Stop Light Observations, August 16, 2019.
DEAR READER
Claire Keane
Cosmic Funnies

Love Begins

pixel skylines

★
Lint Roller? I Barely Know Her

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"I'm Dorothy Gale from Kansas"
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todays bird
let's talk about Bridgerton tea, my ask is open
trying on a metaphor
noise dept.

祝日 / Permanent Vacation

Discoholic 🪩
Keni
we're not kids anymore.

Kaledo Art
he wasn't even looking at me and he found me

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@jackielane
Stop Light Observations, August 16, 2019.
2024: The Year of the Horse Girl
My roommate and I sat cross legged on the floor of the living room, Old Fashioneds in hand, and imposing on her -- not for the first time - my fascination for fashion shows.
"The fun," I told her, "is figuring out the theme and inspiration as it unfolds."
I flicked through some of the most memorable shows of recent memory as I explained their significance: the Amiri Autumn 2021 Runway Film representing the very best of fashion presentations adapted for global work-from-home mandates. The Anna Sui show in the Rare Books Room of The Strand, fashion's response to the rise in celebrity book clubs.
We stopped on the Hermès Fall/Winter 2023-24 Ready to Wear show and I let her watch without exposition. "Just... look."
Visual poetry unfolded in our living room big screen as a line of sleek, aristocratic models clopped by in brushed coats ranging from chestnut and bay to brindle and grey. Minimalist lines and monochrome ensembles allowed the leather craft to take center stage, with snaffle bit inspired hardware gleaming.
After observing several of these details my impatience got the best of me. "Do you get the theme yet?" I asked her, expectantly. "Horsies!"
My friend, a veterinary doctor was either not convinced, or not impressed, but the impact of this zoomorphic runway show left a memorable impression on me months later. Of all the details, I was most struck by the hair styling choices: gorgeous manes in all colors and lengths, shining and elegant in its simplicity.
Perhaps it struck me because of all the aspirational elements of an Hermes show, this beauty seemed the most achievable. It sometimes takes time for a creative vision to trickle into the consciousness of our daily habits, but I found habits changing. For months, I have been drawn to shiny silk fabrics, slim cut wools, and polished leather accessories, designed to "wear in" not wear out. Instead of a tight curl, fortified with extra hold mousse, I have switched to a brushed curl, reminiscent of the soft glamor of Veronica Lake and other old hollywood beauties. I returned to the cost-saving conditioner of my childhood, Mane N' Tail.
There is something incredibly validating about a high fashion brand appreciation for an achievable, natural beauty standard. With a diverse and inclusive cast, the brand celebrated the beauty and expressive nature of all types of hair. It was tasteful, inclusive without tokenizing, and remarkably cohesive, with each look contributing to the theme of beauty, athleticism, and movement. Each model became zoomorphic, majestic, and a perfect reflection of the brand.
"The horse is our top priority, followed by the rider", said Jean-Louis Dumas, grandson of Emile Hermès.
It's clear that 2024 is the year of the cowgirl, with Cowboy Carter in every millennial's spotify queue and Pharell's reimagining a western wardrobe for a modern audience with Louis Vuitton.
But these romantic allusions to cowboy culture, the freedom of the wild west, and the raw power and skill involved in ranching and riding are vivid metaphors for an audience craving personal agency. At Hermes, however, the line between horse and rider disappeared for nine brief minutes, reminding us we are not the ones that control the power, but that incredible horsepower resides in each of us.
MBAT 2022.
Emanuel Wynter.
DJ Dammit Wesley. Ice Skating, 2024.
WOAH the band.
DRAFT
Today in Good Spirits, Another Round of Tequila.
Tequila's 'legitimization' as a luxury spirit is no more evident than in its Tequila Komos acquisition. The Spirit of Gallo joins with former Master Sommelier and wine maker Richard Betts to take the award winning spirit to the top, citing 17% growth in the Tequila category in 2021 in a press release.
If the award winning product and the Komos-Gallo partnership weren't already a perfect recipe for success, the brand is also recruiting heavily from luxury leaders in other areas to create an unstoppable team to grow the unique product.
Komos Tequila stands apart for influence from Old World Mediterranean winemaking practices and also in its sustainability practices. Betts moved bottle sourcing to Mexico City, establishing the beautiful blue bottle, and successfully diverted agave byproducts, vinaza and baggazo, out of river runoff and into building materials suitable for use in their own Oaxaca distillery and in other infastructure projects in the Jalisco region.
As their 2022 Oscar commercial promises, Komos Tequila is "finished unlike any other", a reminder than maybe, with some out of the box thinking, it is possible to have it all.
DRAFT
This week in Good Spirits, Moderation!
New research this summer reveals that INFLAMMATION rather than dehydration is primarily to blame for nasty hangover headaches. The breakdown of acetaldehyde - most present in beer and sulfite-heavy wines - rather than dehydration is the cause of the inflammation of muscus membranes, inducing pounding headaches in the brain and uncomfortable sinus pressure in the face mask or behind the eyes.
Great news, right! Well, sort of. Unfortunately, over-using over the counter anti-inflammatory medicines like Advil can cause serious liver damage, and can also irritate the stomach.
Enjoying beverages in moderation is alway the recommended way of preventing a hangover, but in case you over-do it, you can try the following methods to manage the following physical symptoms:
Stomach Irritation - ginger
Dehydration - Electrolytes, miso soup
Headache - Magnesium & Zinc, persimmons, antihistamines
Fatigue - Coffee and gentler teas
Long term liver damage - milk thistle and amnio acid L-Cysteine
The same way we apply SPF before a day in the sun, pairing healthy drinking habit with a few key minerals zinc, magnesium and liver support (such as a hearty meal rich in healthy fats and proteins) can help you enjoy a night on the town without feeling like a train wreck the next day.
*This research is supported by evidence in a 2020 study found that zinc, a known anti-inflamatory, can reduce the side effects of a hangover. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7696633/
**No research has been done to determine how the following cures can assist with mental side-effects of heavy drinking. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/9/4/1148
DIOR Product Pitch Competition
Reveal Your Talent - Jun 2023 - Ecoconception Excerpts
Jun 22, this week in Good Spirits!
Maison Pierrer-Jouët shares a stunning evolution in its timeless heritage with the Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Cocoon. The elegant silhouette wraps the bottle -- now offered increasingly in green bottles made of 85% recycled glass -- in a delicate construction of paper pulp and 5% vine crop waste.*
The Cocoon replaces the 2020 Ecobox, a gift box made from FSC paper, treated with their iconic Art Nouveau flower designs, and marks a satisfying reinterpretation of the technology first introduced by the Ruinart Second Skin.
Pierrer-Jouët: Inspired by nature since 1811.
The fully recyclable 'coffret', made in France, and 93% lighter than previous gift boxes offered by the Maison, and serves as a symbol of the brand's high regard beauty and the environment. Additionally, it links the brand more closely than ever with their commitment to a zero-herbicide policy, preservation of biodiversity, and the development of sustainable growing practices.
Pierre-Nicolas Perrier and Rose-Adélaïde Jouët is named for a young couple united by their love of art and nature. Pierre-Nicolas Perrier, and his son Charles were botanists and horticulturists, regularly implementing progressive ideas on natural viticulture and vineyard management for their time.
*It is unclear if this vine waste is added for additional structure or added texture.
Renowned for its finest champagnes, Perrier-Jouët has pursued its quest for perfection since 1811. Learn more about the craftsmanship of the
Images of the new paper Absolut vodka bottle.
This week in Good Sprits, Absolut, undeniably one of the most prominent marketing companies in the world, launches their new consumer packaging, noting its departure from their iconic clear glass bottle. While their emphasis on this 'bio-bottle' screams greenwashing, all other language I have seen them use around their sustainability journey is transparent, and their partnership with the Ardagh Glass Packaging in Limmared, UK to use a hydrogen-powered furnace for continuous glass bottle production marks an earnest and ambitious step towards Absolut's own reduction goals and support of green transition in the glass industry. The announcement also follows Jameson's 2020 successful trial to produce recycled glass bottles using biofuels.
As a brand strategy, this campaign focuses attention and validates sustainability as a value proposition for more cautious brands while buying time to make the big changes that require contract negotiations and trust building. Perhaps this "small wins first" approach can provide a roadmap for mass market brands and luxury players alike!
Absolut Vodka is to become the first global spirits brand to move to a partly hydrogen energy-fired glass furnace for large-scale production
Mar 24, today in good spirits: In the Case of Rhum
Last week I discussed the importance of heritage in product premiumization. Which poses the question: What, then, is the difference between Volcan and Eminente in the Moët Hennessy portfolio?
Eminente, another beautiful brand with a story rooted in Cuban heritage, faces very different market conditions.
The rum market is much more saturated in Europe than tequila, meaning that while a great story and beautiful packaging matter, they will not be enough to stand apart from other rhum brands.
To emphasize its unique features, quality, and exclusivity, Eminente should be focusing on different selling points than Volcan.
Rather than highlighting a strong, biodiversity strategy or highlighting the makers of their product, Eminente has a targeted strategy for existing rum consumers.
Exceptional experiences, is the name of their game. You will find Eminente enlisting the help of bar tenders elevate the versatility and flavor profile of their product, and offering unique installations, such as the Hotel Monte Carlo exhibit and the newly opened Casa Eminente. should do the trick to build buzz and make already-eager rum aficionados rabid.
Mar 18, Today in Good Spirits, Tequila's Sunrise
In an uncertain market, many brands turn to premiumization, the process of enhancing the features of a brand that make it unique and appealing. This can happen for an existing brand, but it call also happen for an entire product segment, as is the case of Tequila in recent months.
Moët Hennessy has started its first tequila brand, Volcan, and paired this fresh story with an iconic look in the XA bottle. Brand elements feature the farmers and the AOP of Jalisco, acknowledging the historical knowledge, the rich heritage of the region, and offering the same dignity to Mexican spirits as they afford to France's noble vineyards.
Bold brand identities, strong existing communities, and green credentials are essential for any new brand looking to launch in 2023, and the time is ripe for Tequila and Mezcaleria stories to be told!
Nov 19, this week in Good Spirits: Packaging
According to the BIER (Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable) 24-37 percent of a spirit’s carbon footprint can be attributed to its packaging.
In honor of COP27, we chose to highlight packaging innovations as a way to tackle decarbonisation of the spirit and beverage industry. The following posts detail various notable innovations:
Recycling & High Consumer Cooperation in Craft Beer
Eco-design - Lightweight & Streamlined
Upcycling & New End of Life Ideas
Nov 28, this week in Good Spirits: Woauh, comme c'est beau! Beaujolais Nouveau
November is here, which means the freshly bottled Beaujolais is in the process of being bottled and sent down the nearest river, straight to your doorstep.
Each November, the annual Beaujolais festivals celebrate the fresh bottling of this unpretentious wine and the rich history of the region. Beaujolais boasting wines that have been around since the reign of Julius Cesar and was bottled by monks. It is also known for sporting many innovations in wine making, including strategies for protecting the vines from phylloxera and new sprays to protect vines from mildew.
Light and abundant, Beaujolais was bottled by the monk-vintners and shipped down the river for restaurants to use. It remains a popular, modest choice for Thanksgiving dinners everywhere.
Nov 12, this week in Good Spirits:
Wicked Weed Brewing in Asheville, NC encouraged their 100K+ fans of the craft brewer to get out and vote in the US mid-term elections. While Wicked Weed has a controversial place in the N.C. Craft Brew scene following their 2017 sale to ABInBev, their commitment to local community has never wavered. Their political engagement, paired with their official land acknowledgement on Indigenous People's Day honouring the Eastern Band of the Cherokee people, has us in Good Spirits this week.
Symington Family Estates announced their Act4Nature in concurrence with COP27, making new commitments to decarbonization efforts in the next 6 years. They also reminded supporters of their COP26 open letter encouraging other vineyards to join the cause in moving to Carbon Zero by 2030 and Carbon Positive by 2050.