Saturday, February 27, 2010

Quoting Hedi Slimane... And Still Counting


''The web magazine will come way before the print magazine in the next decade. I don't see any way around it, really. With the rise of the Internet, fashion did become a part of the global entertainment industry in the last ten years, and will follow the digital evolution of the music and film industries'' 

These are the words of Photographer and Fashion Designer Hedi Slimane when Style.com asked his opinion on whether digital media will replace print media. Strong words, sharp opinions and forward-thinking insights that are particularly relevant even as major luxury brands like Gucci and Burberry focus on live streaming and live commentry on their runway shows this season. Read the rest of the interview here.

And yes, we're still counting....

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Still Counting... In the Meantime...

Is she you? Are you her? Do you equal her? Does she equal you? Who is she? Who am I? Who are we? 

Endless questions. No answers. Well, join the ride with the curious and pray that you have the right question before March 8th.

And the countdown continues still...

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Still Counting... Stream me One more Time

The just concluded New York Fashion Week brought about some revelations that are bigger than the collections on show on the runways. In addition to the mostly beautiful (although somewhat sensible and predictable) collections from the likes of Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Diane Von Furstenberg and Marchesa, this week can be described as the week in which the digital revolution imprint was sealed in fashion and luxury.

Although the fashion industry has warmed up to the social media in the recent past and have been particularly showing signs of its love for platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Youtube, this fashion week brought about an extension of the romance in the form of Live Streaming. Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, Rodarte and Alexander Wang, to name just a few designers made Live Streaming their keyword this season, bringing their shows live to thousands of clients and fans around the world in real time. Others like Diane Von Furstenburg, Rachel Roy and Isaac Mizrahi used Facebook and blogs to update fans with videos and images of both the front and back stages. Proenza Schouler even took this to a higher level by integrating a ''selling dimension'' in the live stream where clients could click and pre-order directly from the runway as the model still walked the runway, literally.

This openess to the influence of technology and digital media really calls for applause, although some would argue that fashion is a late adopter and other industries have been using new media in similar ways for years. I don't mean that the fashion industry should be applauded for learning how to use Twitter and Facebook, but I mean that commendation should be given to fashion designers for the courage they have shown in casting away the several inhibitions the industry encourages, and for rising to the challenge of embracing change in the form of new media. Diane Von Furstenberg was right when she said that, ''Ignoring the internet is total madness.'' Well, let's hope that the forthcoming Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks will uphold this anti-madness stance.  

The countdown to Luxury Online's publication continues...

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Still Counting: Hmmm... Smells like my phone

It looks like the future of mobile technology is already here. Nokia has come up with a mobile communications device called the Scentsory, which promises to allow us to communicate on a multi-sensory level through all of the human senses including the sense of smell! Intrigued? What until you hear this. Scentsory is able to detect and emit smells and best of all, it can influence the mood of the user through affecting the ambience of their immediate surroundings by radiating colours, lighting and temperatures from the caller's environment. Plus it comes in a cool design form that is both portable and foldable. Looks like Nokia is out to give Apple a run for their money.

Possibilities for virtual scent in luuxry will be dissected at the next Club e-Luxe International Summit to be held on 3rd June at the Ritz Hotel, Paris. Find out more here.

And the countdown to Luxury Online's worldwide release continues...

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Counting, counting, counting... and still on Alexander


As Suzy Menkes wrote in her tribute article to our beloved Alexander McQueen, he was one of the first to embrace technology and digital media with vigor and this showed in several facets of his work, including his runway shows which were often journeys into imaginary technolands. In 2006 when most luxury brands were still struggling with the question, "what next?" following the launch of their websites and e-boutiques, Alexander McQueen was already several steps ahead and thinking in terms of virtual reality through 3-D visual imaging techniques. His projection of a holographic image of Kate Moss during his autumn-winter 2006 fashion show was a demonstration of raw vision and was described by Vogue as techno-magic. Alexander McQueen in many ways paved the way for technology in luxury even as luxury brands are just beginning to grasp the meaning and opportunities of Virtual Reality.

Speaking of virtual reality, hologram imaging for luxury will also be presented at the next Club e-Luxe International Summit to be held on 3rd June in Paris. Take a peek into the topic areas by clicking here.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Continuing the Countdown...Eye See You, Eye Feel You


As the countdown to the global release of Luxury Online continues, I'll like to share yet another tech revolution that will be with us sooner than later. It comes in the form of an electronic or bionic contact lense that promise to do enable the manipulation of visuals just like digital tools and applications. That means being able to zoom in on distant images without binoculars, having razor sharp vision at night and in dark settings while generally improving your vision and also monitoring your health. How would this work? The scientists who came up with this technology say that they're able to embed digital  wireless displays and electronic crcuits in a standard looking contact lens and when we put this on, magical things begin to happen, literally. Sounds like science fiction? Well, watch the video here and you could change your mind. 

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Dear Alexander...

Dear Alexander,

Today, I learnt of your demise with shock, like thousands of people around the world. With a head full of questions and eyes on the brim of releasing a torrent of tears, I try to understand why.

Like many people connected with the worlds of fashion and luxury, I knew you, not only through your work which was a constant trailblazing movement in originality  but also as a person, a warm and sincere human being dedicated to his craft, beliefs and to serving those around him. For the respect I have for you, I am interrupting the countdown for the release of my forthcoming book, Luxury Online simply to say "Thank You" for the gift of creativity that you brought to fashion and for sharing your talent with the world.

When I wrote about your fashion show last October, it was out of admiration and respect for your consistent innovation and originality,which I didn't hesitate to share with the world.

So inspite of what others may say or write, I just want to say Thank you.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Still Counting Down... Anyone for Chips in the Meantime?

Ever thought of doing something just by thinking of it? Ever wondered if your thoughts can come to life and transform into actions without your moving a limb? It looks like the days of wondering are over as it's now been proven that our thoughts can indeed directly control our actions through micro-chip implants (the Braingate) in the brain. Incase you're wondering if this is the latest sci-fi movie plot, click on the link above and see the Braingate in action.

Afterwards you might as well sit back, relax and think away...

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Counting Down, Counting Up....


Someone said that young people are now more concerned about having Facebook accounts than email addresses. A look at the Global Web Index, which measures just how much people are involved in the Social Media tells us just how true this statement is. The digital social revolution is well underway.

By the way, this is not the D-day of Luxury Online's publication. Soon... very soon...  It's worth it to keep eyes and ears wide open.

Monday, February 8, 2010

The Countdown continues....



As the countdown to Luxury Online's worldwide publication continues, here is a little video piece to take your minds off the current crisis and of course to give you a glimpse of things to come.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Counting Down and Counting In...


As the countdown to the release of Luxury Online continues, I'll like to share another counter with you called the Gary Hayes Social Media Counts, an online app that counts the activities on the social media in real time. Resembling an active meter or a hyper-active screen that can be found anywhere from an airport to the stock exchange, the counter updates several aspects of the social web by the second- new blog posts, new fans added on Facebook, videos watched on Youtube, tweets sent on Twitter, iPhone apps downloaded and lots more! It certainly gives a glimpse into the exponential growth and influence of the social web. Real cool stuff.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

The Countdown Begins!

Luxury Online, the book many have told me that they can't wait to read (and the reason why I started this blog in the first place) will be out this month! Yes, I can't believe it myself but the worldwide publication date is looming. And I'm beginning to fidget as I wonder what the reaction to the book will be. Will people like it? Will it be well received by the luxury community? Will critics embrace it or trash it? Oh la la, I have butterflies in my stomach already...

Anyhow, I'm pleased that I finally have an answer for all the people that have been patiently emailing, calling and asking for the day "the bloody book will be available for purchase" (excuse me for the language).

It's sooner than expected... and in the meantime I'll be bringing frequent countdown notes so come back tomorrow and the day after and the day after... It could be any day now.

The surprise announcement is coming...