Scarlet Opus Trends Blog

Hot Topic: Power & Glamour

For those of you that don’t know, today is International Womens Day, a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future.  The first IWD was honoured in 1911 when over a million women, and men, attended IWD rallies campaigning for women’s rights to work, vote, be trained, to hold public office and end discrimination.  Now, every year on March 8th thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate their achievements.

This year the United Nations theme for IWD is “Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress For All” … the progress of women in the “business world” is a topic we frequently find ourselves discussing here in the Scarlet Opus studio.  Last week Victoria was sending off an article to a magazine editor along with her headshot which sparked a conversation that I’ve been thinking about for some time now … successful business women always look so unapproachable in the publicity images we see.  There is an almost hard, don’t mess with me edge that is present in many of these shots … and I wonder, if we have truly come so far as women, why is there still a need to shrug off our femininity, the essence of who and what we are, in the business world?

Emma Soames reported on this issue in this months Vogue (in fact it is from Ms Soames that I borrowed the title of today’s posting) where she opened with: ”The days of the bulletproof suit are over – but do today’s female power brokers risk showing their feminine side and love of fashion?  And does it matter?”  She highlights the refreshing change in attitude towards fashion from US First Lady Michelle Obama, who embraces her femininity and isn’t afraid to wear playful skirts and cardigans in bright colours.  In contrast Hillary Clinton cancelled an appearance in US Vogue during the run-up to the Democratic nominations for fear of looking too feminine!  She was later berated by the fashion industry’s super-power, Anna Wintour, who said, “The notion that a contemporary woman must look mannish in order to be taken seriously … is frankly dismaying … We have moved on from power-suit mentality which provided a bridge for a generation of women to reach boardrooms.”  And indeed she is right, conversation has moved on from feminism to femininity and to what degree we should/do use it.

Victoria’s publicity shot is great.

Pleasant expression + Tools of the trade + Crisp white shirt = Perfect Professionalism

However, if you know Victoria you’ll know there is something missing.  She has a fabulous personal style and everyday she will add a quirky accessory to an outfit or wear an item in a different way that is uniquely her, where is this Victoria?  Even her stance is more traditionally masculine than feminine, demanding to be taken seriously.  I asked Victoria why she chose this style and if she felt more comfortable, professionally, presenting a more serious image as opposed to that of “cool designer”:

“I felt I needed to look a little bit serious in my publicity shot in order to be taken seriously.  I consciously chose to wear a collared shirt knowing it is seen as part of the uniform of the world of business which would itself send a subconscious message to the viewer.  Similarly I have to admit I purposely didn’t wear a skirt or dress, perhaps in order to appear more androgynous and take the issue of my femininity and sex out of the equation.  So, it’s interesting that you think my stance communicates seriousness, maybe even a show of strength and is a rather masculine pose … I think that’s how most women would view the pose and it was my intention, but soon after the shot went onto the home page of our company website, a man in business commented to me that he thought it was a “provocative pose”!  Where do we go from there when men and women are capable of reading things so differently???  I thought I was ‘standing strong’ and communicating ‘I’m in business’ … he thought I was communicating ‘I’m open for business’! 

I don’t feel the same issues regarding sex and ’sending out the wrong messages’ are a concern for men in business as they are for women.  As women we generally don’t judge men in business as sexual objects, or think they are being provocative or think they are any less capable of doing their job if they are attractive or obviously masculine in their style … the same cannot be said of how the world of business often views and judges women.”

After all the years of battling for position, isn’t it time for women to just relax now, embracing the fact that we are female?  Women fought for an equal place in the world, then they worked hard earning the position the women before them had fought for.  They took on big corporate positions.  Then decided to celebrate, cue the Spice Girls and an age of women that started taking pole dancing lessons for fun … and so on … and where are we now?  We have the positions, we have the power, but what of unconditional respect?  Still playing by the mens rules on that one - serious skirts and dresses, simple understated jewellery and accessories, jackets not cardigans … nothing too frivolous or too feminine!

Interested in the contrast between Victoria’s headshot and that of Design Sponge founder Grace Bonney, I asked her how she felt she was perceived as a woman in business and if she could comment on her publicity photo.  At first she was reluctant, ”I think perhaps I’m not the best example for this?  I’m not really viewed as a ‘business woman’ here (the US) so much as a blogger I think, so the expectations for us are definitely different than women who work in the business field.”  I was surprised to know that she didn’t class herself as a business woman as her blog now receives 60,000 daily readers!  I did eventually manage to get a comment from Grace saying, ”I don’t feel much pressure because i think bloggers here aren’t given as much respect as say, magazine editors, etc. even though we often have the same level of sway and readership within the community.  When I took a headshot for the site, I wanted to make sure that I came across as relatable – more so than as a ‘business woman’ because for me, it’s important for people to realise that despite the site’s growth, we’re really all still very normal, relatable people just like our readers.”

I can’t help but feel that Grace’s feelings further support my point; she felt able, and was willing, to show a more relaxed, natural side of herself because the pressure from the “business world” was removed!

Do you feel you compromise or alter your image for work?  Let us know your thoughts on today’s topic by leaving a comment at the top of the posting.

I leave you today with H U G E congratulations to Kathryn Bigelow on her Oscar win for Best Director – the first female to ever win the award!  Go Kathryn!

P.S.  Today Victoria is attending an event organised by Forward Ladies to mark International Women’s Day where Ruby Wax is speaking about communication for business leaders.  Check back on Friday for Victoria’s review of the day, it’s sure to be an interesting read!

Scarlet Opus Rising Star – Megan Ward

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of marking the trend forecasting projects of students at The University of Huddersfield.  I’ve been lecturing and running trend forecasting projects alongside their excellent lecturer Helen Ryall for about 4 years and I find it hugely satisfying.  I’m passionate about passing on forecasting skills to our next generation of Designers.  It‘s very exciting when the process is embraced by students and I can see it actually enriches their work giving it greater depth.  I believe they are often able to let the new skills inform the rest of their design work whilst at University and beyond.

The standard of work this semester was very strong; the quality, innovativeness and Computer Aided Design (CAD) skills were truly impressive.  The project brief basically involved creating a forecast for a Spring/Summer 2011 trend.  The forecast was presented in the form of a trend booklet which showcased a variety of CAD techniques to produce an inspiring visual document for the coming season.  One students work really shone and I’d like to share her trend project with you today:

Megan Ward is a final year Surface Pattern Designer on the BA (Hons) course at The University of Huddersfield.  She has kindly permitted us to reproduce her trend project here and has taken the time to provide us with an insight into her thinking behind the piece and her aspirations for the future.

Megan’s work is striking, intricate, multi-layered, subtle, intelligent and a visual feast.

Be prepared to be seriously cheered-up!!!……….

Megan: “Research was a key starting point for this project.  Taking a look back at Great British culture and British traditions which have begun to diminish and fade over the years was a topic that got me thinking.  It made me feel as if Britain was losing its identity.  By feeding classic traditions back into modern day society and British culture, maybe the past and the present could work together to celebrate and rejuvenate all the wonderful things that make us proud to be British!”

Megan: “Ever So British dahhhhling! is a quirky, contemporary twist celebrating the forgotten British tradition of ‘Afternoon Tea’ bringing it back to the present day, fusing the old with the new.”

Megan: “I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this project from the initial research, the sourcing of materials and imagery, the photography and finally to the creating of the trend pack.  I sourced the materials from vintage fairs, craft shops and charity shops, making sure I collected items that were bright and refreshing in terms of colour palette but still had that element of classic British design.”

Megan: “The vibrant colour palette is reflected throughout the trend pack, injecting a blended mix of colours that reflect the past and the present.”

Megan: “It was extremely time consuming and a lot of work due to the amount of imagery and detail I wanted to create on each page, but I think it’s the attention to detail that really gives it that quirky, fresh vibe whilst still in keeping with a bit of authentic Englishness!”

A little bit about me……

“During my placement year I was fortunate enough to work for a number of companies in the amazing city of Hong Kong which gave me an insight into the different ways I could develop my design techniques and put them into practice within the design industry.  My placement year helped me to realise my love for jewellery design. So this year I have found myself creating unusual pieces of interesting mixed media jewellery…or as I like to call them ‘wearable art’!”

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“I’m currently working on my final major project, looking at disease as my inspirational starting point, in particular the structure of micro organisms found in viruses & bacteria and their ability to take over and grow uncontrollably.  My aims are to illustrate and highlight their hidden beauty to show that something as destructive as a disease can have beautiful qualities too.  I’ll experiment with a range of materials such as resin, wood and glass and mixing them with softer materials and embroidery techniques.  The final outcome will be a range of bespoke handcrafted jewllery.”

“I’m passionate about exploring, experimenting and combining contrasting materials together to create new and interesting surfaces.  Merging a range of techniques such as hand drawing, hand and machine embroidery, print and CAD skills I am able to produce a unique range of prints, patterns and jewellery designs, always aiming to push the boundaries within surface design.  In the future I hope to see myself creating beautifully handcrafted jewellery.  But for the time being I am happy exploring, experimenting, learning and building on my design skills!”

“I will be showcasing my degree work at the Final Degree Show at the University of Huddersfield from Saturday 12^th until Friday 18^th June 2010.”

To find out more about the Final Degree Show and courses at The University of Huddersfield visit: www.hud.ac.uk/

You can contact Megan with wonderful offers of work or to commission designs by email: ward_megan@hotmail.co.uk

Click on ‘comments’ to let us know what you think of Megan’s work.

Monthly Montage: Lighting

Today’s posting is the first of a new regular feature, which is a look at all things fabulous!  This month I’ll be taking a look at some exciting and delightful lighting designs.

Damselfly: Pretty iridescent dragonflies with beaded garland Downlighter

Formed in 2007, Stormfauna is a partnership between Linda Lines and Zara McConnell.  Together they are creating innovative concepts and designs inspired by “the beauty of nature and the interplay of light with the environment, and art and texture”.

Their whimsical and feminine designs remind me of fairytales and the innocence of youth and are a stunning and modern take on the traditional chandelier.

The Lightstrings Collection, designed by Stormfauna for Aimbry, pays close attention to detail and is a creation of undulating shapes that form wonderfully decorative yet contemporary lighting solutions.  The collection uses laser-finished, jewelled Polymer Fibre Optics; each string illuminates and is cut and carefully positioned to create magical and truly unique designs.

Lightstrings is available in three different forms: The Pendant with Retro fit shade (in Duck Egg, Mocha, and Ivory), the Portable, and the Magnetic Downlighter Add-on.

Firefly: Filigree laser-cut butterfly silk shade with beautiful feather butterflies and iridescent beaded garland Pendant light

Portable Firefly

This striking ’portable’ design can be hung, draped, or arranged in a glass vase creating a simple but stunning effect.  Fabulous as table centrepieces at dinner parties, or perfect in children’s bedrooms as a magical light feature.

In complete contrast are the evocative designs from Brand van Egmond.  Architect, William Brand, and Sculptor, Annet van Egmond are the founders and creative force of the brand and their hand-crafted collection includes ‘prêt-à-porter’ lamps as well as ‘haute couture’ pieces.  William and Annet are “passionate about creating new and inspired lighting sculptures free from any limitations”.

In 2006 their Flower Power collection was selected by Spanish architect and designer Patricia Urquiola for the Design Yearbook of 2007.  The collection “breaks with the tradition of hand-crafting wires of steel.  The cutting of steel plates into flowery shapes, led to the design.  The flowing, seventies shapes are set-off against large black, white and transparent icicles, creating an exciting and sexy spectacle for the eye”.

The Love You Love You Not collection is quirkily described as “an explosion of laughter, a shower of tears … the thin line between love gained and love lost … black, white … love you, love you not!”  Iron forms the foundation for most of their designs; curved, curled and tangled around lightbulbs and crystal.  However there is something beautifully poignant about this particular design; the intricate, delicately curved petals formed from this tough raw material is strangely appealing.  Absolute statement pieces.

The Jeeves and Wooster by Jake Phipps

Jake Phipps originally trained as a cabinetmaker and began his career designing and making one-off pieces of furniture by commission.  He now specialises in creating fabulously authentic objects designed “specifically to produce an affecting response with effortless functionality, playful aesthetics, and a natural elegance”.  And what better example than these pendant lights created from authentic Bowler and Top hats, both classic, British, cultural icons reflecting a bygone era of imperialism, class divide, and eccentricity!  The Jeeves and Wooster feature a black wool felt exterior with either a gold or silver lining.  Great fun pieces that would look super cool as a cluster.

We end with a look at some of the creations by the celebrated Tom Dixon, a personal favourite who’s über cool style (he has designed interiors for Jean Paul Gaultier and Vivienne Westood!) impresses every time.  I absolutely L O V E the Copper Shade Pendant light and the Pipe Pendant light in white and lilac (also available in a trés sexy black and gold).

Copper Shade Pendant Light

Pipe Pendant Light

The 'Beat' Light

A new collection entitled Industry will be launched at Super Studio Più in April as part of Milan Design Week.  ‘Void’ will be among the new products launched; an amazing piece of lighting made of double-walled spun metal available in solid copper, brass and stainless steel.

Void

We’re always keen to hear the views and opinions of our readers, leave us a comment if you’ve been inspired by the designs featured in today’s posting, we look forward to hearing from you

Tips on Designing A Company Logo

All good design companies will tell you the same basic rule to follow:

“Think, Re-think and Review… & then design ONCE”

Look as far into the future as you can with regard to your company, the image of it you want and the message your logo should convey.  If you can imagine 10 years into the future it would be ideal and therefore an aspiration for your logo design project.

Don’t be tempted to get too gimmicky or focus on a fast fashion trend – such influences will pass and could date your design far earlier than you would want.

A well designed logo will identify the company and maybe even is the company; think of examples such as the Nike tick – it is the major part of the company’s identity.  A logo should help build the image the company wants in the minds of its customers and prospects.  The Nike tick is telling us all that they are the right choice; their products are the right ones for us; they are correct in every way etc.

So when you consider your logo design remember that for it to be a success it must as a minimum deliver your message,  be recognizable, memorable and it should be suitable for production in all the materials you might want it in as well as suit all media types.  A successful logo looks good as a stand alone message: it will attract attention and work for your company 24/7  delivering ‘The Message’ consistently.  Later you will read more about this point but with your company logo you must set and achieve consistency and continuity.

There is a difference between ‘looking good’ and ‘looking right.’  One is the aim and the other is desirable, but getting the balance correct is essential.  Right from the outset you must appreciate the importance of your company’s identity and must cater for the present business position and the one you are aiming for.  Rushing the process without considerable thought on this point will prove to be an expensive error.  

If you don’t yet have a long term business plan you don’t yet need a logo because you cannot know what it should say.  If you have no view of the future of your business, where it is going to and with whom as customers – again you have not yet reached the point of needing a logo.  When you have developed a strategic plan and view of your business you have also given yourself a clear vision of its image. 

When you have this with absolute clarity you are ready to embark on designing a logo.  If you can you should now employ a professional Graphic Designer.  If not then consider questions such as these to get you started:

• What is the image of the company you want the customers to have?
• Can that image be represented in a logo consisting of words, pictures, or does it need both?

You then need to spend time getting things like colour, font, size and graphics right and don’t decide alone – go get prospective customers, suppliers and colleagues thoughts. If they don’t get what you meant to send as the message maybe you haven’t got it right yet? Make sure you have thought about how, where and on what your logo will be used (don’t forget to consider the future) and then design one that will adapt to all of these.  There is no point designing a text logo with so may words that it is impossible to fit it legibly onto a company pen – if pens are an essential part of your product/service offer.  Nor having a very tall/narrow logo if it is to be used on the side of small vans. 

Key point:  Always use and place your logo in the same way and never compromise, or allow others to compromise in this.  Changing the look and/or position of your logo will present inconsistency and that will bring confusion; and that will bring failure.  Never ignore this advice due to time, cost or effort because if you do, you might as well not bother in the first place.

The Scarlet Promise

A short posting today; at our monthly Board meeting last week we decided it was high time Scarlet Opus promoted the values we are all so passionate about.

We are proud to present to you today, the Scarlet Opus core values …

The Scarlet Promise

• To always work with Integrity; if we say we’re going to do it, we will do it.
• Positivity and Enthusiasm.  If we are able, we will find a solution.
• To be open and honest with complete Transparency; if you want to know, we want to tell you.
• To conduct our business in an Environmentally Friendly manner.  We will use our resources to the maximum and keep waste to a minimum.