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The Travelodge hotel chain in the United Kingdom is rolling out a new test program aimed at helping people get a good night’s sleep. The method for giving guests a better snooze experience? A futuristic set of pajamas made from a material called Dermasilk, which is supposed to feel like a second skin.
According to a statement by Travelodge, the Dermasilk sleep suit “allows the skin to breathe, regulates body temperature (in hot and cold conditions) and maintains the skin’s moisture balance.” The Dermasilk is made from natural knitted silk, which the hotel chain claims controls body odor and is good for people who may suffer from skin disorders such as eczema and dermatitis, since it reduces the symptoms of itching and scratching.
Away from the colors, cuts and hemline details of the shows, Five business stories from New York Fashion Week…
Diesel launches Black Gold luxury line. Last year Diesel announced that it was moving upscale with a new Black Gold brand. This week Diesel showed the new product alongside its original line. The launch of the brand, according to Diesel chief, Renzo Rosso, was in reaction to a need “to offer more and more exclusive products to meet the market’s demand.” At the heart of the brand, a traditional Diesel fondness for denim, but at Black Gold denim will be treated like “a precious fabric” says the brand. (Via YouTube-part 1; Via YouTube-part 2)
Herve Leger, under the $1B helm of the Max Azria empire, returned to the runway, and tried to carve a new niche in the competitive luxury marketplace.(Via The Times, UK)
Halston also returned in a show that many saw as a continuation of Halston “a polite homage” rather than a reinterpretation of the brand (Via IHT); but lots of business talk around their exclusive deal with Net-A-Porter to sell the clothes online the day after the show (Via Net A Porter). The idea to relaunch the brand came from Jimmy Choo’s Tamara Mellon, and with Harvey Weinstein behind it, Halston is guaranteed great Hollywood exposure, but the strategy behind the brand is not yet clear.
On a recent episode of “The Biggest Loser,” contestant “Maggie” faces the camera and says: “I’m not a good cook, but I can make some oatmeal.” And in that line comes a microcosm of the very power of a brand integration on the NBC reality competition show.
The series about shedding pounds has its roots some time around 2004, when the South Beach Diet and Atkins were all the rage. Ben Silverman, now head of programming at NBC but then a producer, wisely observed the rising interest Americans had in diets and losing weight–and its potential for a series.
Pepsi vs Coke, Rin vs Tide, Nokia vs Samsung, LG vs Whirlpool, Ford Ikon vs Hyundai Accent… building perceptual differences is the name of the game in brand building. The stories of brands battling it out for consumer share of mind are legendar y and generations of marketers have grown up on these. Product features combined with advertising-led image are the fundamental tools that build power brands in products, even in this internet age.
Jet vs Kingfisher, Spice Jet vs Go Air, Barista vs Café Coffee Day, Pizza Hut vs McDonalds, Lifestyle vs Shopper’s Stop, LIC vs ICICI, Airtel vs Hutch (Vodafone)… there is another set of brands that are also battling it out for consumer share of wallet and share of heart. Some of these service brands are battling it out on experience while others are focusing on advertising image. Full Story
LOS ANGELES - With a deal taking shape to end a three-month walkout by Hollywood writers, the strike-hobbled television industry is scrambling to get back on its feet and salvage what remains of the broadcast season.
Churning out fresh episodes of hit dramas and comedies after a lengthy production shutdown is more complicated than simply hitting the “power-on” button of a remote control.
Next time you need to find the nearest restaurant or directions to the interstate, you won’t need to fumble with a cell phone. Ford just announced that they will soon offer vehicles with built-in broadband web service. Of course, this is only for those seeking out lunch spots during a workday—since it’s only going to be offered on commercial vehicles as part of the Ford Work Solutions package. Can’t us Internet junkies get a break?
With a whopping Q-Ratio of 17.1273… here’s the #1 Featured Product Placement of the Week: (Levi’s) Bravo’s “Project Runway” The remaining designers have to put their own spin on denim fabric.
Q-Ratio: 2.3645
(Orville Redenbacher’s) TBS’ “10 Items or Less” Leslie becomes convinced Buck has a drinking problem when he (Buck) comes in late after a night out. The staff is gathered for an intervention. But alcohol isn’t Buck’s real problem, keeping his drinking buddy’s identity secret from Leslie is! The secret gets out and Leslie begins to consider himself too old and alone. Buck attempts to lift his boss’ spirits with a night out and a surprise encounter!
Q-Ratio: 2.0119
(Quaker Weight Control Oatmeal) NBC’s “The Biggest Loser: Couples” It’s win or go home after a surprise elimination pits one outcast duo against all of the others. At the challenge, contestants compete for a prize they all desperately need after nearly a month away from their loved ones - letters from home. Three teams plot to throw the weigh-in, then have a change of heart, but is it too late for them to turn back?
