Banana Republic Holiday Campaign - HOT

I love it.

It's simple and doesn't try to prove anything.

This is the kind of attitude that makes me want to go to a store, even if I don't usually buy there.

Banana Republic Holiday Campaign - HOT

Capcana ad - HOT

"Sand trap" - that's great. You want to be caught in a trap like this one.

“Unauthorized links to this website or to any of the information provided by us is prohibited” - idiots.

Ok, we're not linking, we're telling you to check them out at capcana.com.

Capcana ad - HOT

Cheap Monday Jeans - HOT

If you don't own a pair already, we see no reason why you shouldn't get one.

They are cheap and although hipsters have been pronounced dead by more than a few, the jeans still look hot.

Cheap Monday Jeans - HOT

PS And Sweden again. Is it the weather, the milk, Swedish welfare that allows for little worries and plenty of time, what is it that they always come up with something cool?

Spyker C8 La Violette - HOT

Well, we just thought it's hot.



And if you can't afford it, Spyker has a line of cell phones.

So that everyone is happy.

Spyker C8 La Violette - HOT

Tory Burch Flats - HOT or NOT

This post is about acknowledgment, not judgment.

Since our agents in Europe have discovered some countries that are still relatively "unburched".

For those of you who have been spared, just so that you know, every girl in America wears these.

It's extremely boring by now, but they still wear them.

Whether you join the clan or not is up to you.

Click here to read what Fashionista has to say about this.

Click here to read what Fashionista has to say about this.

Tory Burch Flats - HOT or NOT

"CS" Radar Section - HOT

We've been glancing through CS recently, which is published by Modern Luxury, and we have to say that they are on top of their game.

The radar section is full of the freshest design, fashion and style news, and it could serve as a role model for many other pubs.

"CS" Radar Section - HOT

Thrillist - HOT

There's never enough information about what's hot and what's not.

Thrillist makes a great entry into the world of "we-will-tell-you-what's-cool" junkies with this mailer.

"Our emails are 100% editorial sexiness and only cover what we think is cool".

Humbleness, it is also close to my heart.

We're thrilled.

Thrillist - HOT

Acne Jeans - HOT

The Swedish have Saab and J.Lindeberg.

That should be enough to make you move to Sweden.

They also have Acne Jeans.

Which means you should be booking your ticket now.

What began as a creative collective is now a worldwide-recognized jeans brand.

The style is at its best - Swedish slickness with special touches and attitude that make it work perfect on the streets of NYC.

Acne Jeans - you're HOT baby.

Zegna Sport Gym Kit - HOT

What a great Holiday gift!

This gym bag contains a tee, shorts, and track pants.

Oh, and a lightweight jacket. Jacket is in fact the gym back. Don't ask. Just get it - it's now on sale at Saks.

Zegna Sport Gym Kit - HOT

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice

Skechers Trinkets - NOT HOT

Freddy Krueger is back in his second incarnation. We wrote about the first incarnation here.

Skechers - you hit the gutter with this one. You suck.

Skechers Trinkets - NOT HOT

Yves Saint Lauren Ad - HOT

Clothes are lifestyle.

They communicate with the design that surrounds us. With colors. They communicate with our haircut.

YSL understands it.

That's why their ad is HOT.

Trinidad, Cuba - HOT

Out of all of Cuba, Trinidad has won our hearts.

We named it a "magic triangle" - the sea, the mountains, and the culture. Add a tad of Cuban hospitality, great weather, and there you have a recipe for a perfect Cuban getaway.

During the day you kick back on the nearby Ancon Beach, with no tourist - they are all in Varadero.

When you get tired of the beach you just stroll through the cobblestone streets of Trinidad.



After sunset you hit one of the local casas and pretend that you can dance salsa.

And at the very end you roll into Ayala Disco, located in a cave. Yes, a cave.

Take your time in Trinidad. It's HOT.

Svedka Vodka Ad - HOT

Svedka ads have long deserved mentioning by The Essentialist.

Screw the tonic bionik idea, but we do love the "Voted #1 Vodka of 2033" line.

What a brilliant move by their marketing team, no changes to campaign needed for the next 26 years.

Svedka Vodka Ad - HOT

Lilith Ad - HOT

Beautiful and elusive, this ad reflects a best kept secret that one wants to unveil.

To unveil the secret, let's all meet at Lilith, at Mulberry St.

Lilith Ad - HOT

Paule Ka - HOT

Meet Mrs. Essentialist.

This season she is wearing Paule Ka.

Paule Ka - HOT

Claiborne Ad - HOT

Sometimes the simplest things are the most difficult to pull off.

Claiborne ad is exactly what it's supposed to be - unpretentious, down to earth, take-it-easy and cool.

Any other approach would make it look ridiculous. Luckily, however, they must have the right marketing people.

Claiborne Ad - HOT

Graff Diamonds Ad - HOT

One more ad from the jewelry borough that always catches our attention.

They decided to go green, thanks to which their grass is much greener than on the other side of many bling-bling fences.

Graff Diamonds Ad - HOT

Jaguar XKR Portfolio - HOT!

Here, at The Essentialist, we are still struggling with getting our jaws into the right place.

Jaguar XKR Portfolio is a knock out.

541 of these beauties will only be sold, beginning 2008.

Bowers & Wilkins speaker system, Alcon disc brakes, exclusive paint.



To proove how serious they are about this, check out the XKR Microsite (click here and scroll down to find appropriate link). It's a masterpiece on its own.

Jaguar XKR Portfolio - HOT!

2008 C-Class Car & Ad - HOT

How much can you saturate your car's photo to make it look even cooler?

This much.

Mercedes has never feared substantial amounts of copy. Here accompanied by the irresistible image of the great new C-Class.

Vroom vroom!

2008 C-Class Car & Ad - HOT

Diesel Fragrance Ad - HOT

The Essentialist doesn't care about the photography in Diesel's advertising.

It's good, but repetitive.

The lines, however, are always worth mentioning.

"Finally Legalised".

That's HOT. (You should click, half naked sexy people to follow).

USE WHIZZ CAUTION.

"The Crazy Robertson" - NOT HOT

So this is the story:

In LA three "entrepreneurs" have created a brand after a homeless man who can be regularly seen dancing on roller skates around one of the trendiest areas of the city.

You can read more in this Wall Stret Journal article.

We just wanted to let the three “entrepreneurs” know that we scouted some really promising homeless people in NYC.

There are also a few drug addicts, a guy without legs and one HIV positive Vietnam veteran.

We were able to guarantee a deal with only 3% of sales profits being received by the aforementioned parties.

Exploitation - what a wonderful feeling.

"The Crazy Robertson" - NOT HOT

Surplus Doursoux - HOT

It's one of those things that we won't even try to understand.

A company that specializes in military products (and they do mean it: assault waistcoats, bulletproof vests, night vision monoculars and other fun stuff) is a fashion stylists' darling.

You will see their boots and camouflage sweaters featured proudly along with YSLs, Pradas, Yohji Yamamotos and others.

What can you do? Nothing. Don't try to understand, just log in and start clicking "buy now".

Surplus Doursoux – HOT

Calypso Ad - HOT

Fresh. Breezy. Flirtatious.

Calypso Ad - HOT

Ads - What's HOT and What's NOT?

Oxygene - thanks for this ad, as it instantly brought us to a reflection:

Sex and cars. Naturally we automatically thought of Ballard's novel and Cronenberg's movie “Crash”.

And we asked ourselves a question:

What are the creative, social and moral boundaries of advertising today?

Why is Kate Moss, although having publicly been seen sniffing cocaine as vacuum cleaner, still signing contracts?

Why is Marc Jacobs having a 12-year-old photographed in a session that has to have some undertones of sexuality (after all he sells clothes, not Lego toys), and nobody really has a problem with this?

We allowed ourselves to create these few images below, just as a template for a fictitious campaign based on the idea of cars, sex and “Crash”. Would that be too much? How far could we go?

For more about movie "Crash" - click here.















DISCLAIMER: All of the above are fictitious, artistic creations and by no means representation and/or work by "Diesel" brand.

Ads - What's HOT and What's NOT?

Styledrops.com - HOT

There's no way you don't know about styledrops.com

But maybe you've been away hunting in tundra for five years.

Or you've been seeking asylum from the world of fashion and style on a Mongolian desert.

Or you've been in jail.

In any case, if you want to get back on track to be glamorous and fabulous once again, Styledrops is there for you.

What's cool about SD is that they actually carry the latest collections, and especially if it comes to designer accessories (ah, those handbags), there's little competition on the web.

Drop it like it's hot baby.

Styledrops.com – HOT

Radio FG - HOT!

Radio FG.

They have been with us for years and although we have drifted away from our daily FG-ing routine, we absolutely owe them a line.

Radio FG was founded in 1992 and is located in Paris.

What began as a niche radio station is now a huge music platform.

Various channels have been added to the original FG DJ Radio, such as Vintage FG, Underground FG, FG Chich, FG Dance by Hakimakli and FG DJ Radio +6 Hours – yes: this one is for us, New York and East Coast listeners.

If you have never come across Radio FG, tune in, and it may turn out you have just found your Promised Land.

Radio FG - you're HOT and thank you for that!

Macy's Ad - NOT HOT

Yaaaaaaaaaaaawn.

Macy's Ad - NOT HOT

Patek Philippe Ad - HOT

Another example of great copy and positioning:

"You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely take care of it for the next generation".

Patek Philippe Ad - HOT

Villazzo Ad - HOT

Client:

"So...emmm...we would like to communicate...hmmm....that our hotel is like a villa...emmm..but at the same time..hmmm...it is like a villa...emmm...which is...emmm...like hotel".

Client's Ad Agency:

(Sigh)

Solution:

Hiring a kickass copywriter:

"Villazzo. Is it a villa or a hotel? Yes."

Villazzo Ad - HOT

Tribeca Grand Hotel Ad - HOT

It's never easy to advertise something that includes "grand" in the name.

The above is an art director's gem.

What a great way to communicate hospitality, safety and local feeling.

This is better than a fireplace on a cold evening! I'm loving it. Brawo!

Tribeca Grand Hotel Ad - HOT

Carl F. Bucherer Ad - HOT

A "Frequent Flyer's Watch" couldn't get better exposure.

First class please.

Carl F. Bucherer Ad - HOT (click the image to see in detail)

Bread & Butter Fashion Fair - HOT

Bread & Butter was born in 2001 in Cologne, Germany, as an offshow for selected, cutting edge brands, with 50 exhibitors and 5000 visitors.

Since then B&B has grown tremendously, with more than one thousand exhibitors showing their goodies during July 2007 Barcelona event, and reaching nearly 100,000 visitors.



So what is B&B exactly? An unusual tradeshow, a community, a fashion event that looks very much forward through its streetwear glasses.

To make things even more sweet, clothing frenzy is always accompanied by design and artistic accents, which in the end makes B&B a place-to-be for every Essentialist.

Next session: Barcelona, 16.01 – 18.01.2008. Not to be missed.

Bread & Butter - HOT

Marciano Ad - NOT HOT

So, we looked at this ad.

And it brought us memories of childhood.

But we weren't quite sure, which memories...

And then it occured to us - ah! Memories of Sesame Street!



It's so nice of Marciano to think of our child memories.

Now we're waiting for Kermit.

Oink Oink!

Marciano Ad - NOT HOT

PS If you still don't believe us that this model looks hideous on a double page spread, click on the original image.

Look at her face. Look closer. Oh my god, is it a guy?!

Oceanaut Baltica Watch - HOT

Supposedly there is a waitlist for this one.

One of three new lines of watches from Oceanaut for 2008, Baltica is bound to attract a lot of fans.

It will be available in 5 colors but the orange is certainly the best.

You can't pass unnoticed.

Oceanaut Baltica Watch - HOT

PF Flyers "Glide" - HOT

Just for the record - we're not crazy about PF Flyers.

But we are sort of crazy about their Glide model.

Sort of a lot.

PF Flyers "Glide" - HOT

Sneaky Steve Sneakers - FRESH & HOT!

Unexpected visits to Urban Outfitters sometimes pay off.

This one did.

Urban happens to carry Sneaky Steve sneakers that launched autumn this year.

Ok, The Essentialist REALLY likes them.

"Big Al Lo" is our favorite model, we bought it in both colors - white and black. Just in case.



You kids should sneak your way into Urban Outfitters before half of New York will outsneak you.

I heard they are adding extra L trains this weekend to accommodate for the expected hordes of L train contingent traveling to get their Sneakies.

Act now.

Sneaky Steve Sneakers - FRESH & HOT!

Vertu Ad - HOT

So it's a Vertu ad.

So ordinary on the first glance, I thought.

And it is.

Yet the longer you look at it, the more reassured you are that Vertu is a good choice.

And this seems to be the main purpose of the ad.

It is for people who know what Vertu is. They need not be convinced that this is THE choice, they don't need to listen about concierge services again.

All of this is done by showing what is not shown, and I really like how much you can communicate while being discreet about it.

The grill is perhaps of an old Aston Martin. The leather jacket seems to be of impeccable fit. The hand suggests a strong, handsome and confident man.

Words that come to my mind are: comfort, precision, strength, safety, reliability. Vertu.

Vertu Ad - HOT

Paul Smith Gifts - HOT

We encourage you to remember that you should soon start to think about Christmas gifts for your beloved ones.

And for yourself of course.

And there are little gift shopping addresses better than Paul Smith online store.

He actually has a whole separate section "Gifts" where you can get playing cards by Paul Smith, dog collar by Paul Smith, flask holder by Paul Smith, a football by Paul Smith, set of pencils by.....

Eh, check for yourself.

Paul Smith Gifts - HOT

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice

Red Rock Resort Ad - HOT

We like this one for the palette of colors.

Different than anything else out there.

Red Rock Resort Ad - HOT

Burberry Winter 2007 Ads & Collection - HOT

Burberry is seriously becoming one of The Essentialist's favourite brands.

The haircuts are awesome and the clothes simply stunning.

We can't write more because we're in a Burberry store now.

Burberry Winter 2007 Ads & Collection - HOT

Yoga - HOOOT!

The Essentialist is a huge yoga fan.

If you still haven't done any yoga, do yourself a favor and catch up right away.

And if you're in New York, catch up with Yoga To The People.

Yoga - HOOOT!

Uggs - SO NOT HOT :(

Ah (Sigh).

What goes around in summer in the form of Crocs comes around in winter in the form of Uggs.

Butt f...ing ugly both of them, excuse our language, but no words can describe this double shot disaster.

When we were writing about Crocs, we were in hostile mood.

As for Uggs, we're in mourning that this thing even exists :(

For fashion disabled.

Uggs - SO NOT HOT :(

Adidas Classic - ALWAYS HOT

You know that game:

You say "Adidas", I say "Adidas Classic"?

Everything at Adidas Classic is HOT. Superstars, Gazelles, Sambas, all of these extraordinary models are timeless.

Never enough.

Adidas Classic - ALWAYS HOT

Thom Browne - HOT (OR NOT)

If you're from the United States you might want to skip this post.

If you're from New York, you know it all and you definitely should skip it.

If you’re from Europe and elsewhere, most likely you should read on.

The Essentialist felt that we should contribute to the now 3-year-old discussion about Thom Browne and his Big Shrinkage theory.



In a nutshell:

1) Until 2003 TB is a fashion director of Ralph Lauren's Club Monaco line
2) TB starts his own collection in 2003.
3) TB creates his own rules of tailoring according to some ancient feng shui knowledge that only he is in possession of.
4) While others think that it's a misunderstanding to sell, buy & wear jackets that look as if they were your younger brother's, TB puts a price tag of $4,000 and higher.
5) New Yorkers think it's cool to pay loads of money for something that looks dumb and make Mr. TB a very prosperous man.



We give you freedom of judgment on this one.

Below a few links to help your decision:

Thom Browne on Haute Concept Blog
Thom Browne by Esquire
Thom Browne guidelines of proper usage of his clothing

Thom Browne - HOT (OR NOT)

Lengthy Jeans - NOT HOT

On any jeans, True Religions, PRPSs or any brand you choose, the leg will not be perfectly adjusted because they are not custom tailored.

To avoid the kind of embarrassment shown above (btw, thanks to Nicole Richie for cooperating), take your four letters to the tailor around the corner and shorten your spanking new pair of jeans for a few bucks.

It does make a difference.

Lengthy Jeans - NOT HOT

Freedom Record Podcast - HOT

One of our devoted readers aka Peter WWW turned our attention towards Freedom Record Podcast.

It is indeed a true pleasure to the ear if you're into house, electro and soulful house.

The podcast is divided into two regularly updated series: "Midnight to Sunrise" and "House SoulFul".

On the most recent Midnight to Sunrise you will hear Yelle, Daft Punk, Klaxons, Alan Braxe, Boys Noize and an absolutely turned out remix of Feist's "My Moon My Man" by Boys Noize again.

Freedom Record Podcast – HOT

Wearing Phone Cases & Bluetooth Headsets - NOT HOT

The Essentialist had a dream.

One day, all people wearing phone cases strapped to their belts, those natural born vagabonds of our times who like to attach stuff to themselves, were teleported to another planet.



Second dream followed, that one sent the R2-D2s with bluetooths in a second batch.

Wishful dream.

So what that it's convenient? Pontiac Aztec has a lot of room inside, and it still looks like puke.



We found a priceless comment (along with the case image) regarding the subject from2skinnypros.com. They wrote:

"In fact, stop strapping shit to yourself. If it doesn't fit in whatever pockets you have, leave it at home or hire a sherpa".

WE SYMPHATIZE.

Wearing Phone Cases & Bluetooth Headsets - NOT HOT

Bacara Ad - HOT

For some reason we think that this one is ridiculously sexy.

Is it the positioning of her hands? Or that she is actually naked, although she's wearing...

OK, never mind!!! We think it's oozing sex and basta!

Do you think so? Your input is greatly appreciated.

Bacara Ad - HOT!

Levres Multifacettes de Chanel Ad - HMM

Do you remember when we wrote about this one?

Well...

What's up with this?

Bondage is back?

HMM.

Aaron Bascha - HOT!

The Essentialist wants to be a girl!!!

So cheerful, so colorful, so cute.



Seriously, did we just say the word "cute"?



Aaron Bascha - HOT!

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice

Pro Keds Heritage Collection - HOT

Affordable. Old School. Stylish.

Anything prized under three digits we get with our eyes closed.

Pro Keds Heritage Collection - HOT

Ralph Lauren RLX Winter Collection & Campaign - HOT

Now you're talking Ralphie.

A really hot collection of athletic gear from Ralph Lauren, accompanied by a dynamic-looking campaign.

Come on girls, don't you want to have this jacket?

Ralph Lauren RLX Winter Collection & Campaign - HOT

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice

Benetti Yachts Ad - HOT

Now that you know how to advertise your linens (see below), The Essentialist will show you how to advertise your yacht.

For some reason yacht and jet advertising is usually boring and repetitive.

Which is why you have to appreciate Benetti's effort even more. A ship in a bottle? Pretty cool.

Benetti Yachts Ad - HOT

PS Check out the website, it's neat. Kudos for their creative director.

Pratesi Ad - HOT

If you ever wondered how to elegantly advertise linens, now you know.

Sensual. Subtle. Different.

Such is Pratesi ad.

Pratesi Ad - HOT

Belstaff Clothing & Campaign - HOT

Belstaff know their stuff.

They follow the rules of the game.

Good clothes accompanied by well executed photoshoot. No fooling around and experimenting, solid fashion photography, that's it.

So simple, isn't it?

To see the Fall/Winter 2007 campaign in full, plus their ultra-easy-to-navigate website, click the link below.

Belstaff Clothing & Campaign – HOT

Domenico Vacca Ad - NOT HOT

Domenico!

As much as we love you, this ad sucks!

These people look cheap, the two women specifically.

Let's make a deal - we will quickly forget about it, and you won't run this image again, ok? Great, Thanks.

Domenico Vacca Ad - NOT HOT

Maybach Ad - NOT HOT

The Essentialist is reading that Maybach had to close 29 out of 71 Maybach dealerships in the US.

They expected to sell 600 per year, they sold 164.

Oops.

Well, that miserable ad they've been running here and there was not a lot of help, you know.

The image could well serve to advertise funeral services, and the copy is not groundbreaking either.

Gentlemen - rethinking strategy perhaps?

A hint from The Essentialist: You have a good website. Follow the white rabbit.

Maybach Ad - NOT HOT

Sunday Parties @ DIVA, New York - HOT

There is a party in New York on Sunday so cool that it almost shouldn't be happening.

It begins early. It has no cover and welcomes all.

It is hosted by DJ Kris Graham and features some solid house music with a nice mix of European and New York's best tunes.

And what's most important - it is RELAXED. Pretentiousness is kept here to a minimum (for whatever minimum a city such as NYC allows) and it's just... fun.

The best thing is that by midnight you can consider yourself done, go home and still be able to wake up to begin your next week at the office.

Good times.

Sunday Parties @ DIVA, New York – HOT

PS And if you’re tired of house, than hop to the bar on the opposite side of the street to pull off a few hot salsa moves.

House & salsa dancing on a Sunday evening – well that’s what I call hot!

PS2 We stole the image from another party hopper. Thanks!

Wachovia Wealth Management Ad - HOT

"You had me at hello" - says Renée Zellweger to Tom Cruise in "Jerry Maguire".

This ad had as at hello.

It's like Muhammad Ali - it gets to your softest points.

I am sure it made more than one Great-Great-Grandfather call the number.

Wachovia Wealth Management Ad - HOT

Vacheron Constantin Ad - HOT

They could have chosen to pay big bucks for some big name celebrity.

Instead they chose to get an old Rolleflex and write a smart copy:

"1929. When the world's first twin lens camera, the legendary Rolleflex, was launched, Vacheron Constantin was 174 years old".

Perfect. I am convinced. Nicely done.

Vacheron Constantin Ad - HOT

Puma M-28 & M-25 by Mihara Yasuhiro - HOT

Good stuff from Puma and Mihara Yasuhiro for this autumn and winter.

We chose M-28 and M-25 as our favorites, but strongly bring the entire collection to your attention.

M-28 come in black or silver.

Grey sole, additional rubber applications, silver stripes. MY logo on the side.



These shoes are like wine - may not catch your attention from the first instance, but shortly after you will begin appreciating them more and more with every minute.

Yes, shoes also have their own tasting feng shui.



M-25 are a hit and only a hit, no miss. With these it's all about the silver and the velcro strap.

Puma M-28 & M-25 by Mihara Yasuhiro - HOT

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice

U-Boat Flightdeck Series - HOT

Before we vote the above watch hot, we are publicly asking a question:

What's up with yellow/gold?

Bell & Ross have just announced their new BR 02 Instrument Pink Gold.

Rado have launched limited edition Ceramica Chronograph in four (!) shades of gold and are advertising like crazy.

U-Boats are flushing the yellow and orange all over the room.

Did we miss the "color of the season" contest? We do have to admit, however, that all of the above are kickin'.

Among them aforementioned U-Boat.

Deepwater black dial and strap with contrasting orange hands will definitely help you navigate into the right direction in a dark night club.

U-Boat Flightdeck Series - HOT

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice

Giorgio Armani Mobile Phone - HOT

We've had Motorola copulating with D&G, Prada with LG, Porsche with Sagem.

Now Giorgo Armani has taken on Samsung with this new slick have-me-today babe.

All these phones look the same and it's all kind of boring, but what the heck, at least there's one more choice out there for all the label-whores. Oops.

Giorgio Armani Mobile Phone - HOT

Trentemøller - HOT

Trentemøller, a DJ.

Country of origin? Denmark.

MySpace account? Yes.

Guest count? Over a million.

Not bad for someone who plays dark, minimal electronic music (When not remixing for not-so-dark Alex Gopher or Laurent Garnier).

Should you know about him? Hell yes.

In fact the guy has been around for 10 years but only recently, after releasing his first album exactly one year ago, Trentemøller colonized planet Earth in no time. Trentemøller playing here, Trentemøller playing there...

Looking at his tour schedule I reckon he must have some pretty damn good travel agents.

Check out his site, but first and foremost find his show in the neighborhood - I promise you'll enjoy it.

Trentemøller - HOT

Ikepod Watches - HOT

Ikepod is Marc Newson's idea of how watches should look like.

You will certainly pass the velvet rope to any contemporary design gathering. For this alone it's worth checking out.

Ikepod Watches - HOT

The Essentialist Blog Christmas 2007 Gift Choice