7.6.10
So over the 80's ... what about the 90's?
with a Tory PM, a BBC Two season dedicated to the 1980’s and millions of Topshop clad girls donning shoulder pads and back-combed hair on high-streets across the country, is the 80’s revival past it?
Now the era’s fashion and music have entered the mainstream, the novelty appears to have worn off for those too young to remember it the first time around, and for the generation who can remember, the pull of nostalgia appears to be losing its sheen. As much as I enjoyed the Boy George documentary, I hope this and the end of Ashes to Ashes draws a line under the 80’s come-back and we can embrace another backlash to the excesses of the decade.
So will you be getting busy with the fizzy? It will be interesting to see how SodaStream’s planned relaunch of the 80’s kitchen gadget will engage consumers. It will definitely test the power of the come-back!
SS
25.5.10
Queuing for ... nothing!
What is it about our celebrity-obsessed culture that makes us stand for hours on end simply to catch a glimpse of a famous face? On my way home last Friday night, I arrived back in Brixton, where my walk home takes me past the Ritzy cinema. I could see a crowd of people gathering and, curious, decided to take a look at what was happening. A few seconds of eavesdropping told me that Janet Jackson was on her way, and she would be here in twenty minutes to attend the premiere of a film I’d never heard of - Why Did I Get Married Too.
Janet Jackson – in Brixton! Well, I thought to myself, I have nowhere else I need to be, it’s a warm sunny evening, and she’ll be here in twenty minutes... I decided to hang around and wait. The excitement was building around me and, remarkably, I was able to slot myself into a small gap at the front of the railings so I could get a good view of the action. Total strangers began talking to me excitedly about how Janet would soon be here. I even overheard someone behind me talking about how it’s the closest he will ever get to Michael (has anyone told him The King is dead?).
So, I waited. Twenty minutes passed. Then another twenty. I was tempted to call it a day but decided that, as I’d already waited forty minutes I might as well see this through. Someone called Tyler Perry (I’d never heard of him) turned up and the crowd went wild. I didn’t share their excitement. Another thirty minutes passed. And then, as I was beginning to get really fed up and seriously questioning my sanity for being there at all, she arrived. The crowd cheered, all jostling each other to get a good look. I noted with amusement a lady to the left of me who was trying to get a photograph, yelling at the top of her voice to one of the TV crew interviewing Janet; “Lady in red! Get out of the way!” and then, more aggressively; “WOMAN!”. Janet smiled, posed for photographs, and waved to her adoring fans. And then she disappeared inside the building.
I’d waited an hour and a half for a glimpse of a superstar, an hour and a half my life that I would never get back. And all I had to show for it was a few blurred Iphone photos and aching feet. Celeb spotting is hard work, I’m going to leave it to the paps next time.
MD
16.3.10
The Specsavers Effect...
Opticians brand Specsavers has rolled out its latest ad proving that the art of the parody still rules. Creating cut through in today’s market amongst hard to reach, cynical consumers, who are bombarded with advertising all day, the ‘Specs Effect’ is a comical film demonstrating Specsavers grasp of its audience. For a TV audience that is able to skip through ads when it chooses, the ad entertains (with the help of a multitude of scantily clad women) to capture its attention to the end.
Mimicking Lynx’s ‘Billions’ execution where thousands of bikini wearing beauties raced to reach their man spraying himself with deodorant, the ad merges both Specsavers and Lynx’s straplines to create the line ‘The Should’ve Gone to Specsavers Effect’. Unfortunately for the man in this ad, he puts on a pair of ugly glasses which repulses the women.
Mixing together a brand renowned for its spoofs and an infamous ad still talked-about four years since it aired, is a recipe for success. I look forward to seeing Specsavers next take of one of the best ads created…a parody of Guinness’ ‘Surfer’ ad anyone?
SS
9.3.10
Love it or hate it, the new Marmite campaign has got tongues wagging...
The spoof ads by Marmite are quite literally making people look twice at the spread that divides a nation. Who would ever have imagined a Marmite scented perfume or fabric softener would grace our magazines? But the clever people behind this campaign certainly did and it’s a great example of a robust marketing strategy with longevity, founded upon a real understanding of its market.
It also demonstrates how advertising that doesn’t take itself too seriously can make an impact. With airbrushing at the top of the political and industry agenda, it’s a relief to see a successful campaign that doesn’t rely on overly perfected images but instead it is the brand’s tongue-in-cheek attitude that prevails.
No perfume or fabric softener, the ads in fact highlight a genuine new brand extension, a Marmite cereal bar. Despite how much I admire the new campaign, I am still relieved that wafts of this distinctive spread will be kept to a minimum – especially when in close proximity to fellow commuters. Unfortunately for those who share my dislike, following the success of the pop-up Marmite Shop, I’m pretty sure there’s a niche market out there for these controversial products!
And for the record, I still hate Marmite.
SS