The highest form of flattery, South Africa style
We often turn to Europe for design leadership. But in the case of mass market commercial design, it seems nothing can compare to good ol' American design, and the component that I think Americans do best, brand marketing.
Here's another variation using the Gap template (see the first one in Rio).
This is not the same J Crew we know, established in 1983!
Thick wooden shutters enclosing a dark store interior. Chandeliers and rich wood furniture. Floor to ceiling pictures of nearly naked men and women (mainly men, with one another). A large selection of cargo shorts and polos, with a silhouetted animal emblem on the shirt pocket. Abercrombie & Fitch? No, it's Kingsley Heath: African Luxury. And that animal is a buffalo.
My favorite so far is the Obama 08 campaign branding, spreading its wings. The main opposition party to the African National Congress, Democratic Alliance, launched their new logo on November 15, 2008, a few days after the US elections. I think they are hoping some of the Obama magic will rub off in next week's elections!
