bloom's blog

vintage

With so many people craving nostalgia and comfort these days, vintage is proving a very popular look.

We've got our eye on a few brands we expect will continue to tap into this, inspired by other vintage ranges like Coke.

 

Via Jase & inspiredology

smile

Smiles engage people. It's a scientific fact. Apparently they can trigger more stimulation to the brain and the heart than being given money or having a cigarette. But it doesn't end there. A simple smile builds attraction, trust and happiness.

We've spotted a couple of logo redesigns that tap into this handy psychological nugget.

We wonder if this is new armour in the battle against own label, following in the footsteps of Unilever by becoming more consumer-facing.

infusions

We'll remember 2008 as the year of infusions

 

coincidence?

We're spotting a lot of vibrancy and exuberance around everyday products at the mo.

Not sure if it's a coincidence or following the footsteps of iconic brands such as coke.

Either way there's a clear cross-category visual similarity.

if Gü did stationary

 

This nu: stationary brand caught our eye in Sainsbury's.

Pop culture was apparently the inspiration for the brand's identity and design.

We can't help but think a little popular choclate culture had something to do with it too.

Bloom meets Hong Kong

Bloom's 3D designer Alistair has been to Hong Kong on a quest to make the world a better place through the power of design. He was invited to mentor an international team of designers for an Inclusive Design Challenge run by the Helen Hamlyn Centre.

 

The aim of the project was to take an inclusive approach to design. By involving the disabled community in the design process, the teams' innovative ideas promoted independent lifestyles for a diverse range of people globally. It's all about creating design appealing not specifically to people with special needs but to everyone. Inclusive design tackles stigma and brings people together. 

Here's a snapshot of his exciting trip

DAY 1
Getting used to the new surroundings. Cracking views of Kowloon from the Peak at sunset

 

DAY 2 & 3
The 48 hour challenge. Only 2 days to find inclusive design solutions that answer the 'independent urban lives' brief

 
DAY 4
Presenting the work to a big crowd from the Hong Kong design community, disabled organisations, the British Council and press

Click play below to watch the presentation

Party time (with a view)

DAY 5
The 24 hour challenge. Only 1 day to answer the brief 'inclusive wearable design'

The solution: easy access pockets for people with and without special needs

DAY 6
You can't go all that way and not see China.
A quick visit to Shenzhen in Guangdong before heading home.

A big thank you to all of Alistair's team:
Sunday, Yvonne Leung, Hei Cheung, Kiki, Mandy Tang, Christine Shum, Benny, Tom Shi, Jerio, Jessica Cheng

handy rubbish

Some of us at Bloom are a tad obsessed with Nahui Ollin's handbags. Made from old sweet wrappers, they're perfect for eco-conscious fashion fiends or anyone who just likes something a bit different.
 

Designing from rubbish looks set to become a growing trend with Ecoist's version of sweet wrapper bags now being sold in big retailers such as John Lewis.

upping the anti

We’ve noticed Sandals has de-cheesed and gone all upmarket. High-end luxury brands, like One&Only, are constantly being forced higher by the encroachment of accessible luxury.

connections

Don't forget to register for Connections - the custom-made tradeshow for the creative community.

It features over a thousand portfolios of the world's most noted photographers and illustrators from acclaimed names to up-and-coming talents. It's a trend-spotting, idea-sharing, networking hub. The international reference for fashion, photography and advertising.

If you fancy going you'll need to register here, as it's invitation only.

Be sure to say hi to any Bloomers you see wandering around.

apple trends

Apple has made the 'reflections' look the height of graphic fashion.      

And it hasn't taken long for other brands to follow suit, in order appear modern and stylish. 

We've seen this happen before with the bevel emboss solution. Big branded corporations have a habit of unimaginatively keeping up with the Jonses. Jumping on the brand fashion band wagon prevents truly forward thinking design and can be detrimental when the graphic solution goes out of vogue.

What do you think about this trend?
Are there any others that particularly niggle you?