Effie Netherlands 2011: Gold for Black Velvet Fabric Softener Commercial

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Founded in 1968 by the American Marketing Association Effie Awards was initially a purely American affair set up to recognise distinguished marketing  communication performance. That was the Mad Men era. Since then it has spread over to five continents and some 30 countries, including the Netherlands where it was celebrated yesterday in Amsterdam.

It seems like the hard economic times did not have an impact on the thriving brand advertising market in the Netherlands. Advertising agencies have been posting good results, particularly in the field of  TV marketing.

Awards night =celebration night. Where did the gold go?

The commercial with a most prosaic product. Fabric softener. Robijn Black Velvet. Made by UbachsWisbrun/JWTagency.

It stars Jules Deelder, a Dutch dandy poet with a very specific look and a very recongnisable Rotterdam accent.

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Delhi Belly: Comedy Highlight of The Hague Indian Film festival 2011

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With hovering grey skies and bouts of rain this has been the weekend to stay in. But braving the elements last night I ventured out to see Delhi Belly, a Bollywood comedy, as part of the first Indian Film Festival held in The Hague.

It must have been the title that won me over. And also the fond memories of India and my time in New Delhi.

Delhi belly, or diarrhea in plain medical language, is an affliction all too familiar to foreigners who ever visited or lived in India. And, oh boy, did I have my fair share of it.

Now, Delhi Belly, the film, is a hilarious comedy complete with diamond smuggling gangsters, shoot out scenes, mad car chases and as many f… words as rice grains in a pilaf dish. Continue reading →

Princess Maxima: Glamorous Frugalista

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Princess Maxima  in Rome October 6, 2011

 

At the opening session of the Dutch Parliament season 2011/2012 Her Majesty Queen Beatrix talked about tough economic times ahead and the required belt tightening.

And what better way to convey the message than lead by royal  example. Belt tightening aside, Princess Maxima, the most glamorous member of the Dutch royal family, does not shy away from recycling her accessories. The charming floppy hat seen on the Princess a few days ago in Rome where she presided over the opening of the Mondrian exhibition was part of her regal ensemble for the Prinsjes day 2011.

 

 

 

 

On two occasions — royally classy.

 

Good Bye Steve Jobs

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‎”In most people’s vocabularies, design means veneer. It’s interior decorating. It’s the fabric of the curtains and the sofa. But to me, nothing could be further from the meaning of design. Design is the fundamental soul of a man-made creation that ends up expressing itself in successive outer layers of the product or service.” Continue reading →

Marc Jacobs Resort 2012 Starring a Stylish Tranny

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Victoria Beckham for Marc Jacobs

 

Marc Jacobs is no stranger to kooky campaigns.  After all, he put Victoria Bekham into a shopping bag! He used a cross dressing man in his 2008 campaign. And admittedly does indulge into cross dressing himself.

But this latest resort campaign surpasses all of the above.

 

 

Sorry, Mr. Ford, pornochic is so over.

Seek and tired of langouring models, half dressed, undressed. Lying by the pool, or in the grass, or on top of a car…. Boring

Give us a fun story, make us laugh

Life is grave enough these days

So take a clue from this Housekeeping bible by Marc Jacobs.

“No excuse not to look fab while doing tedious house chores”