CLASS

Purple the idea of versatility.
A suit associated with business.
The warmth of mohair tailored against the body.
Why suits as to farmer dressing?
Leopard, the copycat of those fiercest and with nothingness the bold print has got results.
Mistress just a bit of fluff?
Why are the two impaired?
Is it the boldness of their attire?
How do one and two flex together?
 
Why a rapper as to a quintessential gentlemen.
Or vice versa?
Why blonde or brown?
How come in such a big world with so much culture the sight of spikes and vibrancy is stunned upon.
Blue or pink colours psychologists identify a character?
Hidden in the visual look is just a statue, why doesn’t she move naturally?
Is it insecurity or simply the journey of whom I am and who are you?
Why size zero as to size twenty?
Just because Dawn French is happy no surprise with that “terry” and oranges all you need is vitamin C and some company.
Contrasting in slimmer portraits is that of 60’s Twiggy when you get all those free clothes; makes sense you’re forever going to be pictured as a happy hippy.
A hippy is a free person, no commitments or ties this is why you will never see one in a disguise.
 
What is it about black that represents working attire?
At the same time black is for death so work + black=death?
Why not paisley but wools and silks?
Are clowns simply for joking because expression on a day-to-day basis would be too creative?
What is it about your mother’s clothing you wouldn’t wear but now you replica her style?
Asian cloths the idea of vibrant oranges and yellows is that why in England it’s more a dot on the globe due to the cloudiness of greys, blues and blacks?
 
Something is everything as otherwise everything is nothing.
If you think of being Einstein then like him you will be gone.
What is so empowering about a career as to a job?
Fashion is popularity as it is your own unique flaunt.
Why the associations?
 
The narrow mindless like Nazis doesn’t like a controlled level of freedom?
Cost is quality not labelling.
Know your stuff, just because it’s “the shop” does not mean it’s for you.
So what if its Woman’s clothing he’s happy so let him free.
Is this why it is so competitive and cut throat the results of the unknown and never-ending goals?
If I view on what I see and not what I know then what determines the right from the wrongful?
 
He the bad man looked ever so glamorous and stylish to me does that make it a bad thing?
When those that try to be invisible lose themselves visually does this not more stand out and make us run to their cry for help?
It may look like a thread but in fact it is the link between stories the forever memories because the unexpected memory of a mind is uncertain.
Philosophy you can very swiftly turn into a taboo and bam wake up time for all never think you are a know it all.
Study and study but you will never know everything this is the reason the cloths work complimentary together.
 
Ambience is not fact it is the imaginary, the creativity.
Stylists are simply robbers of the silent objects that are worked and worn for you.
If fashion is clothing then why changes in everything, you have the basics why do we want what we don’t know?
The obsession with Celebrities is just a fashion because in fashion you are forever and eager so really were beavers.
Buried in our ways all fighting this is the leopard everyone wants what she has, what he has, what they have.
In a sight of little this is like sunshine to my eyes yet is it a bad thing when learning’s of bad things?
If we all the comforts then by the end of a truly worked day they would look like rags, which is why Cinderella day time and Cinderella night-time don’t go hand in hand.
In the end the most successful fashions are the ones you don’t see, like magic they sweep up on you besotted you are blind to what is actually happening.
When you say Fashion isn’t it funny how it rhymes with passion?
This was magic, no picture of Picasso’s imaginary.
From being told this is that, never exploring what ifs this is my fashion world.
 
Felt is rough because it wants to be left alone.
Silk is so gentle against the skin because it is a protector.
Cotton is as popular as it expands for the entire fatty’s.
The fabrics under wear is a base this is the diva’s excuse, my basics, protect, warmth, food.
Fashion is a shock like ice-cream to the brain.
The uncomforting, the unknowing they are epics.
Why Titanic, why the notebook because it is already written and so you can’t do it.
Can’t is not such word a wise one once said but think positive and karma will flow your way.
 
You will be the fashion as long as your mind is clear.
Clarity like fogginess is just part of the journey.
So many opinionated, pompous beings will stereotypically assume one meaning, one way, and you glide your way.
Fashion is freedom; there is no coincidence in the alliteration just a moral for all to learn as you glide in your journeys stride.
Cruella is evil with the killing of animals because she is in hatred of what really underlies.
I am me, you are you, twins may be identical but so often the best fashion examples are explored here.
The mirror image with eagerness to be what you are not and so in two they can really set the plot.
Fashion is a cycle, you guess the forecast and you will become more powerful than Mr Michael.
 
Every day is simply put as a day as you must have restriction you characters will explode otherwise with all this indifferent friction.
Jibble, Jabble, just because you don’t understand doesn’t mean it is not right it is quite simply one person’s insight.
Short, fat, thin and lanky really all the same it’s how you use your pronunciation.
Fashion week is there for the entire God’s to attend all to share their incredible fascinations or simply it is just information for the next creation.
The rebellion of what is happening, today, tomorrow and the past it excites my wardrobe who quite simply have doors so they know when their time has gone at last.
I don’t have much money but so what nor do I live in a pit.
Today my eyes have been opened and I have differences in ways to be.
No-one knows the future that’s why it is a forever revolving globe.
All chances are there to be explored who knows the future that’s why fashion is to abode.
Hair holds many secrets and can be changed many ways, fashion is all strands of hair but in the end even if you try to demolish it all it will just grow back somewhat the same.
Tokyo in Japan, New York, Milan all the circus landmarks of fashion because there you may get frowned upon but anything can happen; in the end it will be like past returning fast.
 
Trying to label fashions but how can you label what is not yours, that’s why there is such a deflation to the human floor.
Ego this and ego that in the end you smart ass you will just fall flat on your ass.
Deviating away from the changing point of my remembering just shows how one day, in which you will never know and can never show the best of all can happen.
One second, one movement and its published but we don’t kiss and tell that’s why clothing is so comforting.
The best friends you can have are your fashion which is why in fashion itself it is like a mute world for ideas and creations.
The naivety of not knowing visual arts!
 
All characters have their own opinions otherwise we would all be numb and head up the ass but how you express and withheld your viewpoints determines whether your allowed.
For all we have our own ideas so who are you and who am I to say what fashion is.
 
Inspired by:
“Dressed in a purple mohair suit with his leopard-print clad mistress”.

Clothing Expression: Easey, M Ed. (2002). Fashion Marketing, 2nd Ed, Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, London:

“Clothing may be an expression of how people wish others to see them, it may denote membership of a certain group or represent a particular lifestyle.” (:11)

 

What lifestyle does this brand look like to you? To me the cool, edgy, desirable, cali beach style lifestle brand.

This one? To me city, urban, laid back, easy-go lifestyle brand ASOS.

How about this one? To me this has a mixture, ethical, cheeky, sexy, tailored, well-made and put together lifestyle.

…………..One for the men only:

Men what are your thought? Armani lifestyle to me: wanted, art deco, fast, modern, tidy and a hint of boldness.

 

Do you find it interesting how we react and what we think about when we see adverts and objects?

CRM: Baker, S. (2003) New Consumer Marketing, John Wiley & Sons, London

“CRM is the managing customer relationships is an integrated business process involving the consolidation of individual customer data from multiple sources to create a mutually valuable proposition. CRM’s emphasis on using IT to monitor customers’ transaction histories and exploit their purchasing behaviour serves to reinforce the impact of customer retention strategies.” (:16)

I thoroughly agree with the CRM system, I have found in my work experience keeping a diary of every aspect related to the customer from sizing to what they have brought will enable efficiency in service and opportunity. In my time whilst working at Gieves and Hawkes on Savile Row I found this extremely beneficial, especially to those customers whom have brought many items and to the extent of not remembering what or which fit and sizes worked for them. As Baker informs: “For some it has meant better marketing communications, providing a means of escaping from the constraints of mass communications and of achieving more personalized dialogue.” (:17) It cuts out fasting and beating around the bush to having everything accessible in one place.

Vivienne Westwood:

 

‘Fashion provides one of the most ready means through which individuals can make expressive visual statements about their identities’. (Bennett 2005).

 

Firstly

“For those of us that are so engaged, the question ‘What is fashion?’ demands our full attention: how are we to analyse and explain fashion if we do not know what fashion is?” (Barnard 2007: 2). This needs to be addressed; the curiosity is clearly explained in these words,

“James Laver, fashion and clothing are ‘the furniture of the mind made visible’ (quoted in Lurie 1981: 3), and for Susan Ferleger Brades, art and fashion ‘overlap’ and pursue a common set of visual discoveries.” (Barnard 2007: 2). Why do we wear what we wear, what are we trying or instinctively reaching out to in Fashion? Why is it that not everybody wears the same uniform and instead has a different identity?

 

The circle of life shows what stages we grow at and do in order; the stage needed for discussion in this matter is how “seeing comes before words. The child looks and recognizes before it can speak.” (Berger 2008: 7) The early development of visualization sets a footprint for our visual acknowledgement and understanding for later life. Uniforms are recognised as symbols for career roles such as Police, Army and Nurses. It is the way that we identify who these vital people are in our lives. The same way fashions are associated through cultural dress. The grouping of these identities, “fashions and clothing are used to send a message about oneself to others.” (Barnard 2007: 31). This is proven as when you see a police officer you know the officer is there to protect and uphold the law, when you see a nurse you know they are there if needed in matters of incidental injuries.

 

Fashion trends can depend upon behaviours and lifestyles that the identity holds, “Of all things, apart perhaps from things that we eat, clothes are the material objects that are most consistently part of our individual and our social lives.” (Dant 1999: 85) The material nature of them enables to keep our health during seasons, may protect in illness and in our social lives inform of who and what we are. We can see this in fashion as “Clothes are a relatively malleable material form so that the wearer can adjust the screening effect.” (Dant 1999: 86) Furthered on one person an item of clothing can look spectacular on another ludicrous ‘fashion’ because of its potential to signify social distinctions of age, gender and status.” (Dant 1999:86) If a ninety year old elderly lady wears a mini-skirt as to a twenty year old it is a clear representation of age distinction. This may signify a symbol of: mutton dressed as lamb.

 

Due to the signs formed through fashion visualization some may say such as Lurie, fashion “seems to take the metaphor of clothing being a language literally.” (Barnard 2002: 29). The muted way and in some ways hidden and secretly expressing “fashion and clothing as communication it is not sufficient to understand communication as the simple sending of messages”. (Barnard 2002:30). There is freedom of speech in England but not freedom of actions: symbols and hidden messages and even glorified through clothing enable acting to happen. This is shown via “fashion and clothing may be treated as being in some way analogous to spoken or written language.” (Barnard 2002:29).

 

Sometimes fashion statements can be controversial this is examined as “the relation between what we see and what we know is never settled.” (Berger 2008:7), furthermore this is why for opportunities such as job interviews it is vital to give off a clear and positive identity as we only have “fleeting moments to impress one another” (Bennett 2005: 95). Often when an identity is clothed in an uncomfortable or unflattering uniform this can lead to “being clothed in a desirable ensemble can feed the individual’s fantasies of developing an alter ego’ (1996:58) Bennett (2005:97). Encouraging people to go out and shop to achieve the desirability it can lead to; the idea of feeling blue on the inside making the outside feel brighter and concern that how you feel on the inside is reflected on the outside. The showcase of a few moments:

 

“As Finkelstein observes: ‘in everyday life, fashioned appearances [are interpreted] as literalizations of the wearer’s character, sexual preferences, economic success and educational attainment” (1999: 376) and (Bennett, 2005:96). This is why the urge to shop, to recreate and create new outfits of clothing to make the identity, “new ideas and phenomena demand not only new words but new styles. (Lurie 1992: Preface)

 

Clothing signifies the identity through history of revamping and revolution, “in everyday speech…we speak of the ‘body’ that is subject to the clothes that literally enclothe it with a significance.” (Gill, 1998:43) and (Bennett 2005:95). Royalty is represented on the body through the clothing of crowns and royal emblems. Another way of showing the representation in work and sexuality today is seen with, “the tie is a small part of a dress code that seems very simple; it is associated with masculinity.” (Dant 1999:86) Generally you wouldn’t see in the city of London a female in corporate clothing wearing a tie but most men would class it as their work attire.

 

Interlinking fashion with identities and expression is evident today and within our past times as “visual imagery, revolutionary political movements, and challenging clothing styles. (Breward 2003: 224) Relating back to Royalty the clothing of our history we can see visuals of corsetry and meringue volume style dress skirts. Today the Royal attire is more subdued to corporate skirt and jacket combinations and less fuss. Politically Margaret Thatcher always wore blue, renowned as the lady in blue but as the end of her days came as prime minister she signified this by wearing red. Relating back to the era of Margaret Thatcher’s time as the prime minister we can see from the seventies to the twenty-first century today how “most political, social, and cultural trends have been mirrored not only in what we say, but in what we wear.” (Lurie 1992: Preface) This can be seen clearly through;

 

“Vivienne Westwood’s collections, highly priced slashed and torn garments symbolized an economic irrationality- a social paradigm where a new ethic was embraced and the deconstruction of the fabric reflected, quite literally, the deconstruction of past values.” (English 2007: 105). The anarchy rise of the seventies era is expressed through clothing of what was going on. Some may argue the last big fashion movement, “Mulvagh (1992) claims that Westwood was the only designer who directly researched gang cults among the young, and designed to suit this taste. ” (English 2007: 105). Below are two examples of Vivienne Westwood’s designs today and back in the real punk era of the seventies. 

1970’s

Now

 

Comparatively as an example between the two zeitgeists, it is clear:

 

“Exaggeration and distortion in dress emerged in the late 1970s and 1980s, when British punk recreated the most nihilistic fashion worn since the French Revolution. Clearly, it seemed that there was one dominant aesthetic emerging in fashion- a look of poverty, which dominated street style clothing. Yet it was more than poverty; it was aggression, a demand for attention.” (English 2007:102-103). Looking at the 1970s picture it is apparent that aggression is portrayed in the image and hardship. The image is enabling, “punk embraced a spirit of independent and anarchic creativity.” (Breward 2003:225). The 1970s Vivienne Westwood image with a title of “ANARCHY IN THE UK” in red symbolises linking to danger and warning across it is showing the spirit of the era. Punk dressing was a way of life to show the identities and you could identify them through their clothing as seen in the 1970s image, “punks adopted values anarchy, surrender, decline,” (Hebdige 1979: 64). Initially looking at the image its colours are of a negative aura with the expression of stiffness and disagreement. If you look into the detail of the clothing you can see “pins and razor-blades, the style consciously evaded rational meaning, arousing fury” (Breward 2003:225), the Royal Queen has a safety pin through her lip. Punks are shown in the image to have horns in black associations to the devil, death and the ending. The 1970’s punk era changed people’s lifestyles:

 

“Barnard (2002) argues that: ‘The punks produced their own music and clothing in opposition to the music and fashion system that had become monolithic, unadventurous and predictable” (2002:136) and (English 2007:103). Punks were expressing the anti- England lifestyles. They created a new identity,

“The fabric that underpins these jostling contradictions is identity – a similarly contradictory phenomenon – for fashion is that most personal of things, our second skin, and it is the thing that binds us to our society, how we make sense of who we are and who everyone else is too.” (Edwards 2011:2). This was a period of anti-society the fabric included scary pins, safety pins, sharp objects, dark colours, it was an outbreak from what was the normal society. Rebellious times which deepened;

 

“Punks became increasingly hostile in their dress, adding tribal mutilations, body piercing and swastikas as tattoos and accessories that symbolized their obsession with bondage and other sadomasochistic interests. (English 2007:104). Fashion enabled a revolt against society throughout political messages in clothing, and power through dressing, “for the punks, fashion became ugliness- an external form of visual intrusion.” (English 2007: 104) this was clear through the moody and scary appeal they gave off. Fashion enabled the world to be affected politically and religiously.

 

Comparing the first 1970s Vivienne Westwood image of Punk to the second twenty-first century Punk image, obviously:

 

“Fashion is perhaps the proverbial Pandora’s Box. In opening it up to scrutiny, its colours, fabrics and enchantments fly out along with all their magical, seductive and even nerve jangling meanings that- try as one might – one can never contain again.” (Edwards 2011: 1) Edwards has spectated that Punk today is just a copycat example of what was, in the first image it looks scary and gives off a warning; the second there are shoes and hearts much more modernised and appealing to the society today as we are now in a different time. Punk is still explored and showcased as it is prominent in history nevertheless time acts as a catalyst and tweaks what was,

“In the end the art of the past is being mystified because a privileged minority is striving to invent a history which can retrospectively justify the role of the ruling classes, and such a justification can no longer make sense in modern terms. And so, inevitably, it mystifies.” (Berger 2008:11) As identities we need to be identified and so recreating past times enables that to signal who we are but “to be nude is to be seen naked by others and yet not recognised for oneself.” (Berger 2008:54) This is why:

 

“One may remember or forget these messages but briefly one takes them in, and for a moment they stimulate the imagination by way of either memory or expectation. The publicity image belongs to the moment.” (Berger 2008:129) Fashions are fashions as they act as a loop and this is how we know how to express what Punk is and Tribal because it has been seen before, we just keep on changing it as:

 

“After all, what is fashion? It is usually a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months.” (Wilde 1996:1)

 

What is GANGNAM Style Official?

Sooo what is GANGNAM style?

“September 12, 2012 Urban Word of the Day

“Gangnam Style” is a Korean neologism mainly associated with upscale fashion and lavish lifestyle associated with trendsetters in Seoul’s Gangnam district (강남), which is considered the most affluent part of the metropolitan area. In colloquial usage, it is comparable to the English slang terms “swag” or “yolo”.

who needs food when you got gangnam style?”

 

Do you like Gangnam style?

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Gangnam%20Style&defid=6718860

 

Status:SubmissionYear2012OriginYouTube

Tags

youtube, viral video, music video, tumblr, k-pop, gangnam style, korea, entry of august 2012

Additional References

Wikipedia
YTMND
Encyclopedia Dramatica
Urban Dictionary

<:SECTION>

About

Gangnam Style (강남 스타일) is a 2012 dance pop single written and performed by Korean pop singer Park Jae Sung, better known by his stage name PSY. Since the release of the song and its highly entertaining music video in mid-July 2012, the video has gained more than 8 million views in the span of two weeks and spawned numerous parodies and copycat dance videos on YouTube.

Origin

The song “Gangnam Style” was written, produced and recorded as the title single of the sixth studio album PSY 6 (Six Rules), Part 1 by South Korean singer and rapper PSY, who is best known for his quick-witted sense of humor and comical dance moves. The song was released on July 15th, 2012, along with the music video which made its online debut via PSY’s official YouTube channel on the same day.

 Upon its release, the song took off on virtually all Korean billboard charts, portal search sites and online music stores, but it began garnering international attention after the music video went viral on YouTube during the third week of July 2012. The video continued gained viral momentum at an average rate of more than 9 million views per day in the span of two months, surpassing Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” to reach the number one position on the YouTube Top 100 Music Videos chart during the last week of August. By mid-September, PSY’s “Gangnam Style” overtook LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem” as the most liked video on the site with more than 1.6 million likes.

The Horse Dance

The mass appeal of the music video has been attributed to its signature dance move known as “the horse-riding dance,” which combines the stylistic elements of shuffle dancing and hand movements resembling the posture of a horseback rider.

 

PSY Doing the “Horse Riding Dance” in “Gangnam Style” M/V
During its onset, speculations arose in the Korean internet communities that the dance may have been pioneered a year earlier by a Korean pop group Girls’ Day in their 2011 debut single Tilting Head. However, PSY later revealed in interviews that he came up with the dance during a talent contest at a post-concert event in August 2011.

The Lyrics

The basic premise of the song is about a self-proclaimed hotshot looking for “the perfect girlfriend who knows when to be refined and when to get wild.” The refrain of the song, “Oppan Gangnam Style,” can be translated as “Your Boy’s Gangnam Style” with PSY referring to himself as such. The song’s unexpected popularity has also led to more in-depth readings of its lyrics in the news media, including the widespread assertion^[14] that the song is a satire about South Koreans’ materialist obsession with Seoul’s Gangnam district, a symbol of opulence and socioeconomic status. PSY has expressed conflicting views regarding this interpretation in multiple interviews.

 

 

Romanized: Oppan gang-namseutayil Kang-namseutayilNaje-neun ttasaroun inkanjeo-gin yeoja Keopi hanjanye yeoyureuraneun pumkyeok i-nneun yeoja Bami omyeon shimjangi tteugeowojineun yeoja Keureon banjeon i-nneun yeoja Naneun sana-i Naje-neun neomankeum ttasaroun geureon sana-i Keopi shikgido jeone wonsyas ttaerineun sana-i Bami omyeon shimjangi teojyeobeorineun sana-i Keureon sana-i Areumdawo sarangseureowo Keurae neo hey keurae baro neo hey Areumdawo sarangseureowo Keurae neo hey keurae baro neo hey Chigeumbu-teo kal dekkaji kabol-kka

English Translation: Oppa’s Gangnam style Gangnam style A girl who is warm and graceful during the day A classy girl who knows how to enjoy a cup of coffee A girl whose heart gets hotter when night comes A girl with that kind of twist I’m a guy A guy who is as warm as you during the day A guy who downs his coffee before it cools down A guy whose heart bursts when night comes That kind of guy Beautiful, loveable Yes you, hey, yes you, hey Beautiful, loveable Yes you, hey, yes you, hey Now let’s go until the end

 

Romanized: Oppan gang-namseutayil (Kang-namseutayil) Oppan gang-namseutayil (Kang-namseutayil) Oppan gang-namseutayil Eh- sexy lady, Oppan gang-namseutayil Eh- sexy lady, O-oo-o Jeongsu-khae boijiman nol ttaen noneun yeoja Ittaeda shipeumyeon mukkeot-deon meori puneun Karyeot-jiman wen-manhan nochulboda yahan Keureon gamkakjeo-gin yeoja Naneun sana-i Jeomjanha boijiman nol ttaen noneun sana-i Ttae-ga dwehmyeon wahnjeon michyeobeorineun Keunyukboda sasangi ul-tungbul-tung-han Keureon sana-i Areumdawo sarangseureowo Keurae neo hey keurae baro neo hey Areumdawo sarangseureowo Keurae neo hey keurae baro neo hey Chigeumbu-teo kal dekkaji kabol-kka Oppan gang-namseutayil Kang-namseutayil Oppan gang-namseutayil Kang-namseutayil Oppan gang-namseutayil Eh- sexy lady Oppan gang-namseutayil Eh- sexy lady O-oo-o Ttwiineun nom keu wiie naneun nom Baby baby Naneun mwol jom aneun nom (x2) You know what i’m saying Oppan gang-namseutayil Eh- sexy lady, Oppan gang-namseutayil Eh- sexy lady,Oppan gang-namseutayil

English Translation: Oppa is Gangnam style, Gangnam style Oppa is Gangnam style, Gangnam style Oppa is Gangnam style Eh- Sexy Lady, Oppa is Gangnam style Eh- Sexy Lady oh oh oh oh A girl who looks quiet but plays when she plays A girl who puts her hair down when the right time comes A girl who covers herself but is more sexy than a girl who bares it all A sensable girl like that I’m a guy A guy who seems calm but plays when he plays A guy who goes completely crazy when the right time comes A guy who has bulging ideas rather than muscles That kind of guy Beautiful, loveable Yes you, hey, yes you, hey Beautiful, loveable Yes you, hey, yes you, hey Now let’s go until the end Oppa is Gangnam style, Gangnam style Oppa is Gangnam style, Gangnam style Oppa is Gangnam style Eh- Sexy Lady, Oppa is Gangnam style Eh- Sexy Lady oh oh oh oh On top of the running man is the flying man, baby baby I’m a man who knows a thing or two On top of the running man is the flying man, baby baby I’m a man who knows a thing or two You know what I’m saying Oppa is Gangnam style Eh- Sexy Lady, Oppa is Gangnam style Eh- Sexy Lady oh oh oh oh

Terminology

“Gangnam Style” is a Korean neologism referring to the upscale fashion and lavish lifestyle associated with trendsetters in Seoul’s Gangnam district (강남), which is considered the most affluent part of the metropolitan area. In colloquial usage, it is comparable to the English slang terms “swag” or “yolo”.

 

Spread

The video earned the title of “viral video” within days after its release and received intensive coverage from various English-language music blogs and K-POP news sites like AllKPop^[8], KPopStars^[3] and KoreaBoo^[16], as well as other regional Asian news sites including Yahoo! Philippines News^[17] and New Zealand music sites Mai FM^[9] and George FM.^[10] In the following weeks, the music video picked up notable mentions from internet humor and pop music sites, from Gawker^[18], BuzzFeed^[11] and FunnyJunk^[12] to Metafilter^[13] and PopDust^[14] among others.

 

By the first week of August, PSY’s Gangnam Style had been praised as a viral YouTube sensation by major U.S. news outlets like CNN^[19], ABC News^[20] and The Wall Street Journal^[21], further boosting the popularity of his music video. In addition, the song’s chorus hook “Oppan Gangnam Style” quickly became an in-joke among the English-speaking audiences for its misheard lyrics erroneously referred to as “Open Condom Style” or “Open Gundam Style,” which also went onto inspire several image macros and top-voted comments on the YouTube video page.

 Between late July and early August, the song picked up numerous endorsements from high-profile celebrities and musicians on Twitter, including British pop singer Robbie Williams^[15], American rapper T-Pain and American singer Josh Groban. Weeks later in mid-August, Korean and U.S. news outlets reported on a rumor that Justin Bieber has also shown interest in PSY’s work and a potential between the two singers was in progress. On September 20th, 2012, “Gangnam Style” was officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the most liked video in YouTube history with 2,141,758 likes at the time of announcement.

Reaction Videos

Meanwhile on YouTube^[6], viewers began uploading their reaction videos to the bizarre music video, praising it as a prime example of “Asian WTF humor” that has proven to fare well in the Western blogosphere. The YouTube community’s reaction to the music video in turn led to extensive coverage and analysis of its international popularity in the Korean news media, bringing hundreds of thousands of views to some of the most notable response videos. All three videos shown below received over 40,000 views within the first week of upload.

 Spin-off Music Video

On August 14th, PSY released a spin-off version of the song and the music video starring Hyun-A, a member of the K-POP group 4Minute who appeared in the original music video as PSY’s muse in the subway. Titled “Oppa Is Just My Style,” the music video sets itself apart by putting the female pop singer on the center stage and removing the original chorus “Gangnam Style” altogether.

 PSY Signs with Schoolboy Records

On September 3rd, PSY’s Seoul-based record label YG Entertainment announced on its official blog^[23] that the K-POP artist has signed a contract with Schoolboy Records after being approached by Scooter Braun, the manager of Justin Bieber. The press release was also confirmed by Braun in a video (shown below) uploaded to his YouTube channel. The announcement of PSY’s expansion into the United States, along with his scheduled U.S. debut appearance at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards, was widely reported in the Korean news media.

PSY’s AMA on Reddit

On October 25th, 2012 at 5 p.m. (EST), Reddit hosted an AskMeAnything (AMA) event with PSY, which was met by more than 13,000 questions from the fans and reached the frontpage of the site.

 

PSY

• ✔

@psy_oppa

join me for reddit q&a. starts in 5 minutes!! reddit.com/r/IAmA/comment… pic.twitter.com/Go8J3cGQ

24 Oct 12

• Reply
• Retweet
• Favorite

During the hour-long Q&A event^[26], the Korean singer managed to answer 48 questions ranging from his personal habits and musical preferences to his thoughts on the immense popularity of “Gangnam Style.” Some of the main highlights included:

Q: Why were you so mad at that girl’s ass?
* A: Because her ass was so mad.

Q: Who is your inspiration?
* A: Freddie Mercury.

Q: Do you have a favorite Gangnam Style “spoof” video?
* A: Ohio University marching band.

Q: Who is one celebrity you want to meet that you haven’t already?
* A: Tom Cruise.

Q: What’s something that people don’t know about you that you wish they did?
* A: I compose all my music myself.

Q: Is Gangnam style intended to be a social critique, or just supposed to be fun?
* A: GS is not a critique, just FUN!
Q: Can I come and hang out with you in Seoul?
* A: Call me maybe.

Q: If you could collaborate on a song with any one artist / band, who would that artist be?
* A: I love so many but if I had to choose one, Justin Bieber.

Q: How many times did it take to do the elevator portion of your video in Gangnam Style?
* A: That was ad libbed. Nong Chul is the name of the elevator guy and he is very famous comedian in Korea. That is a very popular dirty move he has been doing for six years and I asked him to do it in my video. if I am underneath, it would be dirtier! We only did 2-3 takes and everyone on the video set was crying from laughing. Definitely my favorite scene in the video.

Class

The mind of a shopper…

I have always been intrigued by the mind of a shopper, an interesting analysis I found today via http://www.ipa.co.uk/document/an-analysis-of-the-gb-shopper-from-ipa-touchpoints4

Latest IPA TouchPoints analysis on how we shop, when we shop and what media is consumed whilst doing it.

10/10/2012

Results:

• We spend on average around 3 hours 23 minutes a week shopping, including both grocery shopping and shopping for other things.

 

• Weekends are by far more favourable and busier time to shop, escalating from the idea most people work Monday-Friday.

 

• 50% tend to shop weekends at 11am and 50% tend to shop weekends at 13pm.

 

• Shopping online sees a bias of women aged 25-34 and those with young children. And those who work part-time.

 

• 58% of shoppers are spending small amounts of money less than £20  in any half an hour.

 

• 54% of the total amount of money is spent on amounts between £21 and £100 in a half hour.

 

• Spending over £200 tends to peak on Saturday morning at 12:30pm and then again at 14:00pm.

 

• Next peak is Wednesday at 15:30pm.

 

• Followed by Monday at 13:30pm.

 

• Concluded from both shopping in a shop and shopping online.

 

• High spend grocery shoppers tend to be more male biased aged 35-54, higher social grades with children between 4-15 and earning £45,000 or more and in full-time work.

 

• High spend grocery shoppers are more likely to get a new mortgage, start a new business, consider living or working abroad, spend £2,000+ on home improvements and consolidate their debts.

 

• They are also more likely to be planning to buy a new car.

 

• Average household expenditure is around £74 per week.

 

• Those who shop every day or most days spend on average £67 per week. Whilst those who do their main grocery shop once a week spend around £76 per week.

 

• Online grocery shopping has a positive affect on how much we spend.

 

• Those who agree that they do most their shopping online spend around £84 per week grocery shopping.

 

• Those who most often shop at Ocado spend on average £109 per week on drink and groceries, compared to those who most often shop at Aldi or Lidl £66 per week.

 

• Most often Tesco shoppers come in at £85 per week.

 

• Proximity is the main reason for those that regularly shop at Lo-Cost, Food Giant and Co-Op and Marks and Spencer.

 

• Price is the main reason that those who regularly shop at Leos, Lo-Cost, Asda and Lidl.

 

• Main reasons to shop at tesco are 24 hour shopping, store size and car parking.

 

• 95% pay by cash for their grocery shopping or 87% by debit card.

 

• 16% use a charge or store card.

 

• 12% with oyster card.

 

• New tap n’ go technology only being used by just over 3% of us.

 

• Tesco clubcard is still the most popular store/reward card with nearly 64% of us using a Tesco clubcard to pay for our shopping.

 

• Just over half 52% using a Nectar card.

 

• Those who spend least a week on groceries, between £5-£35.50, TouchPoints shows they are more likely to always or usually use promotional stands in public places.

 

• Always or usually use promotional vouchers or coupons found in newspapers or magazines.

 

• Those who spend the most on their weekly grocery shop, between £113- £300 per week; always or usually use promotional vouchers or coupons taken from a website or sent by email.

 

• More likely to buy a product after testing a sample.

 

• Those who spend the most time shopping a week between 5 and a half to 17 and a half per week are more likely to always or usually use promotional vouchers or coupons found in newspapers or magazines.

 

• Those who spend the least time shopping per a week between less than and hour and a half a week, are more likely to use promotional vouchers taken from websites.

 

• Despite recession 68% of us are still prepared to pay extra for a better quality of product or service.

 

• However 68% of us agree that we also shop around to take advantage of special offers and 67% of us look for the lowest possible prices when we go shopping.

 

• 42% of us agree that we are more likely to use a shop that offers a loyalty scheme.

 

• 28% of us agree that it is important to us which brands we buy.

 

• Compared to two years ago, 10% are more likely to agree that we use shops that offer loyalty schemes.

 

• 13% are more likely to be looking for the lowest possible offers when shopping.

 

• 10% more likely to shop around to take advantage of special offers.

 

• 43% increase in those who research products before they buy them.

Overall the marketing results show people are more cautious and aware with their money, research is available and vouchers, coupons and promotions are around to make those whose lives are not one of leisure and where the price doesn’t matter much easier.

 

Happy Shoping 🙂

Christmas is coming:)

With Christmas all that not far away, it is no suprise the talk of gift vouchers is blooming, an interesting article I found on Marketing Week today:

http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/trends/can-retailers-vouch-for-vouchers-effectiveness/4004228.article

I remember in the 90’s the present to buy if you don’t know what to buy would indeed be gift vouchers.

What are your thoughts?

Would you like a voucher for Christmas?

Would you give a voucher for Christmas?

Less than two months away so perhaps time to start preempting the gifts you will want and the gifts you receive.

www.just-style.com

• UK: Asos head of women’s wear buying departs

By Katie Smith | 22 October 2012

Online clothing retailer Asos has confirmed that Moriamo Oshodi, head of buying for trend brands, branded accessories and beauty, has stepped down after 12 years with the company.

POV: After Asos has had such a success why step down now?

• US: Gap executive reshuffle brings global focus

By Richard Woodard | 17 October 2012

Fashion retail giant Gap has unveiled a new global structure designed to reflect the company’s increasingly international footprint and to drive long-term growth.

POV: Lets hope the message is a clear one after the rollercoaster ride.

• JAPAN: Gap extends e-commerce reach

By Katie Smith | 11 October 2012

US clothing giant Gap Inc has extended its e-commerce reach by launching two online stores in Japan.

Customers will be able to shop for Gap, GapKids, babyGap and Banana Republic branded products.

The San Francisco-based retailer, which also has e-commerce stores for China, Europe and Canada, said the sites will offer free shipping everyday with purchases of JYP6,000 (US$76.79) or more. In addition, there will be free in-store returns within 30 days of placing an order. 

“Internationally, we have seen a great response from consumers who shop our brands online,” says Iris Yen, senior director of Asia online at Gap Inc. “We want to give our customers the ability to shop how, when and where they want.”

Earlier this month, Gap booked a 6% rise in September comparable sales on the back of gains at its North American divisions.

POV: This is a great move as it enables GAP to expand and reach out to the asian market which is very much demanding.

• US: Gap posts 6% rise in September comparable sales

By Katie Smith | 4 October 2012

Specialist clothing retailer Gap Inc has today (4 October) booked a 6% rise in comparable sales during September on the back of gains at its North American divisions.

POV: Good to see financial improvement on a childhood brand I grew up with.

• US: Gap appoints Rebekka Bay as head of global design

By Petah Marian | 18 September 2012

Specialist clothing retailer Gap Inc has ended a search lasting more than a year by appointing Rebekka Bay as creative director and head of global design for its namesake brand.

POV: It shall be exciting to view the new designs and see what changes have been made and what has been restrained.

All updates in October related to ASOS and GAP from Just-style upto today.

Plan for recommendation of a location with justifications of a physical store for ASOS presentation…

After  meeting on Saturday 27th October 2012 as a group at John Princes Street, London College of Fashion, Oxford Circus decisions were made regarding our presentation:

•  2.5 minutes each.
• 2.5 minutes store recommendation.
• Australia offices pop up shops have included:

1. Freda’s Bar in Chippendale.

2. Opera House- tourist/ commuter/ traffic= money.

3. Beach House in Kings Cross.

• IDEAS: London based.
• AMBER: Presented Camden table idea.
• BONNIE: Pop up shops in Box park and universities in September when students get money in.
• KRISZTINA: Exclusive/ Limited.
• ROSA: 4 pop up shops.
• JOSE: Attract older people to be younger.
• = Teamwork, the five of us us Amber, Bonnie, Jose, Krisztina and Rosa decide:

N: In the North a shop in Camden.

E: In the East a shop in Shoreditch.

S: In the South Chelsea/ Sloane Square/ Knightsbridge- influence Lipsy collection of SW4.

W: In the West Notting Hill.

AND last but not least in Central London- Covent Garden as there is high footfall, ‘tasters collection’- test technology. Three click rule store. Also returns.

Conclusion:

• All stores are close to head office in Camden and not too far from Barnsley Warehouse.
• Each store will have its own exclusive and limited collection as per the area of style so North is vintage, East is creative and Urban, South is funky and cool, West is more family orientated.

Result of Meeting:

• Decision of locations for physical store for Asos and clarity of rehearsal of Presentation Tuesday 20th October 2012 JPS, London College of Fashion 18:00-20:00pm.