Two exhibits in New York address the navigation of modern life. In MoMA’s Design and the Elastic Mind, curator Paola Antonelli explores the increasingly important role design plays today, the best and most creative examples of which allow us to move as flexibly as possible between opposing conditions - global to local, fast to slow, organic to inorganic, virtual to real. In a brilliant essay, she touts the virtues of elasticity in a complex and fast-evolving environment. Originally from Los Angeles, the Murakami exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum features work from the artist that blurs the line between art and commerce. In the middle of the exhibit is a Louis Vuitton shop with limited edition merchandise created by Murakami.
Companion, a St. Louis area favorite, recently opened two
new locations offering customers cozy gathering places. The comfortable environment encourages
patrons to stay and unwind with good food and company, rather than chugging their
coffee and hitting the door. The Central West End café gathering place, designed by
Douglas Allebach, intentionally mirrors a home-like atmosphere, and is a true
extension of Companion’s recently refreshed brand. The café offers sectional spaces, including a
sunroom and a library, where groups can mingle or enjoy a quiet dining
experience.
Full
Disclosure: Companion is a client of
Patrick Davis Partners, publisher of Unbound Edition.
Brands are like theater
productions. Every detail counts: plot, setting, protagonists... Most often,
the story lines are classics, tapping into shared cultural knowledge and
meaning, yet the consumer allows the producers (brands) to take liberties, as
the five North American examples show: then – concubine, now – (alive)
storefront lingerie model; then – saints or gods; now – soccer stars; then –
temple; now – retail concept; then – prima ballerina; now –supermodel; then –
wonderland; now – real estate agency.
The O2 Concept Store, housed under the iconic roof of The O2 in London is a highly designed “experience”. While you explore the product mix, it’s hard to say if you’re at a campsite, a cutting edge digital retreat or a salon (from the 1970’s). Sales desks topped with shiny new Macs are constructed from the refuse of outmoded technology. Phone recycling is not only encouraged, but enabled. New handsets peak out from the bushes, speakers branch from the trees and the website is projected on the walls. Everyone wants to help you. Convergence Retail Culture at its best.
