AH LUXURY.

2009 luxury

2008-12-10T06:15:00.000Z

On to every brand professional’s favorite topic (or so it seems at times): The Future of Luxury. How will luxury brands fare in 2009? What will define luxury over the next few years? The answer to a large degree is, ‘luxury will be whatever you want it to be’. After all, what constitutes luxury is closely related to what constitutes scarcity. And while scarcity in traditional consumer societies was for decades defined by the biggest, the best, and the most expensive 'items', the consumer arena in 2009 shows a bewildering number of 'scarcities', some of them invented purely to overcome the abundance now found in traditional sectors. More than ever, scarcity is in the eye of the beholder, especially those beholders who are desperately trying to be unique.

So in 2009, instead of worrying about missing out on the next big thing in luxury, focus on defining it. Declare that the end is nigh for anything that’s getting a little too affordable, too accessible, or just too well-known. Then introduce something very different (if not the opposite), appealing to the in-crowds ready to jump ship anyway. Two fun and very 'now' examples from the hospitality industry:

* Named after the ‘rough luxury’ trend that was coined by the hotel’s owner, Rabih Age, Rough Luxe is a new London hotel with small, funky rooms, some of which share a bathroom, while also offering fine wines, plush bedlinen, carefully curated art, and top-notch personal service. From their site: “Rough Luxe is a new way of looking at luxury as part of time and not only part of an object of consumption. Luxury is an enriching personal experience and not only an ownership or consumption of an expensive object. Therefore, the Rough Luxe definition of luxury is: time for reflection, personal encounters with people, nature, architecture and environment as well as food and social and cultural experiences linked to geographic locations.”
* Along the same lines, though a little bit more ‘Deluxe Bohemian’ than ‘Rough’, is the soon-to-be-opened Ace Hotel New York. Its ‘resourceful rehab’ approach will include (re-upholstered) furniture from salvage shops and flea markets.

Want something to play with? How about DISCREET-CHIC? RECESSION-CHIC? FRUGALITY-CHIC? UNDERSTATED-CHIC? Or anything that's commissioned? Access? Secrets? Stories? Time with one's loved ones? Time for oneself? All things local? Peace and quiet, if not escape? Eco-friendly? Human-friendly? Caring? Empathy? PERKONOMICS? Craft? Friends? Having a larger-than-life perspective? Households of six or more? Eccentricity? Appointment-only? Opinionated? PREMIUMIZATION? Fuck You Money? Philanthropy? Bespoke? Knowledge? Skills? Health? Etiquette? Or a mix of any of these?

Whatever angle you may go for, luxury in 2009 will comprise much, much more than ostentatiously flaunting wealth (which, by the way, will still enjoy considerable popularity among emerging middle classes around the world). Find the right (status) trigger for the right audience, then coin it and build on it. This one is all yours. Downturn or upturn.

>THE MACHO OFF ROADER CONCEPT

2008-02-07T04:31:00.001Z

The Oltre Fiat is a massive - its nearly five metres long and over two metres tall with a two tonne payload - go absolutely anywhere, anytime vehicle features what the Italians call "exuberant styling" and what anyone on the West Coast of the USA would call serious Bling - one of the evidence of new macho. a recently new targeting positioning for the men's market. One of the similar example is the Hummer.

This is almost against my proof in the New Macho of our era. To recap, my new macho is almost showing off but not telling, not loud and not too homosexual but same time not afraid to be doubt on their sexuality as a homo or straight - they are comfortable of who they are. there is a hidden luxury in men's style. while in this example is another scene of showing off the typical masculinity of men. A bigger than life masculinity. however, there is something in common of my creation, is the combination of such and a hidden luxury. as in the box of my necklaces, it's a bigger than life design while the diamond necklace which supposed to wear at front side back, is a way of a whisper of ownership.

Testing with the Editors

2008-01-02T19:53:00.002Z

Hong Kong meeting Editors - not for my brand but understanding what they think.

below are the Magazine Line up:-
Elle magazine
Amy magazine
Cosmopolitan (trying to arrange it still)
Jessica
Men Uno

Planning for Testing

2007-12-22T10:37:00.000Z

trying to set up different way to test my market. at different location, different presentation, and different atmosphere - to test if people percieve luxurious design different given it's the same design.

planning in actions. am in London now but will head to HK to do the first one.

> Applied for Fast Track

2007-12-20T05:30:00.000Z

Did some reasearch on what events/elements/function/program can help on my research and discovery/testing of my artifact, I found few of them, one quite interesting one is the Jewelry Award School by Camden ,another one is Fast Track Program by Innovation Centre. I applied to both, but am more incline to the latter one. It's an intensive program run over 2-3 months time from mid Jan2008 which gives personal and professional development for creative business. In my interpretation, it's a incubation program for creative individuals who is thinking, anaylzing, researching or even continuing their own creative ventures. am interested.

> MY THANK YOU

2007-12-04T02:53:00.001Z

I WOULD LOVE TO EXTEND MY GRATITUDE TO PEOPLE BELOW FOR INSPIRATIONS, CREATIVE INPUT, COLLABORATIONS AND SUPPORT,

PAUL COLBECK, CSM TUTOR
FUNG LI, ART DIRECTOR, LEO BURNETT HK
KWANG SU KIM, GRAPHIC/WEB DESIGNER
GIANDANIELE ASQUINI, INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER
DANNY ROOSTY WOOLSTON, FREELANCE COPYWRITER
MY FAMILY- HM LAM, HELEN CHEUNG, RITA LAM
HANS CHOI, JEWELER
VICTORIA JOHNSTON, ACTRESS
LARENT TEK
EDWIN LIU
NANCY LEUNG
KELVIN LAM
DANIEL YUSUP
FERGAL NOLAN
STELLA CHAN
SANDY WONG
MARCEL FUNG
MIKE WALSH
JOYCE KWOK

> MADS FINAL SYNOPSIS

2007-11-29T15:48:00.000Z

“Ah. Luxury.”

"When will men stop and think of luxury on the neckline?"

What leads to a change of taste? When will men decided to trade up? And, what is the definition of the always-changing idea of luxury that we all aspire?

Noticing the missing of luxurious jewelry on men’s necklines, the fact that they are mostly shy about showing off – a prosperity denial mentality and dislike to be related to ideas they despise, e.g. heals; makeup, diamonds, etc., I drew a mid-way conclusion as well as an assumption, “Men may like to have luxury on their necklines but are not able to embrace the idea itself”.

Carole Forêt - a luxurious necklace label for men using diamond and gold/platinum - a “high resistance” category- was created intentionally to challenge and explore “what is luxury”, “at what point men will stop and trade up to the luxurious platform”.

By first created 2 different sets of name cards, I challenged a new concept of luxury. Feedbacks from tests confirmed that luxury extended further than the product itself but a higher personal aspiration of being alive. Based on this, prototypes of necklaces, packaging and most importantly a presentation, which goes against today’s store concept and ecommerce - private viewing sessions on an intimate one on one basis were developed as my final artifact.

From the results of my final testing, I believe today, in the homogenization leading to disintegrating identities, in the disconnections through digital space in which we are losing the sense of life, men secretly return to a desire of themselves. Luxury, brings back values, dimensions of ourselves and the simple basic feeling of being alive with senses wild open. It is an intimate, sophisticated, hidden pleasure one has been chasing. It chases other than what is disclosed, get out of the fiction of what most people define it. It is the certainty of the experience’s uniqueness, perhaps it is the voice telling never-heard stories, it is the perfume we never experienced, it is the connections that penetrate the pureness of beings, It’s the engagement of the non repetitive. It is never a surplus, it is the rare thing.

While men don't like to be related to things they don't feel home, re-engaging men to a different environment possibly breaks the stubbornness of their rooted habitual perception of such item and they are happy to take on a new angle in their way.

Carefully control the way in communicating luxury through design which provides the awareness of deserving and self-definition, it allows design to act as a medium to connect men to their aspiration, an opportunity to reconstruct oneself by “acquiring meanings”. It doesn’t have to be confined by visual/store display; it can go further as in experience uniqueness. At this point then, will be a huge step closer to have them stop and desire such medium, despite their habitual behaviors, beliefs and mentalities are still considered quite a resistance to a change of taste.

> TO CHANGE THIER TASTE

2007-11-29T01:15:00.000Z

While men don't like to be related to things they don't feel home, re-engaging men to a different environment possibly breaks the stubbornness of their rooted habitual perception of the item and they are happy to take on a new angle in their way.

Carefully control the way in communicating luxury through design which provides the awareness of deserving and self-definition, it allows design to act as a medium to connect men to their aspiration, an opportunity to reconstruct oneself by “acquiring meanings”. e.g. I believe strongly, in some designs, by not showing the product to viewer at the first contact but provide a "feeling/meaning" to the brand/product will have a more powerful desire than showing designs at the first place.

Way of such communication NEED NOT BE confined by visual/store display nor limited by Ecommerce; it can go further as in experience with human interaction that such total experience construct a new connection between the product and the audience effortlessly, ephemerally . At this point then, will be a huge step closer to have men stop and desire such medium, despite their habitual behaviors, beliefs and mentalities are still considered quite a resistance to a change of taste.

> DESIRE DESIRES DESIRE

2007-11-29T00:14:00.000Z

I believe today, in the homogenization leading to disintegrating identities, in the disconnections through digital space in which we are losing the sense of life, men secretly return to a desire of themselves. Luxury, brings back values, dimensions of ourselves and the simple basic feeling of being alive with senses wild open. It is a desire of having the feeling at the right place on a conscious ground. It is an intimate, sophisticated, hidden pleasure one has been chasing. It chases other than what is disclosed, get out of the fiction of what most people define it. It is the certainty of the experience’s uniqueness, perhaps it is the voice telling never-heard stories, it is the perfume we never experienced, it is the connections that penetrate the pureness of beings, It’s the engagement of the non repetitive. It is never a surplus, it is the rare thing. It is the spiritual and inspirational.

> SOMETHING DANGEROUS

2007-11-28T02:49:00.000Z

decided exhibition will be using this method.

it's risky, as most of us (MADS) are showing everything, the work, the result, video, graphics and the end product, while I am not showing anything. but such idea is to pin point what's luxury is the about and with this, men may stop and think of luxury and lead to change of taste:

exclusivity
chasing the rare
private human 1 on 1 experience
to acquire time, engaged with someone willing to spend time
a connection that we may be loosing
and the extension of the product to aspiration (so by not showing it, tells the key is not the product itself)

and I think this is fun , like a joke, that someone is expecting to see something in an expo but you see nothing.

either viewer in exhibition either get it or don't

I just feel like this is what I'd like to do. as in Oscar Wilde said, "An idea that is not dangerous is unworthy of being called an idea at all. "

> LOGO ON BOXES

2007-11-27T16:03:00.000Z

> i, I, II PROTOTYPE - IT'S ALL GOOD

2007-11-27T15:26:00.000Z

revised prototype received from jeweler finally. i, I, II.
things look OK, diamonds are now constructed in a vertical alignment now which gives masculinity
serial number and all engraved well.

> BOXES RECIEVED

2007-11-27T03:17:00.001Z

black glossy box - very beautifully made, magnet, velvet cushion, black on black printing, exactly what I want. except, the holding of necklace is too wide.

white glossy box - so beautiful. however, may leave to later use. too gay, less assurance and less detached to the preconception of necklace. Need to break the habitual thoughts of necklace-gay relations

leather box - beautiful leather but need fine adjustment. will work on it.

asked around, tested : men picked leather, women, picked glossy black more in glossy white.

> WATCHED A FILM ABOUT ME, ME AND ME

2007-11-27T01:19:00.000Z

a fascinating inspiriting film. about how some think and want in life these days. about being lost, disconnection and loneliness , about struggling with desire.
ABSOLUTELY FUNNY.

> THE DROWNING PIG

2007-11-26T23:33:00.000Z

From "Who I Am and What I want" one scene quoted
"Before I die, there are still something I want, I've been so far a stranger of responsibilities, but I like to change that"

-> this attitude shows men's desire to give, to do some good, to help the pig while they didn't, only standing there, laughing at the drowning pig
->"to be responsible" = "what I want" "men's aspiration". This to me, is actually acting out of "selflessness" too, but this selfishness of giving, to help, give pleasure to one's self definition; in a way, that can be interpreted as "selfishly fulfilling ourself by helping others." compassion out of selfishness. well.. but who cares, as long as it helps whom suffer.

-----> Anti Slavery act injected into Carole Foret(or other charity act) can act as mean to such self aspiration while the end result is to help the less fortunate. I LIKE THIS IDEA.

and very importantly, I BELIEVE IN HUMANITY, COMPASSION AND LOVE IN BEINGS, ANY BEINGS, including stairs, sand and water. I like to share such mind

> CARD PRINT OUT - BUT WITH PROBLEMS

2007-11-26T04:20:00.000Z

color of 2 design are off and need to be reprinted. sending DHL of the 3 good ones to London and reprint the 2. so 2 will be missing.. not good but at least a few for exhibition.

>TESTING, PRIVATE VIEWING III

2007-11-26T02:12:00.000Z

profile and feedbacks as follow:

profession: a couple. entrepreneur(male) work in bank (female)
age:30 (male), 33 (female)
location: at cocoon
date and time: 11 Nov 07, 7 pm
duration of meeting: 20 mins
habits on necklace usage, budget: never wear necklace
other accessories they own: cuff links and family ring
feedback: very interested. guy especially like the cross.
2 days later: girl bought the cross (II) secretly as Xmas gift for the boyfriend.

> WWW.CAROLEFORET.CO.UK - PRELUDE

2007-11-21T19:59:00.000Z

Been trying to work with Kwang Su Kim from CSM on site, but haven't been delivered except this, but this is a movie clip did on south ken
idea : awaiting, flying ribbon as in freedom and time.

waiting for further work done.

> TO GIVE - ANTI SLAVERY

2007-11-21T19:08:00.000Z

have been looking for a few non profit charity organizations that I may like to donate part of the profit from Carole Foret to. company that have been contacting and understanding further is : ActionAid, Anti Slavery international, Whitebread etc.

2 motives:
1. personal reason: I care, and there are people out there not doing very well. to give another channel for people to donate.

2. we all living one small world, compassion is important. at least raising awareness of it is a start. having luxurious possession doesn't contradict in being compassionate and giving hand to the needed. they are not mutually exclusive as some may argue.

finally confirm Anti slavery is the one I'd like to work with as I care alot about Child labor esp in China and Trafficking. confirmed by the Charity that I can use the logo and help promoting.

> THE ESSENTIAL DALAI LAMA

2007-11-21T18:50:00.001Z

AM READING THIS BOOK ...

> EXHIBITION DESIGN - IDEA 3

2007-11-20T05:51:00.000Z

SHOWING THE CONCEPT OF DIAMONDS FACE IS NOT FACING OUTWARDS - HIDDEN TREASURE. AND USING MIRROR TO REFLECT IT IN ORDER TO VIEW THEM.

> EXHIBITION DESIGN - IDEA 2

2007-11-20T05:28:00.000Z

Idea/reasoning:
to deliver the conclusion of my artifact: luxury is about exclusivity, privacy, chasing the rare, engaging in an experience and back to the one on one, human interaction in real space.

viewer expecting something to be viewed in exhibition, however, "private viewing appointment only" deliver such conclusion just right and crisp.

a telephone number on the plate - if anyone call, the necklace can be viewed. effort need to be paid to engage.

ORIGINAL IDEA.. BUT SUGGESTED TO USE IDEA 1. WILL ASK AROUND.

> EXHIBITION DESIGN - IDEA 1

2007-11-20T05:01:00.001Z

Idea/reasoning:
to deliver the conclusion of my artifact: luxury is about exclusivity, privacy, chasing the rare, engaging in an experience and back to the one on one, human interaction in real space.

By showing the box, viewer will open, expecting something as in a accessories which give away by the box, but the absent of necklace with "private viewing appointment only" deliver the conclusion just right and crisp.

a telephone number on the plate - if anyone call, the necklace can be viewed. effort need to be paid to engage.

HIGHER INCLINATION OF THIS EXHIBITION DESIGN. BUT WILL REVIEW.

> EXHIBITION DESIGN

2007-11-19T04:57:00.000Z

created few exhibition ideas:

A. men wearing necklace and being film everyday

B. a display of necklace (final product) with no diamond showing, a mirror reflecting the reflection

C. a placement on the wall
"TRUE LUXURY IS WHEN PLEASURE, QUALITY, PRIVACY AND EXCLUSIVITY ALL COME TOGETHER
SLOW DOWN AND BOOK A PRIVATE VIEWING SECTION WITH CAROLE FORET TO VIEW THE LAUNCH COLLECTION

THE ONLY WAY WE OFFER TO THE CAROLE FORET’S EXPERIENCE"

> RECIEVING A DESIGN DRAFT BY GIANDA

2007-11-19T04:51:00.000Z

designer from a grad of MAID, after meeting, and discussion,
a design draft of packaging is received.

> HAPPINESS BY MATTHIEU RICARD

2007-11-18T21:46:00.000Z

Finished this book in june but revisited just today again "a guide to developing life's most important skill" - Happiness

some inspiration from it..

DESIRE
desire, cannot express itself without a mental representation
desire embellishes the objects on which it rests its wings of fire

SUKHA
the joy of being alive, the conviction that we still have the ability to flourish, the understanding of the ephemeral nature of all things

EMOTION
positive emotion strengthen the clarity of our thinking and the accuracy of our reasoning, since they are based on a more accurate appreciation of reality
when you extend a friendly hand, you cannot make a fist

THOUGHTS
nothing is right outside because nothing is right inside
knot in our chest is the result of mental constructs, as they accumulate and solidify, give the illusion of being external and real. it is provided by an exacerbated sense of self importance.

I
i think therefore i am - Descartes
the self as a mental and verbal destination, merely an idea
self emerge when we combine "I" the experience of present moment , with the "person", the continuity of our existence

FREEDOM
spontaneity is a precious quality as long as it is not confused by mental chaos

EGO
an affective reaction to our field of experience, a mental withdrawal based on fear - Han de Wit

SIMPLICITY
our life is frittered away by detail.. simplify , simplify" - American moralist Henry David Thoreau

HAPPINESS
the happiest man is he who has no trace of malice in his soul - plato

> CONCLUSION FROM TESTING ARTIFACT

2007-11-18T04:22:00.000Z

Feedbacks of the final artifact were a mixed, also surprises.

• Audience enjoyed the individual experience of meeting despite taking them time out to perform such viewing. the experience one develop connections with the product, the feeling, touching, trying out and connecting with the designer

--> luxury - an intimate, sophisticated, hidden pleasure one has been chasing. it chases other than what’s disclosed, get out of the fiction of what most people define it. it’s the certainty of the experience’s uniqueness..

• Idea of diamond necklace is not as repulsive as they used to perceive. as they voiced it is not bling bling/hiphop style.
--> men don't like to related to things they don't feel rooted. That showed re-engage men to a different environment (e.g. by images etc) possibly breaks the stubbornness of their rooted habitual perception of similar item and they are happy to receive a new angle their way.

• To all, hidden diamond (having diamonds on the back) seems controversial, also, a “wow” or "ah, cool" factor
--> perhaps it’s the voice telling never-heard stories, it’s the perfume we never experienced, it’s the look that penetrates pure courses

• 3 out of 6 despite enjoyed the viewing experience, they insisted on spending same amount of money on watches instead
--> Men’s habitual behaviors, believes and mentalities are still considered quite a resistance to change of taste, but I believe time may be a factor to allow a slower transition.

• all love the limited production and serial number - despite is not new, it was perceived as very preferable.
--> luxury is not about surplus, it's more about rare things on world.

• unexplained numbers on pendant raised curiosity. the "I", the "750", the "10 29 51"

• 2 out of 6 non-experienced users were very interested to acquire 1 of the pieces. They found it exclusive, surprising, a self-enhancement and pleasuring
--> Men do stop and think of luxury chain when given a preferable situation and identity. Luxury can be the awareness of deserving and self definition through the right medium

> QUOTE FROM EURENSBERGER

2007-11-18T04:10:00.000Z

The journalist Eurensberger says on “der Spiegel” that those who live luxuriously are those who have the means that will progressively lack… i.e.: Time – Autonomy – Space – Peace – Silence – Healthy Environment.

> WHITE BOX PROTOTYPE (PHOTO REC'D) - GLOSS/LEATHER

2007-11-17T09:05:00.000Z

> BLACK BOX PROTOTYPE MADE (PHOTO REC'D) - GLOSS/LEATHER

2007-11-17T06:42:00.000Z

> ANOTHER DESIGN DRAFT - MY OWN

2007-11-15T16:13:00.000Z

> CREATETHE.COM

2007-11-14T01:52:00.000Z

a full service interactive agency for luxury, fashion and retail brands
they made Prada, Miu Miu, Bottega, Calvin Klein, Bulgari etc.
looking into pages they create to see how people layout sites.

> MET WITH ANOTHER WEB DESIGNER

2007-11-14T01:35:00.000Z

met with another web designer sharing :

new ideas icons generations method
2.5-D media presentation
kular.com
my web idea
his style, abilities

he will draft something these few days for the main web design. will meet Thurs and later the week for further development

> NEW MACHO ARTICLES

2007-11-13T07:01:00.000Z

>TESTING, PRIVATE VIEWING II.b

2007-11-12T05:26:00.000Z

profile and feedbacks as follow:

profession: self employed media consultant, partying as professional as well
age:31
location: online, skype
date and time: 11 Nov 07, 7 pm
duration of our presenting: 20 mins
habits on necklace usage, budget: never wear necklace, but silver bracelet and family ring
other accessories they own: silver bracelet and family ring
feedback: very interested. asked for prices. would love to own one(he is metro sexual, self obsess).

>TESTING, PRIVATE VIEWING II.a

2007-11-11T05:38:00.000Z

profession: shoe maker, own factory in china, well traveled
age:33
location: online, skype
date and time: 10Nov 07, 8 pm
duration of our presenting:15 mins
habits on necklace usage, budget: doesnt wear accessories
other accessories they own: only watches
feedback: 1st question: asked for prices. very interested but may not consider buying, however, suggested if its face to face experience where he can see and touch and have time to experience it will be a great experience and may think differently.

> MET WITH MAID

2007-11-10T17:17:00.000Z

met with giandaniele. industrial designer from last year MAID.
chatted about ideas on boxes and packaging overall @ royal exchange. will have input idea draft on wed.

> PROTOTYPE - F VS B

2007-11-10T16:51:00.000Z

>FRONT

>BACK

Decision has been made on the sides for the front and back. back as with diamond in touch with skin instead of the typical showing off way - a hidden luxury. however, it's up to user's preference. is not a pushing style.

>INNER PACKAGING - THE TOUCH, THE SENSES

2007-11-08T05:03:00.000Z

met with Lim, from BA in LSF. brainstormed idea on inner packaging based on box designed. purpose is to add additional functionality, but also casual and beneficial to jet setter.

using of silk (?) - is it the softness, the finest, the touch! that bring us back to the simple feeling of senses. - WILL THIS BE A SMALLER STEP FORWARD TO MAKE MEN STOP AND THINK OF LUXURY?

> WEB - PRELUDE -2

2007-11-07T03:29:00.000Z

1. flash from white to black - fast
2. video and flash out "Carole Foret" (reference at :http://tomford.com/en/ beginning page)
3. click into a "square" shape next to Carole Foret, go to -
4. a quote slowly flash out, "to be seen in December" also another "square" shape to click on and go to
5. "Book an private appointment today"(which link to mail) in London to view the Carole Foret's collection prior to it's public launch.

> VIDEO MAKING - 1ST DRAFT

2007-11-07T02:10:00.000Z

www.caroleforet.co.uk

first page is completed. critique from Paul C.:
can be more than 1 page to feel completed from a user point of view
low contrast is the new form of photography - attract more attention

so action: create more than 1 page. may alter video.

> PACKAGING - INNER BOX PROTOTYPE

2007-11-07T01:15:00.000Z

after long discussion with Lim and Kim, found out if there is no crack in the inner lining of the box, necklace will fly here and there. so decided to make a crack so necklace can sit still as shown in the design draft.

>WEB IDEAS - TECHNICALS

2007-11-06T05:25:00.000Z

> TESTING - PRIVATE VIEWING I

2007-11-06T04:34:00.000Z

TESTED my products with 3 different target individuals past few days
way of presenting:
- private one on one
- not pushing , not a sale but introduce only when they ask
- present as I am the creator
- presenting: box, black velvet lining, 3 designs of necklaces, mock up business card, serial numbers on each piece, limited editions

profile and feedbacks as follow:

profession: banker
age:27
location: liberty cafe 2nd floor
date and time: 3 Nov 07, 6.30pm
duration of our presenting: 30 mins
habits on necklace usage, budget: yes, around 100 pounds silver
other accessories they own: cufflinks and luxury watch(rolex)
feedback: interested. looks good, simple, but may not consider the diamond disc design.

profession: architect
age:27
location: sketch, new conduit street
date and time: 4 Nov 07, 8PM
duration of our presenting: 40 mins
habits on necklace usage, budget: not really
other accessories they own: cufflinks
feedback: stylish but would prefer black necklaces. diamonds is fine but don't think will spend on diamonds, however, don't think this is blink and traditional. he may prefer pendant on the side instead of the traditional at the bottom.

profession: entrepreneur
age: 35
location: Berkerley Hotel, south Kensington
date and time: 4Nov 07, 3pm
duration of our presenting: 25 mins
habits on necklace usage, budget: never
other accessories they own: cuff links and luxury watch(Tag H)
feedback: never think of wearing jewelry, no rings, no necklaces. however, tried on few times, and would love to buy it. prefer diamond disc and the cross.

> VIDEO MAKING

2007-11-05T05:12:00.000Z

met with Kwang-su in Knightbridge - Harrolds.
try to find a good size box and ribbon to shoot around the area
spend 2 hours finding a box. can't find a black glossy one - as mock up is on the way, and need a larger size, ended up using a prada shoe box.

at first: shot on mid road, however, too many traffics
the end: shot few video with box(and ribbon) on black ground in front of a shop. with man made wind, to fly the ribbon.

outcome: not as the way we imagined but still good. will produce a 1 page prelude site tonight.

> WEB COLLABORATING, CHANGE OF LOGO DESIGN

2007-11-04T04:02:00.000Z

met with webdesigner Kwang-su, Kim
brainstorm on web prelude
suprise of meeting: he suggested <span style="font-weight:bold;">a lower case with fonts "perpetua" instead of Opitma all upper case.
REASONS: length of "carole foret" fits better with lower case, serif looks more elegant and luxurious.
CONCERNS: website planning to use all uppercase, so logo may not match, also all words are planned to use Arial (san serif) to give men disconnect to gay/feminine relations to necklace, this may

DECISION: to disconnect feminine connections to necklace can use other method to overcome, also, site stil use Arial uppercase, so less compromise

run the risk of reminding them and lead to not change of taste

so now, my name cards, box mock up has to stop for changing logo if I'd like to. time consuming and postponing delivery. however, a good point to consider.

on web: after 2 hours of discussion on few proposed idea, final: will use a video instead of initial construction.
video: black box with black ribbon, shooted on street, with ribbon flying.

will meet sunday

> THE OLD WAYS

2007-11-02T07:09:00.000Z

the abundance of e-commerce, mega store ebay seems to be the way to go now.

Thinking back in the old days, buying/selling involved the actual meeting up at a meeting place, either a shop or a location. customer engaged in the experience in touching, examining, understanding and trying on the product. It involved physically at same place together, involves senses and human interaction. a little similar to the operation of shops these days.

however, the different of shops vs the one just mentioned, probably is the homogeneity of what is being provided now. sales stand at the counter, and sell to customer instead of being a 1 on 1, face to face personal encounter. even LV in HK, you don't get much respect and time from a sale.

my experience engaging in the viewing of arm revolution (only because their e-commerce site is not ready yet), inspired me. the connection build from such engaging 1 on 1 experience is somehow one hardly get it from stores. it's something that I tried and felt that was so precious that gave me little surprises and story to tell. an experience that stays and live with the product for a long time.

can designers bring back similar "traditional yet can be inventive way of meeting the product" to our "modern" and "efficient" digital intense world, is it too impractical to even try?

To me, this is Luxurious.

> STORY OF A SMALL VILLAGE

2007-11-02T06:30:00.000Z

South Korea has 33.9 million internet users, the highest number of broadband connections per capita in the world, and is a leader in Third Generation (3G) mobile technology. Its ports are home to the three largest shipbuilding companies in the world – Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Hyundai Heavy Industries. Evidence of its manufacturing boom can be found all over the country in the form of factories, warehouses and the haze that is the unavoidable result of such swift industrial expansion.

Yet, this small community – of 100-plus villagers – continues to defend traditional principles in order to escape from the turmoil of a hectically paced modern world. Dressed in traditional clothing, they spend their lives studying, meditating and gathering food.

The community ascribes to an unusual philosophy that is a fusion of Confucian, Buddhist and Christian teachings, with a strong underlying dose of Tonghak, a 19th-century religion that emerged at the time of Korean peasant liberation movement in the 1890s.

They are as passionate as ever about clinging to their traditional existence, because they believe emphatically that it is their route to paradise. But perhaps for them, paradise on earth is already here; in the form of an uncomplicated way of life, surrounded by the lush natural beauty of the Jirisan Mountains.

> PRIVATE VIEWING ONLY

2007-11-02T01:53:00.000Z

to answer my own questions of "can we bring back human experience" "what is luxury" and my answering to "“Luxury” is a self-definition, a regaining life energy, the experience of it chases other than what’s disclosed, and looks for simple, intimate, hidden pleasures. (biarritz inspiration-not everyone can have it, it's the rare experience that counts) finding and engaging in the things we lack, time, space, connections and peace.

from these, I would like to design my artifact, not only the product itself where the name card designed to project a "simple life" "area for imagination" space that help to relate them away from preconception of a necklace but on top of that,

artifact will be ABANDONING THE IDEA OF SHOPS, NEITHER PHYSICAL NOR ONLINE. It will be another experience that involves 1 on 1 face to face private viewing by appointment only. A human connection to the product to the designer with the audiences. it's physical, sensorial and direct. it's extravagant as it's costly (HAHA, that's why no one is really doing it these days) but I believe it this is the luxury one can provide to entice and build immediate connection with the product by touching, feeling, trying, that, such extra connection will make audience bonded (like injecting their own DNA into it) with the item. paying extra effort to get an appointment. it's about chasing the rare.

> WEB/PACKAGING COLLABORATORS

2007-11-01T05:24:00.000Z

Post an ad, and few ppl called from ST. MARTIN
great! will have packaging/accessory designer from LCF coming in tomorrow
then meeting up another korea from st. martin on sat.
taking ideas and sharing - cant wait

> PACKAGING - BOX PROTOTYPE

2007-11-01T05:20:00.000Z

boxes already designed in terms of dimension and material
contacted few suppliers and sort down to 2 to make prototype. but due to distance, may need modification and also may not satified what I want.

fingerx

> BE JACK OF ALL TRADES?

2007-11-01T02:43:00.000Z

Interesting, should we should we not?
something I've been doing and been critized. however, I am having alot of good time, experiencing is key to my life. well.. just cross my mind so to write a post..

Mazlow's hierarchy of needs drives us to need more for any measure of comparative success. without intellectual stimulation, not superlative material wealth, is what drives us to depression and emotional bankruptcy.

Diversity breeds empathy with the broadest range of human conditions and appreciation . Alternative, is the defensive xenophobia usually common to those whose identities are defined by their job title or single skill,given pursue out of obligation and not enjoyment.

fun, in the most serious existential sense. ha, am being very serious here...

It's seriously important (at least for me) to maximize the number of peak experiences in life and learns to enjoy the pursuit of excellence unrelated to material gain

imprisoning oneself in self-inflicted one-dimensionality pursuing imperceptible incremental improvements (i'd say most of the time, diminishing marginal increase) is not easy to enjoys the process of pursuing excellence.

noticed alot of friends said am drifting, growing money tree where allowing myself to travel and do what I'd like. Not being defensive. but no, I do (deep down) hope I got at least 1 money tree to grow, but no. Just do what you desire and world will take you there.. I insist. and time is too short to wait and postpone, really.

eyes open, love of life. a loud big world out there babe.

> TIME / ATTENTION

2007-11-01T01:46:00.000Z

Time without attention is worthless, so value attention over time.

> E COMMERCE TODAY

2007-11-01T01:13:00.000Z

info from trendwatching.com

In the US, ecommerce is expected to reap sales of USD 259 billion this year, representing an 18% gain over 2006. The online retail industry still only accounts for 7% of total retail sales, excluding travel. But certain categories represent a much higher percentage, like computers, where online sales make up 44% of the total. The food and beverage category, by contrast, represents only 1%. (Source: Shop.org.)

Forrester estimates that in the US, almost USD 400 billion of store sales — or 16% of total retail sales — are directly influenced by the web as consumers research products online and purchase them offline. This will expand at a 17% compounded annual growth rate over the next five years, resulting in more than USD 1 trillion of store sales by 2012.

In the UK, online shopping sales exceeded GBP 4 billion a month for the first time in July 2007. On a 12-month basis, online sales are up 36%. (Source: Brand Republic.)

South Korea's ecommerce sales soared more than 26% in 2006, thanks to increased spending on children's goods, fashion and sports-related items. Combined ecommerce transactions reached 13.45 trillion won (USD 14.29 billion). (Source: Yonhap.)

> CONNECTION OR DISCONNECTION??

2007-10-31T05:54:00.000Z

world is now very very and very digital. efficient, yes, it's great.
however, MSN, myspace, facebook, E commerces, virtual game, NDS, that human interaction is decreasing at a exponential speed. we demand efficiency, being in control, being isolated, being connected but an indirect connections with delay (replying with sms instead of calling - phenomenon in Asia.) We lost the channels for real human connection at a physical spots.. or let's say we sooner will loose the ability to connect in a very basic, traditional way.

can design bring back to our basic, our root that we can engaged in, we all desire to go back to ourselves, our touches, our senses and a real humane experience?

> PRADA - THE NEW H&M

2007-10-30T04:30:00.000Z

Today , in the alienation of the globalization, everything becomes heavily homogenizing in a lot of ways, that, identities has been slowly disintegrating. We loose the sense of ourself, our own definition, sense of life, sense of being. Luxurious store are like Starbucks, H&M, Mcdonald, experience of engaging into the product experience became homogeneous as well as digital.

Again, can we deliever an experience personal, where you can touch, chat, feel and acquiring such experience by being there, where no one other than such person whom experienced it can take home with it? this is luxury and can we manage it? if a store concept becomes a 1 to 1 experience, is it too costly to operate ? is this a fantasy that men has been looking for?

> DIALOGUE WTH PAUL SMITH

2007-10-30T03:20:00.000Z

went to "Sir Paul Smith in conversation with Dylan" tonight (NOTE: Dylan chief ed. from ID magazine)
quite interesting and reinforcing some of my thoughts as well. HIGHLIGHTS:

HAVE TO HAVE POINT OF VIEW
THINGS WITH LITTLE SECRETS
THINGS WHERE EVERYDAY MEN CAN IDENTIFY
EVERY SHOP, EVERY CORNER HAS THEIR OWN IDENTITY, BIG BRANDS SHOP IS LIKE STARBUCKS THESE DAYS - PATHETIC! THERE MUST BE REASON TO GO PARIS, BUT NOT ANYMORE
BIG BRANDS - BUILD IDEAS, ROLL OUT IDEAS LIKE PUSHING BUTTONS
UNIQUENESS
PASSION, ENERGY
I EMBRASS YOU, YOU EMBRASS ME
CARE ABOUT HUMAN BEING, THERE ARE PPL NOT VERY WELL
REAL PERSON
LARGER THAN LIFE
HUMOR, TOUCH AND GENTLE GESTURE (IN JPN)
PAUL'S DNA: LOVE OF LIFE/CURIOUS/OBSERVANT/YOU WEAR THE CLOTHES

finally, "IT'S ABOUT TODAY & TOMORROW, NO ONE CARES HOW GOOD YOU USED TO BE"

> PACKAGING - IDEAS

2007-10-29T03:55:00.000Z

went to Harrolds, Liberty, Harvey N, and premium store to visit packaging designs. from jewelry, to cigar products. Here are some draft idea of possible design for the necklaces.

> BRANDING

2007-10-28T02:31:00.000Z

The function of branding is to create preference by managing consumer’s perceptions and expectations of the brand. This is accomplished by developing a brand strategy that outlines rules and guidelines to ensure that the brand owner’s goals and objectives are met. The role of branding has become an integral part of business strategy as it defines a realistic and manageable brand promise, detailing what the brand owner must deliver and what consumers expect of the brand.

Branding preconditions consumers to consider and purchase a brand offering by managing the associations between that brand and its audience. This increases consumer confidence in both the functional and emotional benefits that the brand promises to deliver. As brands reside within the hearts and minds of consumers, branding is not about getting your target market to choose your offering over the competition, it is about preconditioning consumers to see your offering as the only way to satisfy a specific need, want, or desire.

> MET WITH ANOTHER LUXURY BRAND

2007-10-27T16:51:00.000+01:00

Met with armrevolution. a cuff links company that selling each pair made of stainless steel at around 500 pounds. targeting a very niche market group.

very similar to my idea indeed.

summary of meeting:
I met the designer as a potential customer as their web e-commerce is not launched yet.
location: liberty cafe 2nd floor
person: designer herself, Scottish, dress semi formal, mid 20.
product - packaging: very nice and more expensive / luxurious packaging than any other cuff links company I've seen.
product - cuff links: big, masculine, architectural
future - launching of e - commerce
event - may have exclusive event (but do express because of low budget, have to keep it small)
warranty - 2 yrs
trick - serial numbers for each pair, but not limited
marketing - as a new movement
office - london and nyc
duration of our meeting - 30 mins
bill - 6 pounds paid by designer

> WEB DESIGNING

2007-10-27T16:31:00.000+01:00

DIRECTION before launching:

AT 1ST - would like to do a video of life and style however, change of style
2nd thoughts - building up tension for awaiting. and ended up a very quick flash of product.
SO, PRELUDE: bang bang then slowly evolves into a "waiting" slogan"
got a CSM web designer "VAS" committed to the development but never showed up during the week.
need to find another person - may have to pay.
as can't invest much time learning flash / dreamweaver from now.

> FINAL REFINING OF NAME CARDS / DIRECTION

2007-10-27T11:09:00.000+01:00

> CULT OF ASIAN LUXURY

2007-10-27T04:37:00.000+01:00

attended at the London Business School's seminar by a strategy consultant - from HK actually. - Thanks to Paul C. my tutor forwarding me such info.

got my space at the live video feed room. obviously, many interested (and found out at the end as well) in asia's opportunities - 1 room can't fit all.

interesting, however, to me, it's quite stating the obvious (which I have knowledge of) - all she stressed is Asian culture buy into big brand names, and they are pretty superficial. Asian are under COLLECTIVISM rather than INDIVIDUALISM. threw some statistics but nothing really in depth nor forward looking.

however, it did raised some good point - small luxury brands properly won't succeed in Asia as they don't operate the way Asians (Chinese esp.) prefer. good note, level of truth - may not be absolute.

good finger food and wine at the end though. yum!~

> NAME CARD CARRIER?

2007-10-26T05:08:00.000+01:00

> TESTING MATCHUP COLOR TONE

2007-10-23T02:45:00.000+01:00

> TIMELINE - THIS WEEK

2007-10-22T19:47:00.000+01:00

TO DO LIST..

name card confirmation and printing (mon/tue)
packaging design (tue)
brochure layout and confirmation (tue)
postcard? (tue)
press release (wed)
domain name, hosting reg (mon)
website to be done (thur)
creating idea of feedbacks (fri)

> PRÊT-À-PORTEA

2007-10-22T01:57:00.000+01:00

went to Berkerley Hotel the Camerel Room for "high" tea with 2 girl friends.
such a very girly thing to do - "cakes and pastries inspired by the latest fashion season’s catwalk designs for the style conscious and with savouries in miniature mouthfuls for the figure conscious" SUPPOSIVELY

looking over my shoulder, 5 men in well fitted suits, all look like alpha male, quite massive sitting at a table (one guy with ear phone were their body guard) ordered the same PRÊT-À-PORTEA as we did!!! blinked my eyes few time to make believe, but yes! they were there, sat, and ate, chatted away. and left with "feel good" smiles.

THATS A WOW. Since when some men gone to such extreme even me, found it amazingly surreal!

cost for such little luxury : £49 per person including a glass of couture champagne, sweet~

> THE OTHERS - MEN'S LUXURY BRAND

2007-10-21T05:35:00.000+01:00

ARMREVOLUTION
WINTLE
Duckie Brown
Band of Outsiders
Martin Andersson
Thom Browne

> LET'S MATCH 'EM UP

2007-10-19T06:11:00.000+01:00

above is the options of name card for CAROLE FORET with the back colors (right) go with the front art work (left)
test, and pls comment, I need feedback

> SOME ADD ONS

2007-10-19T02:47:00.000+01:00

> 5 OTHER DESIGNS OF NAME CARDS

2007-10-18T08:11:00.000+01:00

> CONFIRMING MY GUYS

2007-10-18T04:45:00.000+01:00

AGE : 25-40 BUT WHO CARES?
WHERE : CITIES. civilized/developed countries
INTROSPECTIVE : those THINK they can/do look CHIC, STYLISH
STATUS: people LOVE TO BE SEEN, love to show off their creative skills and thinking
SEXUALITY: SURE about it either way
USAGE EXPERIENCE : none. silver jewelry at most
PROFESSION: mainly PROFESSIONALS
SPEED OF LIFE: RUSH
RISK PROFILE : ADVERSE but may tempted to break the rules
SPENDING HABIT: PROSPERITY DENIAL

> CUSTOMER-MADE

2007-10-18T04:38:00.000+01:00

Get ready for CUSTOMER-MADE: the phenomenon of corporations creating goods, services and experiences in close cooperation with consumers, tapping into their intellectual capital, and in exchange giving them a direct say in what actually gets produced, manufactured, developed, designed, serviced, or processed. Consumerism will never be the same!"

> TESTING - NEW DIRECTION VS ORIGINAL

2007-10-18T01:13:00.001+01:00

tested with target audience.
feedback :
varies, but more people inclined to like the new design with photos.
but convey no whatsoever idea it's a jewelry brand,men's brand, especially is a diamond brand.

RATIONAL behind my design - PHOTOS with NO point of reference:
GIVE SPACE to viewer to relate to their own experience/imagination
a PULLING ATTITUDE instead of a pushing attitude
my audience has THIER OWN creative mind, and style, bring home/related brand to whom they prefer themselves to be
anyone can't relate to cards - not quite my audience, so it's alright
LUXURY - time out, moments, air, texture, life, identity etc.> picture may help identify them
once one feel connected to brand > POINT OF INTEREST arrouse
other diamonds/precious metal brand / luxurious brand in market not heading to such RISKY DIRECTION, but to me,
EVERY MEN deserve style in life with chic precious jewelry > help them DISCONNECT BLING BLING/HIPHOP to diamond jewelry
REBUILD ANOTHER RELATIONSHIP

> GENERATION C

2007-10-18T01:13:00.000+01:00

C=CONTENT
The GENERATION C phenomenon captures the an avalanche of consumer generated 'content' that is building on the Web, adding tera-peta bytes of new text, images, audio and video on an ongoing basis.

The two main drivers fuelling this trend? (1) The creative urges each consumer undeniably possesses. We're all artists, but until now we neither had the guts nor the means to go all out. (2) The manufacturers of content-creating tools, who relentlessly push us to unleash that creativity, using -- of course -- their ever cheaper, ever more powerful gadgets and gizmos. Instead of asking consumers to watch, to listen, to play, to passively consume, the race is on to get them to create, to produce, and to participate.

Examples?
Canon telling aspiring directors and photographers that "professional digital photography is no longer just for the professionals"

HP spending USD 300 million on a campaign telling consumers it's all about 'You'

Blogger offering "instant communication power"

> GETTING SPONSORS

2007-10-18T01:12:00.000+01:00

locating environmental friendly printer, UK/HK
quotations has been expensive of printing 4 different designs of Recycling plastic card

also trying to search if printer may like to sponsor, as well being of thyself and others is one of the personal aspiration in the future ( one of the few that makes people feel connected -a luxury factor)

up to now-
few printer never do sponsoring
in conversation with : printflyers.co.uk /plasticmakesperfect.co.uk

> 2ND DRAFT OF NAME CARD

2007-10-17T01:09:00.000+01:00

revision of 1st draft of personal name card. I prefer the 2nd last one with contact info at back of card if possible. fonts can be adjusted and also "10 29 57" should be placed under CAROLE FORET

suggested another tree from the left, maybe. more draft should be done.

> 1ST DRAFT - NAME CARD

2007-10-16T01:04:00.000+01:00

Brief: PVC, glossy back, tree branches coming from the both side which are almost dark, brand name in the middle.

Design not very much according to brief, but it's interesting. will refine design with designer

> SPONSOR -LOVE THE EARTH

2007-10-16T01:03:00.001+01:00

tried to locate some environmental friendly printer for cards / brochure in london who love the earth and doing good deeds that again, is what one of the aspirations of most men. align with my ideal.

> LEFT BRAIN RIGHT BRAIN

2007-10-16T01:03:00.000+01:00

According to Michael P. Pitek, III of The Performance Group, in his paper “Brain Differences: Creativity and the Right Side of the Brain,”

“The right brain functions in a non-verbal manner and excels in visual, spatial, perceptual, and intuitive information. Processing happens very quickly and the style of processing is nonlinear and nonsequential. The right brain looks at the whole picture and quickly seeks to determine the spatial relationships of all the parts as they relate to the whole. This component of the brain is not concerned with things falling into patterns because of prescribed rules. On the contrary, the right brain seems to flourish dealing with complexity, ambiguity and paradox.”

when making buying decisions — it takes both the right (emotional) and left (logical) brains to really seal the deal. Which part of the brain is used when can give marketers clues for the sequence, timing, and key elements of their marketing campaigns.

> 1ST ROUGH DRAFT - NAME CARD

2007-10-13T00:59:00.000+01:00

NOW, TEST IT

> DEFINING DIRECTION

2007-10-13T00:57:00.000+01:00

Skyped with the graphic guy from HK and brainstorm and discuss about few possible directions of the communication. esp focusing on name card now.

my idea is:
1. have a major name card for personl - shop - pr, etc
2. have a name card size, plastic, for distribution
major direction / execution narrowed down:
using photos, my own travel photos, that deliever idea of "time", "place", or a bit random things saw.
no product shot
no quotes/slogan ?? (TBC)
no models
not directly obvious that it's a jewelry brand, and not pretentious

ANALYSIS

--> risk: will mislead target customers / too much effort to know what this is / doesnt seems like a jewelry brand/ not luxurious / TOO open to intepretation
--> great: open to intepretion, so own what you saw, how you feel/emotionally connected with the right audience / Time, travel is luxury / open up curiousity about what is it about / keep it in pocket / less conventional

> DINNER WITH COPYWRITER

2007-10-12T00:56:00.000+01:00

went dinner with my friend while he is a freelance copywriter in france.
had a great night!! nice food and wine and great catchup!!

told him my idea on my buisnes card idea. he loves it.
and gave some suggestion.

but most importantly, he will help me to think of a sloagan for my brand.
will wait for feedback.

> LAYOUT NOT WORKING

2007-10-11T00:36:00.000+01:00

graphic guy got back to me but am not happy with the layout.
was proposing thick paper (1mm) black, with gold printing words.
prob brief is too loose (which supposed to give more creative space) and so now we brainstorm
and came out with idea using plastic card (like those credit card thing) as name card
so now, get back to new layout and I will have to check quotation to see if this is feasible.

still nice. keep it moving!!

> TRENDWATCHING

2007-09-29T00:39:00.000+01:00

researching again on branding and new trend in consumer's belief and aspiration.
people are more into digital / virtual world indeed!
however, for me, it wont be applied for now i hope. keep it real, keep it simple for now.

found a website
TRENDWATCHING.COM

alot of info... and will keep reading everyday from now on.

> MY MOST CONCRETE BELIEVES

2007-09-21T05:43:00.000+01:00

MEN DESERVE TO CARRY OTHER LUXURIOUS ACCESSORIES THAN JUST WATCHES AND CUFFLINKS.
MEN SHOULD BE ABLE TO ENJOY DIAMOND AND GOLD NECKLACES IN A STYLISH AND CHIC WAY WHICH IS NOT AVAILABLE IN THE MARKET TODAY.

EACH ACQUISITION OF MEN, SHOULD BRING PLEASURE TO ITS OWNER, SHOULD BE USED AND ENJOYED DAILY, AND SHOULD REFLECT SOMETHING OF HIS UNIQUE SENSIBILITY, EXPERIENCE AND ASPIRATION. STYLE MORE THAN ANYTHING, IS AN EXPRESSION OF PERSONAL CHOICES MADE MANY TIMES OVER. IT IS A STORY OF CONSISTENCY AND CONVICTION. AND IT IS A LIFE LONG EMOTIONAL COLLECTION RATHER THAN EPHEMERAL POSSESSION. IT GIVES HIGHER VALUE, AND A MEAN TO ASPIRATION THAN JUST STOP AT THE PRODUCT ITSELF.

THERE ARE WAYS TO CHANGE ONE'S TASTE / HABITUAL MINDSET. BY EXPLORING WHAT IS LUXURY AND INJECT INTO THE PRODUCT OTHER THAN JUST USING THE MATERIAL CAN CREATE OR CONNECT TO THEIR SECRET DESIRE, AND BRING FULL PLEASURE.

STYLE IS MOST POTENT WHEN ITS LEAST COMPLICATED
CREATION OF A SET OF DIAMOND AND GOLD NECKLACES STAND OUT FOR ITS UNIQUENESS AND MASCULINITY MODERNITY. THE NECKLACE INTEGRATES WITH THE OWNER THAT ADD A DASH OF EDGE AND SUBTLE GLAMOR TO ANY MEN'S WEAR

> TRANSUMER MAGAZINE

2007-09-16T03:08:00.000+01:00

Tyler Brule’s new magazine Monocle, launching early 2007. The mag's mission is “to appeal to successful professionals who travel widely and divide their time between several cities.”

> GETTING MY GRAPHIC GUY

2007-09-11T00:32:00.000+01:00

getting help from an art director, Fung, who works in ad agency in HK.
talked to him over net, and he is happy to help as contributor for my name card and brochure (if i decide to have one) under my direction. so its great new. gave him a brief and waiting for creative feedback in 2 days

> REMINISCING BIARRITZ - LUXURY?

2007-09-10T00:08:00.000+01:00

After spending 2 months in Biarritz, living at a beach house with host family, meeting new people, going to nature, almost dissolved into the ocean everyday. My mind got clear, my train of thoughts landed on better ground, my body felt right and my soul was peaceful.

Talked to those I met, we agreed on it.

It doesn't have to be Biarritz I believe, but it is an example of places to recover our energies as well as return to our objectives. to be in touch with our being, and having definition of life.

Such experience is a total experience that can't be borrowed, be found on internet (at least not for now) nor be replaced by drugs probably. One has to "experience" it, to acquire such status. Even the richest, without being immense into such experience, they won't be able to own it.

I wonder. such a causal down to earth spot. such a simple lifestyle, no posh car, no constant chasing of produce, it brings so much to our aspiration. It is indeed such a luxury of a scenery that fascinates. It brings back values, and dimensions of ourselves. bring back the simple basic feeling of being alive. It felt like everything right outside, as it's right inside. it let us go a step closer to our dream of living in flames with consciousness.

This is Luxury with no effort. a sense of being, a sense of deserving, a sense of spirit.

Is having a luxurious possession in contradict to all these, no! i must say. Perhaps not everyone can stop and have the luxury to experience such. I believe it is possible designs to act as a mean that remind us of such atmosphere. the way expressing designs that make us be in touch with "being" and regain our full pleasure of life energy. and as well, since it's so hard to get such experience, people without experiencing it, find it rare, and love to have it, chase it

> PROTOTYPE DESIGN DRAFTII

2007-09-03T01:23:00.000+01:00

Another design to be made into prototype

INSPIRED BY TAO and my way of thinking,

CROSS:
not necessarily Christianity as it's always being perceived as. to me, cross is:

horizontal - linear traveling, i.e. from A-B, B-C, C-A, like taking a tube, a bus, that's how we think, we live our life on a mostly 2 dimensional ground
vertical - enlightenment
diamond in middle - point of enlightenment, cross road of the vertical & horizontal. the point where we stop and go beyond the linearity

II - 2nd piece

> BIARRITZ - SO WHAT'S IT ABOUT?

2007-08-22T23:51:00.000+01:00

young ones, rich ones (which is the new trendy place after St. Tropez as heard) all gathered. for similar reasons. "TO EXPERIENCE = TO ACQUIRE HAPPINESS"

Is not about five star luxury hotels, protected, secluded, not about having a ferrari or Austin martin, not about having your own jet. maybe it's just about "experiencing" the sense of life which we lost without realizing it. Maybe it's the aroma of French bread, the saltiness of the crystal clear water, the sound of waves.

so is this luxury? to alot of people, yes, it is.

> BIARRITZ - AUG

2007-08-20T23:36:00.000+01:00

Biarritz has been a surprise and fascination.
the trees, the beaches, the surf and the sky.
people there are very happy, hardly find a sad one. most of them are tourist like me, for a short stay and some a longer stay like few months. to students, it's normal, to adult, it's mostly extravagant taking such a time out to live away from work and responsibilities. despite most people I know going to the same beach (e.g. cote de basque) and same bar (Ventilo) everyday as its such a small town, we are all very satisfied, happy, and what is not satisfying will only be if we have to leave such routine tomorrow.

Everyone has their own reasons to go there. surely because is a nice beautiful spots, no doubt. however, the ultimate reasons are quite common one. "to experience" "to live", "to feel" and "TO BE HAPPY"

> PROTOTYPE DESIGN DRAFT

2007-08-13T01:09:00.000+01:00

circle - circle of life
"I" - one, 1st piece, everything is together
750 - 18k

> SMALL MARKET

2007-08-11T00:26:00.000+01:00

my target market is actually quite narrow, especially most of them are risk adverse (typical professionals) and spending habit are pretty much formalized. breaking through their spending habit - big brand & silverwear at most, is definitely a challenge.

at which point men will STOP and THINK and break their usual habit? or is there any chance of getting into that?

my analysis is, marketing, styling to be :
1 of those premium luxury well known brand - EASY, BUT WHY PEOPLE BUY INTO IT? ONLY IS BECAUSE IT MAY BE CHEAPER
to be quite different where others in the market is not offering - DIAMOND/GOLD jewelry with style but not a big brand, DIFFICULT, BUT VY MUCH INTERESTING.!

> DESIGNING STAGE III

2007-08-10T01:30:00.000+01:00

creating design draft and hand it in to jeweler to make mould and create prototype.
target is 2 pieces

> INSPIRED BY TAO

2007-08-09T06:06:00.000+01:00

read Orso, (introduced by my dear friend sandy) writing about Tao
inspired.

talked about
time - not the past nor the future but NOW
enlightenment
happiness
emotions
values
etc

come out with ideas that may apply on shape of pendant (personally)
circle and cross

> COMPETITOR STUDIES

2007-08-06T06:04:00.000+01:00

did such studies again.
checking out other luxurious brand's necklaces on:
styles, prices, material, length and thickness of chain, symbolism, packaging (briefly)

> DESIGNING STAGE -II

2007-08-04T06:54:00.000+01:00

quirkiness is cool but since men tend to not take off necklace daily, I prefer my style to be less complicated
also, style is most potent when it's less complicated
CONFIRMATION of most prefered style - chic and stylish, timeless
2 dimension
theme is towards circle of life, karma, tao etc in a very personal and subtle way
engraving, yes, brandname be one everypieces
thickness of chain, will be not towards alpha male/hiphoppy style, rather - thinner but elegant

> DESIGNING STAGE - MATERIAL

2007-08-03T06:50:00.000+01:00

DRAFT of different style of designs are out.
trying to take on few different directions in terms of style : quirky/chic/agressive/complicated
purpose of necklaces should be wearable daily, enjoy daily
usage of material will be WHITE GOLD /PLATINUM AND DIAMONDS

> CAROLE FORET

2007-08-02T07:00:00.000+01:00

CAROLE FORET - a brand name for men's line using my own name.
decided not to use any idea/words creative despite it deliever direct meaning/brand quality
own name is just my personal preference reflecting designers experience and style
FORET = FOREST, where i like to stress my family name, LAM which means forest in chinese
10 29 51, ever since this date, things are different