MISTAKES IN WATER

Imagine that Coca-Cola Company launched a new version of Coke. This “NEW” Coke had no gas, the label was not red and it came in a Tetra-pack packaging.
Would you think it is “COKE”? Would you buy it?
Sounds Extreme right?
Well, it all did happened but not with Coke but with SNAPPLE.

The guys at SNAPPLE have been enjoying a “momentum” in sales for the past years. After seeing the numbers of Vitamin Water and TEANY they recently launched a product called “Snapple Antioxidant Water” with Vitamins and Electrolytes.

MISTAKES:
1. Plastic bottle: One of the Snapple core values is that it comes in a glass bottle because it is recyclable. This new launch comes in PLASTIC!?!?

2. New Logo: If you are launching a new brand logo AND a new product the consumer will NOT understand, they will be confused. First launch the corporate logo, then new products

3. TSCHICK: The one thing we all love Snapple for is the interesting-funny facts written on its cap. This “new water” has nothing written on the cap. No fun.

4. Design: SNAPPLE Labels always look like a kid sketched them. The Design team for this product made NO effort. Bottle is boring, label is boring, having 3 typefaces is dirty.

Dear Marketing Team at Snapple:
It is hard not to feel envious of competitors growing numbers, clearly the CEO got excited about VITAMIN WATER figures. If you want to compete in this arena, you should have brought your values to it. What you launched is a BIG mistake. Pipeline volumes will be OK, repurchase? I don’t think so.
BTW, your MKT Manager should start looking for a job.

3 HIP HOTELS IN NYC

Long gone are the days when Ian Schrager ruled over us and dictated over where to stay and where to hang out. Today the Hudson hotel is just a memory and New York City offers a wide array of hip hotels for the young urbanites of the world that constantly visit the city. Here the three options for you to hangout when in town:


BOWERY HOTEL: You don’t want to check-in at this hotel, but you do want to have dinner at the Italian trattoria in the lobby. Ask for a table at the back cellar where a big old mirror hangs and is surrounded by endless candles. Romantic yet hip. After dinner, the B Bar is only a block away!


THOMPSON HOTEL: New Yorkers will brag about the first floor bar as being the coolest place, but honestly decor is too plain and has no windows. If you are a guest go up to the terrace and hang out with the 40-something crowd. If you are under 40 go down to the Asian restaurant on the ground floor, ask for a table outside and order the tropical fruit fondue and enjoy dipping bananas into a green chocolate sauce. mmm!



RIVINGTON HOTEL: If you are under 30, or just a fashion addict, here is where you wan to hang out! Located in the heart of the lower east side, this venue offers the best pre-drinks bar where to meet with your friends before a wild night out. You will have to wait a bit to get seated but it will be worth it as you will enjoy a free view of the most fashionable crowd in the city. Trends are set here.

FINALLY: UPSCALE SKINCARE FOR MEN

A few weeks ago I was introduced to a new, high-end cosmetics brand for men: ALFORD AND HOFF. I met the two founders, two former football players, who asked me to try their line and give them my feedback. As a cosmetic freak I do have years of experience so I can honestly tell you that this products are very good.

Out of the entire line my favorite three were:
1. The Cleanser feels great, it has a thick, heavy consistency which I had never felt in any product. Unique.
2. The AM PM Serum is light and absorbs fast so you can add on a moisturizer without feeling you have a 'heavy' face.
3. I tried both moisturizers and liked the one without SPF. I know we all should wear SPF, but the one without SPF feels tickling in your skin, sign of the active ingredients in it. Works!

Guys, run to Bergdorf and get yours!
Girls go grab some for your boyfriend.
Thank you A&H for giving us such good products!

3 EXHIBITIONS @ NYC

Dear Readers,
After a few months of not writing I come back full of stories, full of new energy and more surprises. To restart here three opinions on what I consider the 3 hot exhibitions in New York City. So pack your bags and come visit!

SUPERHEROES AT MET:
Last May 3 Anna Wintour editor of Vogue magazine (as if you didn’t know that!) hosted the annual gala dinner at The MET. This year the presenters were Julia Roberts and George Clooney who made the official presentation of the exhibition “Superheroe Fashion”. This exhibit is a MUST for every New Yorker and tourist this summer.
After seeing who can Armani dress Catwoman or a Superman by Mugler you have to go up to the terrace and see the Jeff Koons sculptures while enjoying a drink at sunset.




CAI AT THE GUGGENHEIM
This exhibition is something extraordinary. A MUST to anyone who likes art. In His book “Microtrends” Mark Penn was right when he said that the next century’s Picassos would be rising from China and here is the evidence.
Cai achieves what very few can: Generate anger, compassion, fear and love using materials such as flying cars, running wolves or broken china plates. He is most known for his “explosions” and use of gunpowder, but in this exhibition he shows how versatile he can be. Bravo Cai!


MURAKAMI at THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM
After a success in L.A., this retrospective arrives in New York. It is a good compilation of his work but most of all it tells the story of how a cartoonist rised in a few years to the level of "artist". I saw the exhibition, I liked it and it made me feel good however I am not sure if I would call it “Art”. Are Snoopy or Mickey Mouse considered “art”? Not until they are printed in a $5,000USD Hermes bag I guess...

The worst exhibition EVER: The Whitney Bienniale. I was so angry when I saw this exhibition I wanted my money and time back! If you are an artist featured in here, do not tell anyone. It is SOO BAD I will not comment on it, just AVOID it.

COLLAPSE

Last saturday I went out for a walk and when I came back my apartment was...GONE.
A construction crane collapsed over my building.

Today one week later I was able to go in my apartment with policemen and flashlights and recover some stuff.
I am still in shock...but alive!

Here the pics:
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/03/15/nyregion/0315-CRANE_15.html

GOD BLESS

THE NEW YORK TIMES

For many months I wished the new building for The New York Times in 42 street was finished and dreamed of entering. This building has 52 floors and was created by Renzo Piano. This week I was lucky enough to have a personal tour of the offices of this renowned editorial institution and I was very surprised.

The newspaper only occupies the first floors and the top floors are rented to big firms who pay skyrocket rental fees. Spaces are open and you seldom see a wall, when you do it is painted in bright red. Instead of having pictures framed on the hallways, there are flat screens that every 6 second change images, all impressive from animals, people, flowers, culture, great pics!

The hight tech point are the ELEVATORS. There are two sets of 6 elevators. When you press the button you press the number of the floor you are going to instead of just "UP". Each elevator has a letter, and a screen indicated which elevator is the most adequate for you to go to your floor. Simple, smart and noone did it before!

Result: Inside the elevator there are no buttons! and you get there faster!

TRASTEVERE in NYC?

Hidden in a narrow dark street of the East Village in NYC lies a small piece of Rome. A small italian tabern where the only lights are candles, tables and chairs are all wood and decoration is old olive oil bottles and fresh fruit. This place is hard to find the first time, but once there is unforgettable.

This wonderful location is called IL BUCO and is just a very cozy place with great food and the right energy! I should not post this place as I know all of you will run to try it and it will be even harder to get a table, but I just LOVE IT! 47 Bond Steet,