The Star Trek Logo
J.J. Abrams and a return to the authentic identity of Star Trek Eventually, we all go back. In looking to the heart of the work, we turn again to that upon which our heart first opened. And for me, the exploration of my practice, the efforts of examining the nature of...
Human Brands | The power of the feminine | retail gurus: Geraldine Stutz and Dawn Mello
Designing experiences and retail strategy | enlightening presence in the power of feminine visionaries. Right now, Girvin, the firm, is comprised mostly of women. And over time, I've found that women, as team partners, are superlative creative resources. And, from 35...
True Brands | Exploring the truth in Microsoft’s Lauren
When presumptions of documentary hold, truth be told? All the world's a stage, so inferred -- As you like it. And, to that, we are all mere actors, exiting, staging, right, left? And finally, off the stage? Advertising, by its very positioning, is, essentially,...
Film Branding | Luc Besson
"I did. I do what I do because I want to do it, because I want to explore, go looking for things." ~Luc Besson A directorial style, branded, explorations of cinéma du look. I met Luc Besson in Paris, a number of years back, when I was working in Paris. And it was in...
Burj Al Arab | Luxury, storytelling, design in place-making
The string, in storyline and experience: Jack Larsen, Pat & Dale Keller and Khuan Chew Interesting, the networks. And how, in connecting, the listening, the community -- it reaches out and reaches in. One meeting, means another, if you're paying attention. Just...
The new Starbucks store prototype: Heritage @ 1st & Pike | Seattle
A return to the spirit of store one. I've worked in the Seattle coffee brewing experience for several decades. And all the while, I've been a lover of coffee -- and the coffee sensate experience. There are two favorites for me. One, coffee made, "cowboy style", in...
Water rations: boxes are better?
Boxed and cartoned water, newly watered solutions? What freight, now? When I was working in Paris, I came in contact, as a consultant, with an intriguing group: Suez. Interestingly enough, this group was founded on the building of the Suez Canal -- this 19th century...
Art Wolfe | Exploring a human brand of curiosity, discovery, love
Art Wolfe | Wikipedia imagery file The brand that is a living, loving being. Art Wolfe and I go way back -- decades; but my personal relationship with him goes back further -- into the recesses of my younger years, being in the ramshackle melange otherwise known as...
Neil Fiske | Eddie Bauer and seeking the heart of brand story
Several years ago, at a WWD | CEO Summit, in Miami, I met Leslie Wexner, the fabled CEO of The Limited Brands. Actually, he was waiting to speak at the event, and I went to him, to ask some questions. One questions burned in my mind. Simple, but compellingly powerful...
H.E. Mohammed Bin Ali Al Abbar | The vision(s) of the Burj Dubai
Exploring the concept of the place, made in the mystery of building, the poetry of the world around it. I've been looking at, and exploring building design for decades. And, being in the neighborhood of architects, also for decades, I've learned to look at them...