Maybe it’s just the spring weather here in New York, but we’re beginning to see a sunny future for the media as new titles and property extensions are cropping up across the luxury landscape.  The economy is starting to show small signs of recovery, luxury media ad page counts are up in Q1, and we think the… read more>>

In 1984, as part of his re-election campaign, Ronald Reagan ran a now-famous commercial titled “It’s morning again in America,” which was written and narrated by legendary adman Hal Riney.  The spot, which in a very soothing and optimistic manner spoke to economic prosperity, was in short a hit, and while it did not single handedly re-elect… read more>>

The Cartier brand has a lot to be proud of after 165 years, and their recent short film is no exception. Not only is it gorgeous and a testament to luxury goods branding but it is unusually strategically sound for a category where often we get lost in beauty (and why not?). So what’s the big fuss… read more>>

So there I was just minding my own business trying to read an ArtInfo (now brought to you by Blouin) piece on the 2013 budget proposal for NEA (National Endowment for the Arts) when a Mr. Porter (men’s Net-a-Porter) skyscraper banner caught my eye. Was it the handsome man, the clean art direction, his name, or just the… read more>>

Love is in the air … at least according to the latest from American Express.  Affluent consumers are expected to spend $281 million this Valentine’s Day, up 18% from last year. 57% of affluent shoppers are expected to buy gifts, with the usual most popular items prevailing, such as flowers (29%), gift cards (19%), jewelry (15%) and… read more>>

Well now that the smoke has cleared and it’s just a mild haze (blue not purple) I suppose it’s time to weigh in on the events of last night.  If only the commercials lived up to the game – but wait one (or some) did.  As far as everything else, well it was pretty typical save for… read more>>

One of the biggest and most interesting challenges faced by luxury brands participating in digital and social media is maintaining the balance of brand value (exclusivity, personal attention, impeccable quality) and the nature of social media (democratic, participatory, fast and reactive). On one hand, these principles seem to operate at opposite ends of the spectrum, driving conflicts… read more>>

As the media landscape continues to fragment, segment and overflow with new platforms that supposedly connect, inform, stimulate, and motivate us, it can’t help but feel that we are prime for a backlash.  Especially in the luxury market, some are arguing, where brands are built on aspiration, allure and carefully crafted image, the onslaught of social media… read more>>