To Market, To Market: Je Suis Charlie Watches

 

Today’s watch dial is not a sacred space, but I find  the use of  the Je Suis Charlie sentiment on it as yet another convenient, commercial product design in poor taste.  Yes, I support freedom of speech, press and expression. It's near and dear to me in this blog space and everywhere else in the things I read and see either directly or virtually.

 

However, along with freedom of speech, I uphold freedom of taste and my right to object to what I see to be on the poorer side of the spectrum.  That's why I find the commercial appropriation of the Je Suis Charlie slogan as the ground zero focal point on some watch dials as unduly sensationalizing, though sadly not surprising.

Yes, the French satirical periodical, Charlie Hebdo has suffered editorial decimation and by it paradoxically realized extraordinarily high demand, along with high revenues. But do we need to tastelessly add to the indirect capitalization of  acts of terrorism through further commodification? In this case, incorporating Je Suis Charlie on our watch faces.

We have a choice. In my case, Je me suis pas Charlie.

 So what do you think?

A New Page for 2015: Poetic Time

On this page you'll find a selection of poems and other prose fragments, some my own -- some from others, with time as an important thematic element. I hope that the entries inspire you to explore the power of poetry. And for my fellow blog writers, the entries serve as a springboard for finding  your own poetic voices that inspire your postings. 

Please share your findings, including a link to your blog; your thematic thrust and several lines from poems that address or reflect your blogging focus.

This page will enjoy the life of being continuously Under Construction.

Pantone’s Preeminence: Versace Does Marsala

Januarys always bring trend talking and trend stalking regardless of industry.  In the design world, the cardinal predictor is Pantone’s Color of theYear.  For 2015 — Watch for Marsala in fashions, accessories, home décor, cosmetics, fabrics, paints, and even food pairings. 

 

The selection process overseen by Pantone is decidedly European and done in secret.  It involves representatives from various nations’ color standard groups, which over the course of two meetings choose a color for the following year. The chosen color purportedly is a visual summation of an all-encompassing cultural temperament and expression.  It is meant to reflect the affective spirit of the times.

As Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of Pantone Color Institute explains, “Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability. Marsala is a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth. “

Watch designers, no matter what their market product placement acknowledge Pantone’s preeminence, even if they don’t incorporate it in directly into their lines. 

Not so Versace — which gives us an edgy design that both incorporates and epitomizes the Zeitgeist of Marsala in its VersaceV-Signature Red model.  I’d call it Versace Marsala Bold and Gold for its uncompromising fashion-forwardness and visual punch.

Image courtesy of the Gevril Group

 The watch displays a rich Marsala palette on its Roman indexes dial/35mm case  attached to a patent calf leather cuff.  It uses IP rose gold for the case, lugs, and bezel. The IP (Ion Plated) process gives the gold plating a higher brightness, more durability and wear resistance. 

Versace’s iconic Greek Key design (a continuous, meandering line shaped into a repeated motif) is used to sculpt the eye-catching lugs and as an engraved surround on the bezel. The Greek Key also frames Versace's Medusa Head logo depicted in relief on the dial at the 12th hour. The watch is made in Switzerland with a Swiss two hands movement. 

What I like about the overall Versace V-Signature line including the recent Red is that its cuff-style wristband is so versatile. It can be worn in two ways. When the distinctive leather cuff is in place, the watch has a bold, assertive style. When slipped out of its cuff-style base, the thinner top part of the band can be worn for a more sleek style. 

What’s also a plus is if Marsala is not your métier or you’re a non-directional trender, favoring such sites as OZY,  Versace has other colors available including lime yellow and turquoise, as well as the design house's signature black and white.

The Gevril Group, a US watchmaker and wholesale watch distributor, is the exclusive U.S. agent for “exquisitely designed and crafted European luxury and fashion watch brands” including Versace.