Brand, Be Mine?
At Wolff Olins we’re enmeshed in the business of brand – consistently surprised, delighted, and challenged by what we see. While you can’t quite hold a brand or put one in your pocket, a strong brand – from chocolates to cleaning products – has the power to move you, sometimes to love.
This Valentine’s day we thought it right to express our love for our favorite ones and explain why it is they rock our world. Here’s to you, sweet brands…won’t you be ours?
The following were compiled in our New York and London offices:
I love Muji because they don’t impose their identity on mine.
I love Target because they democratise design.
I love Google for all the great things they allow me to do.
I love Jacques Torres ‘cause I use chocolate medicinally and they’re right around the corner.
I love the New York Times. I’ve been reading it since I was twelve.
I love Post-It because they’re still relevant and quirky in a digital age.
I love Vintage Seltzer for its blue and white label and because it’s so normal.
I (heart) Sol Moscot and Grenson. Two brands with a long line of tradition, both of which do not rest on that heritage while keeping their quality high and their brands fresh and contemporary.
I love Apple. The Mac and the iPhone changed my life, can’t live without my iPad.
I love Mrs. Meyer’s cleaning products ‘cause they smell so good and all natural.
Uniqlo. What’s there not to love about this brand? In a recent brand campaign in New York they focused on the aspect that no matter what age, gender, race, income, their products can be worn by anyone. Plus every aspect of their expression and experience is really engaging too!
I love TIDE detergent. I want my clothes to be washed with only that. It takes me back to childhood and maybe a field of flowers.
I love Trader Joe’s because their employees give the best, most honest, recommendations and are outfitted in Hawaiian shirts. WIN.
I love PBS Masterpiece Theater. Why? Consistency (in storytelling, high production value, great acting, and intelligent, witty, entertaining programming, and nice online content to complement the show and grow viewership). (read: I love Downton Abbey)
I love J. Crew because even though their vanity sizing is absurd, Mickey and Jenna are retail visionaries.
I love Urban Outfitters– the Starbucks of casual wear. It may not be cool to admit you shop there, but I can rely on them for the basics I need with a fashionable twist, at affordable prices. Any young-ish woman who denies shopping there is lying!
I have a thing for Aveda Hand Relief. There’s just something about pausing in the middle of your day to put it on. I still remember the first time I used it and the soothing voice of the saleswoman who gave me that first sample in the Aveda store.
Equinox. Cold eucalyptus towels, top of the line machinery, no waits, great classes. Who knew I’d actually be excited to go to the gym?
I really love Burton. With these guys, there’s an obvious authenticity that really comes through in everything they touch. From their solid products to the content on their website (snow porn!) to how their flagship stores are designed, the brand is clearly built for snowboarders, by snowboarders.
I love the Mets—but it’s a seriously dysfunctional relationship.
What are the brands you can’t live without? Share your favorites with our team @wolffolins.
