Saturday, 8 January 2011

Lady Snap Snap

Polaroid, an internationally known company producing electronic and eye ware goods since 1937, made famous by its iconic ‘instant film cameras’ that hit the market in 1984 have embarked on a new cutting edge product that is said to be the camera of the future, who else could combine ultramodern technology with style and art? None other than Lady Gaga.
Recently becoming the creative director of Polaroid in 2010, Gaga used her talents and position to co-create the Grey Label line of products with Dr. Edwin Land. Grey Label features three unique ideas and concepts that infuse “Polaroid's heritage of delivering simplicity with the style, wit and sensibility of Lady Gaga.”- Polaroid.com 


The main themes behind the designs are, instant artistry, creativity and most importantly fashion. So what are these new ‘next gen’ creations I hear you ask, well the GL10, an instant mobile printer which boasts superb print quality and is “Environmentally responsible”, what ever that’s supposed to mean.

Next up we have the GL30, an instant digital camera, packing a punch with the new ZINK technologies. Paying an avant-garde tribute to the iconic camera that gave Polaroid Its name. Finally the one that no doubtably is my favorite of the line up, the GL20.
Fashion and art combined with hypnotic, catchy beats is what makes Lady Gaga such a huge successful pop icon today, arguably up there with the likes of Madonna and Britney. In only a few years she has stormed into the music industry like a whirl wind of crazy outfits and hair pieces. It doesn’t seem strange that Gaga’s latest invention is essentially a snappy little fashion item.

Polaroid’s biggest leap in the Grey Label products has to be the creative mix of what seems to be stylish sunglasses with a built-in camera. Turning photography into a fashion statement by taking photos and displaying them on the built in LCD screen. Displaying your photos allows the outside world to see exactly how you view it. Although the tiny screen doesn’t seem sufficient to parade your photography skills, the idea is great and is adding another string to Gaga’s bow.
The mobile printer will retail at US $149.99 in May this year but Grey Label 30 and 20 release date is yet to be confirmed, as with pricing. 
Surely the aesthetically pleasing products are things to look forward to in 2011? Could they be a revolutionary item? Will they last in the ever evolving photography industry? Will they even make an impact in 2011? Who knows, we can only find out. 

Wednesday, 5 January 2011

Look at this Pea Coat, tell me he's broke...



Horrible picture I know but never the less this is a picture of my coat. It's a bit simple but I really do love it. I got it from Topman in early November ready for the harsh, snowy winte,r that was ahead of us. There's a "Sale Topman" in the local city centre which I simply love because the permanent sale means I can afford something from Topman for a change. So back to the story, I saw this Camel pea coat, checked the price tag and guess what? It was within my budget. £15. Yes one five smackers for such a divine piece of artwork. It was reduced from £50+, I think, but it made me wonder why Topman can’t retail more products that are cheaper. Loads more people I know would buy more items from Topshop and other high street retailers if they were just a little bit cheaper. I for one have a huge list of items I would love to get, but lack of money and job means I cannot afford my wish list, meaning I’ll have to wait at least six months before these items are deemed unsellable and sent to my local “Sale Topman”. I sigh as I see the mixtures of colours, patterns and textures that I cannot afford drift through my eyes and hands as I slowly walk out of the shop empty handed.

However all is not at a loss. We are all aware January has kicked in, sale signs are flashing up everywhere, with glorious items waiting for us with an excellent ‘reduced’ sale tags. By playing the retail game right you can get wonderful looks at wonderful prices...and who needs to know you got it half price?