According to Wave, a company that tracks trends and social media, on August 19^th, the first day of the giveaway, more than 60 percent of consumers could not process their order.” However, in line with their commitment to a successful technology platform they were able to fix the problem fairly quickly. Kudos to Burberry for understanding the scale of this campaign and being prepared for the inevitable technical difficulties that would arise. I received my sample. And it smells great!

The Eloquence of Trees

Press Release: 

Ancient Papermaking and Contemporary Movements Combine in New Works by South Korean Artists Choon and Jeong Yun 

(ATLANTA, GA) Artists Jeong Yun and, his wife, Choon Yun have spent the past 20-years perfecting a technique for transforming paper into contemporary masterpieces that move the eye across a textural landscape that seems to replicate the rhythms of nature.  The artist pair use ancient paper making traditions in the creation of their works – large scale canvases, some with energetic movements of color and texture, and others with a whimsical pop-culture reference.  Both artists are featured in a show at Bill Lowe Gallery opening September 9^th aptly titled, “The Eloquence of Trees.”

The Best Mascara Never Comes Off

The best mascara I’ve ever used is Maybelline XXL Waterproof Extensions. I have no reason to endorse this product other than the fact that I love it and it works. However, there is one problem – it’s impossible to remove. Thanks for being waterproof but I would like to take it off eventually.  I went online to see if there is a conventional solution to the problem of waterproof mascara and I couldn’t find any one in particular.  Several people cited make up remover and some other remedies that seemed a little too dangerous for the eye area. I see a brand co-op opportunity in the making.

Burberry Loves this Technology Stuff

Although it’s a staid, traditional brand, Burberry has been one of the most effective fashion houses at incorporating social media into its new business agenda. At the end of 2009, the manufacturer was among the first to build out a complete website dedicated to Facebook style communication for lovers of the brand’s signature trench coat. In 2011, they are outfitting key stores over the world with ipads and 5 foot tall touchscreens which are loaded with Burberry runway footage and images of the most recent line.  

Dinner Party at Bill Lowe Gallery

Art feels intimidating. Just the walking into a gallery can seem like a difficult first step, let alone being confronted with limited knowledge of artists, art history, techniques and materials. However, the reality is that art is not as intimidating as it seems. The challenge in selling fine art, and fine goods of any kind for that matter, is connecting with people who love it enough to make an investment. 

We know that consumers of fine goods tend to have an appreciation for quality on many levels and actively seek out new experiences. One who loves fine food and fine wine will likely appreciate fine art.  So it was fitting when Bill Lowe partnered with Dinner Party Atlanta to host one of their famous dinners on the gallery floor.