Abercrombie & Fitch: Too FIERCE in Sexuality for Singapore?

Low-rise jeans indeed! More like low-tugged jeans! | (image source)

I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT! That four-story billboard covering the facade of A&F Singapore was bound to stir up something. I mean, when I first saw it, I was like "woah!" And Ashley Stewart (CEO of JCDecaux Singapore) agrees, "I was a little surprised when I first saw it. It was more risqué than would normally be attempted, even for an Orchard Road location. We must remember that outdoor advertising here rightly has historically been sensitive to the multi-cultural society that is Singapore; we are not a mono culture - so partial nudity in advertising is generally not acceptable." In the picture, the guy tugs down the front of his low-rise jeans revealing, seriously, his shaved public area. Now, this picture has been frequently seen on Abercrombie & Fitch shopping bags (and no one has ever made a complain before). But is it just me or is the pubic area more defined on the A&F Singapore billboard? Whereas on the the bags, the area is like slightly blurred. I thought it was, but didn't make a comment on it. I mean, it's Abercrombie & Fitch?! And it all comes down to the fact that it's art and the over all look is nice, clean, and bold. But others didn't agree and had a thing or two to comment...

"Lewd" and "vulgar" were two of the words reported to have been used in a Straights Time forum in August discussing the imagery. The site Stomp was also filled with debate. And why (when the rest of us are all used to chiseled abs and sexuality by A&F)? Because Singapore is actually a lot stricter than your common nation and, to that effect, has entities that protect "decency" in the city-state. And so the Advertising Standards Authority of Singapore (ASAS) butted in. It decided that the photo plastered on the tourist traffic-heavy Orchard Road was "objectionable" on August 31 and called for a suspension of the promotional imagery on September 12 because the billboard made a "breach of the Singapore Code of Advertising Practice guidelines on decency." But its just too bad for the ASAS because they can not find a way to get A&F to pull it down. It's very funny. They're like bratty moralist children. They tried to see if the billboard was put up for A&F through an ad agency (that way they could get the agency to pull it down by complying to the code). Nope. They tried to get the  Park Hotel Group, owners of Knightsbridge, to get it down. Nope. The only way to get it down is if Abercrombie & Fitch, which put up the billboard itself, actually puts it down...well that is not happening.

Abercrombie & Fitch is looking into the situation and the ASAS is trying to look for ways to get its way. On September 29, the MDA "voiced its support for the [ASAS]," but nothing has happened yet. The ASAS is still awaiting response from A&F. Supposedly, "photographic image exploits human nudity" can be subject to law under the Undesirable Publications Act.

But this is all very slow and stupid and ignorant. Why now after the damn thing has been up for months - the billboard has been there since June! - are they now making a big deal? Like Stewart told Marketing magazine, "What really surprised me was the speed of ASAS's responce. The ad's suspension was many weeks after it was posted, so it had already achieved the desired effect." Also, its artistic photography...not pornography. There is no indecency because the subject of the photograph is presented in an artistic manner. Like a nude statue Rome, which is riddled with them, if you will, except in photographic presentation. Sure Singapore is not Rome, but the point is that this is art. And yes, sensuality is intended, but it is art nevertheless and offends no one - there is no reason to be offended. Sure enough we must recognize the sensitivity of a culture but how "sensitive" can you be without bordering on ignorance and immaturity. Rayner Lim, a creative partner at Contagious called it "dangerous": "Can you imagine waiting at the junction for green light and a big grown man like me caught salivating at the chiseled abs." Well assuming he's heterosexual he wouldn't have to drool and if he is attracted then can he not have self-control? I mean really? And how old are you? Pathetic.

Billboards on the facade of A&F Milan under construction in 2009.

And how about this...the same picture has been used since 2009 when it was made as two billboards on the facade of A&F Milan when that flagship was under construction back in 2009. It is also on the facade of the upcoming A&F Düsseldorf. There were no remarks of "inappropriateness" from the Milanese and there haven't been any from the Germans. Yeah, again, Singapore may be a different culture, but this is art and it's what Abercrombie & Fitch is Singapore! It's what makes the brand beautiful - its appreciation of the human form (primarily that of the male) - and hot, too. There is no A&F without this.

Marketing - "conservative" by A&F standards - draped over the
sleek and elegant facade of A&F Ginza in 2009.

Granted. When Abercrombie & Fitch placed marketing on the facade of its A&F Ginza flagship store in Tokyo, I considered it an appropriate move. The photograph is from RUEHL No.925 but was used on the then-upcoming A&F Tokyo flagship. The photo - like everything from RUEHL - was reserved and sophisticated. And I thought A&F must have used it while considering that the Ginza shopping district is conservative in a sense. But guess what? A&F then rolled a bus plastered with semi-nude males down the streets of Ginza! That just comes to show that A&F is sensuality/sexuality but in a wholly artistic, near-luxury context.

In my conclusion, there is no reason to make such a big deal. It's beautiful. Yes, it is. And it's art. (As I have said countless times to make my point come across). If this is causing controversy in Singapore then what's next? Are there going to be complains over the photography of the Abercrombie & Fitch shopping bags carried all up-and-down Orchard Road by A&F customers?

Seriously. Let's be reasonable here. A&F Singapore opens December 15th! Stay FIERCE!

A&F London, 2006.

P.S. I want to point out something else. Yes, there was also controversy over A&F London in 2006, but that wasn't really all because of the marketing of semi-nude males plastered along the facade (which wasn't even technically on Savile Row itself, found around the corner, but on Burlington Gardens). The problem was mainly because the shopkeepers of Savile Row didn't want a casual, youthful and sexual brand opening near them. Savile Row, renown for its English tailoring is quite conservative by reputation and culture and so then I can understand. But A&F opened anyway and they shut up about it. But this whole Singapore thing is completely different because Singapore does want Abercrombie & Fitch to open on Orchard Road. People are just making a big fuss over a picture. Had A&F placed the same picture it did for A&F Ginza on the facade of A&F Singapore then people would not be making such complains.

_____________________

UPDATE: Abercrombie & Fitch has responded to the complaints! Read all about the latest news...FIERCE Sexuality in Singapore to Stay!

Cover art for Daniel Abraham's THE KING'S BLOOD and James S. A. Corey's CALIBAN'S WAR

Orbit recently unveiled these two Daniel Abraham covers.

Comic Book Sexuality

Other than Neil Gaiman's The Sandman, it's been about two decades since I've read comic books on a regular basis. Hence, I have given no thought regarding the much-publicized DC Relaunch.

And yet, I feel that Tim Callahan wrote an interesting article titled "The DC Relaunch Week Three: The Sexuality of Superheroes" for Tor.com. Here's an extract:

This week, DC launched twelve new series, and I’m practically at a loss for words. Not because this week, overall, was considerably better or worse than the previous two weeks, but because the comics this week show a troubling schizophrenia on the part of the DC editorial team. This is the week that saw Wonder Woman #1 and Catwoman #1 debut. New series featuring the two most prominent DC female characters. One of them is magnificent, the other is abominable.

[...]

The reason this week is so difficult to write about isn’t because Wonder Woman is such a good first issue (though it is). It’s because Catwoman is so bad and the way it’s bad is so frustratingly illustrative of one of the major problems of the direct market comic book industry that the conversation will inevitably veer off into the direction of sexual politics and objectification and sexism and pandering. And while that conversation is necessary, and I’ll get to it soon enough, it pushes aside most other DC comics of the week, and makes them seem insignificant by comparison because they don’t play a part in the dialogue about sexuality in mainstream comics. Or, maybe even worse, it forces that lens onto the rest of the comics, even if they are mostly innocently going about their business of alien exoskeleton technology or lamentations about the good old days at the circus.

[...]

Yet, I can’t help but read it as a commentary on the implicit sexuality of the character dating back to the Marv Wolfman/George Perez days. In those comics from 25+ years ago, Starfire was a flying, glowing Barbarella with a naïve demeanor. There was no doubt that she was presented, within the story and to the reader, as a sex object, even if it was done in a more innocent manner than we see here. It’s difficult to raise objections to the characterization of Starfire when this is just an exaggerated, more explicit version of who she was before. It’s an interpretation that identifies the elephant in the room and labels it “elephant, in room, pay attention, it’s sexy and dumb.”

It still makes for a sleazy, insipid comic though.

Not as sleazy or insipid as Catwoman #1, a comic which I quite erroneously predicted would be “clean family fun” when I previewed the series this summer based on initial speculation and Judd Winick’s own statements. The cover certainly hints at what’s inside — that’s no metaphorical image on that issue #1 cover, just a skanky-looking Catwoman dripping jewels on her breasts. Keep this in mind: I’ve read plenty of Judd Winick comics, and I have mostly disliked them all, but this first issue might be the most off-putting thing he’s ever written. Like Red Hood, it takes the implicit and makes it explicit, but such a move does not make for a comic that you’d actually want to read.

[...]

So what exactly is my problem with this comic that begins with a four page sequence depicting Catwoman running from bad guys while trying to get dressed and ends with her undressing Batman with the internal monologue stating, “…it doesn’t take long…and most of the costumes stay on”? Is it that the comic dares to show the sexuality behind the superhero façade? Or the comic panders to the direct market audience so overtly — an audience that has sustained the careers of Billy Tucci and Jim Balent and countless others of the sort? Or that it’s just a poorly executed comic?

Can I choose all three? Is that allowed?

Because, yes, it does show the sexuality behind the superhero façade, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. The Catwoman character is predicated on the sexual tension between her and Batman, and while it may be daring to completely invalidate that by actually consummating their relationship in the opening issue, it also turns the character into nothing but a fetishized object. She is not even a character in this first issue, just an embodiment of sexuality and violence.

Follow this link to read the full article.

The funny thing about this is that there were similar discussions on this very topic back in the early 90s when I was buying all those Image titles. It's nice to see how things have evolved over the years. . .

For better or worse, sex continues to sell. And there's not much we can do about it. . .

I mean, it's been over three decades and it appears that Vampirella is still going strong. And I daresay it has nothing to do with fascinating storylines. . .

Quote of the Day

Maturity is simply the process of discovering that everything you believed in when you were young is false and that all the things you refused to believe in turn out to be true.

- CARLOS RUIZ ZÁFON, The Midnight Palace (Canada, USA, Europe)

Martin Springett discusses the covers for Guy Gavriel Kay's The Fionavar Tapestry

The folks at Fantasy Book Review invited artist Martin Springett to talk about the creative process behind the cover art for Guy Gavriel Kay's The Fionavar Tapestry. Here's an extract:

Creating images for book covers is one of the most enjoyable and challenging jobs I have as an Illustrator. No one does anything entirely on their own. There are many unseen connections in the creation of any work, but perhaps especially in the area of book illustration, where one is part of a team including publisher, editor, art director, illustrator, and, of course, author (I should add here that I haven’t had as much input from an author on subsequent cover projects as I had from Guy on these books). Generally the author does not choose the artist who will be creating the covers of his or her books, but will be consulted in the later stages, when the overall visual concept has been agreed on between artist and publisher. Some publishers will do this as a courtesy to the author, others will not. When reading the manuscript of a book I am to illustrate, I make notes on those visual aspects that appeal to me and that I feel give an overall sense of the story.

Follow this link for the full piece.

Robin Hobb contest winner!

Thanks to the generosity of the kind folks at Subterranean Press, this lucky winner will receive a copy of the limited edition of Robin Hobb's The Inheritance and Other Stories. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe, and Subpress.

The winner is:

- Emilia Fallavollita, from Montréal, Québec, Canada

Many thanks to all the participants!

Cover blurb for Ian Cameron Esslemont's ORB, SCEPTRE, THRONE

The edition is not yet done for this one, but we now have the blurb:

The epic new chapter in the history of Malaz -- the new epic fantasy from Steven Erikson's friend and co-creator of this extraordinary and exciting imagined world.

Darujhistan, city of dreams, city of blue flames, is peaceful at last; its citizens free to return to politicking, bickering, trading and, above all, enjoying the good things in life. Yet there are those who will not allow the past to remain buried. A scholar digging in the plains stumbles across an ancient sealed vault. The merchant Humble Measure schemes to drive out the remaining Malazan invaders. And the surviving agents of a long-lost power are stirring, for they sense change and so, opportunity. While, as ever at the centre of everything, a thief in a red waistcoat and of rotund proportions walks the streets, juggling in one hand custard pastries, and in the other the fate of the city itself.

Far to the south, fragments of the titanic Moon's Spawn have crashed into the Rivan Sea creating a series of isles... and a fortune hunter's dream. A Malazan veteran calling himself 'Red' ventures out to try his luck -- and perhaps say goodbye to old friends. But there he finds far more than he'd bargained for as the rush to claim the Spawn's treasures descends into a mad scramble of chaos and bloodshed. For powers from across the world have gathered here, searching for the legendary Throne of Night. The impact of these events are far reaching, it seems. On an unremarkable island off the coast of Genabackis, a people who had turned their backs upon all such strivings now lift their masked faces towards the mainland and recall the ancient prophecy of a return.

And what about the ex-Claw of the Malazan Empire who now walks the uttermost edge of creation? His mission -- the success or failure of which the Queen of Dreams saw long ago -- is destined to shape far more than anyone could have ever imagined.

Can't wait to get my Malazan fix!

For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe

Hollister in France, Dudes! Get Excited!

Let the craze begin! Shoppers on the opening of HCo Rome | (image source)

Hollister vient en France!

I'm sure everyone knows that Hollister is coming to France. But just to make sure everyone else who doesn't know knows, here we go...

Abercrombie & Fitch is really leaning in on its Hollister brand when it comes to the company's international expansion. Why? Because HCo is madly successful overseas! Not that A&F isn't either, but HCo is offering the greatest potential for greater international expansion. Within the European market, Hollister has now caused fan waves in the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden...and it is planning to take over France! A&F believes it can open up to 20 HCo stores in France in the long term, but will be starting operations in country with four stores by the end of 2011!

And of course I have you the info on when they'll open!

After the awesome opening of A&F Paris, the company is gearing up to open the first HCo store inside the Carré Sénart mall of Paris. The store is going to be opening shop on September 29 at 10:00am (CET). One week later, a 800 square meter (roughly 8,611 square feet) HCo shop will open inside Vélizy 2 - one of Europe's major shopping centers and located outside of the city of Paris in the Paris region at the Vélizy-Villacoublay commune in the Île-de-France. The 3rd HCo will open by the end of November inside the Docks 76 shopping center in Rouen - the regional capital of Upper Normandy. And the fourth will be causing SoCal waves in Strasbourg - the capital and major city of Alsace - inside Rivétoile shopping center when it opens in early-December in time for Christmas!

News broke out in January 2011 that an HCo would open in Lyon by the end of the year. There will be a Lyon shop but it will not open this year. HCo Lyon will open inside the future Confluence shopping center when the mall opens in 2012. Another store will open in Paris in 2013 inside the redeveloping Beaugrenelle mall in the 15th arrondissement...

Mark your calendars people! If you can believe - of course you can! - the French are completely stoked! Stay FIERCE!

IMPORTANT UPDATE: (25 October 2011): HCo Rivétoile in Strasbourg opens on Friday, November 25!!!

Quote of the Day

Every man has his price, but a man who can be bought for mere money is no man at all.

- MELANIE RAWN, The Diviner (Canada, USA, Europe)

NEW ISSUE! ::Surroundings:: Guide to Decorative Living

Please enjoy my latest issue of ::Surroundings:: on Upholstery!

Open publication - Free publishing - More decor

Game of Thrones Season 2 Teaser

Roll on spring 2012!!!

Musical Interlude

You're not fooling anyone. I know you were singing along! :P

Weekend Scavenger: Abercrombie & Fitch Picnic Basket

I was poking around the Sandwich Antiques Center yesterday (which has become my go-to place for interesting gifts) and came across this fabulous Abercrombie and Fitch wicker picnic basket. It's empty and some of the leather strapping is missing, but the size and overall condition, not to mention the $20 price tag, made it a perfect buy for my office.

I'm not entirely sure if it's genuine, actually. Here are some full sets that have been listed on line:

via Nadeau's Auction

via Live Auctioneers

Wine basket via Ebay

via MG Experience

The picnic baskets date to the 1930's-60's and came fully stocked with everything you'd need for a great outdoor excursion. The reason I'm not entire sure it's genuine is just that some of the details are simply different than the handful of images I've found online. The three picnic baskets above have a rim on the base basket for the lid to fit over, while only the wine basket is like mine, where the top just rests on top of the bottom, however, mine is not tall enough to be the wine basket, nor does it have a wood bottom.  My handle is plastic while the others are leather. 

Ultimately, it doesn't really matter. I didn't pay much and bought it for its vintage charm and useful storage capability. 

I am using the basket to store current or recent client notebooks and keep them out of site until I need them. The other baskets and containers on this shelf hold more client notebooks, magazines, art supplies, paint chip palettes, etc. On the shelf above the picnic basket to the left is my late Father's leather camera bag, which probably dates to the 40's. I keep small items like remotes and the like in there.

Did you do any weekend scavenging?

If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please email me. Thanks!

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Win a copy of Richard Morgan's THE COLD COMMANDS

Since I received an extra copy of Richard Morgan's The Cold Commands, I'm giving one away to one lucky winner! For more information about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.

Here's the blurb:

With The Steel Remains, award-winning science fiction writer Richard K. Morgan turned his talents to sword and sorcery. The result: a genre-busting masterwork hailed as a milestone in contemporary epic fantasy. Now Morgan continues the riveting saga of Ringil Eskiath—Gil, for short—a peerless warrior whose love for other men has made him an outcast and pariah.

Only a select few have earned the right to call Gil friend. One is Egar, the Dragonbane, a fierce Majak fighter who comes to respect a heart as savage and loyal as his own. Another is Archeth, the last remaining daughter of an otherworldly race called the Kiriath, who once used their advanced technology to save the world from the dark magic of the Aldrain—only to depart for reasons as mysterious as their arrival. Yet even Egar and Archeth have learned to fear the doom that clings to their friend like a grim shadow . . . or the curse of a bitter god.

Now one of the Kiriath’s uncanny machine intelligences has fallen from orbit—with a message that humanity faces a grave new danger (or, rather, an ancient one): a creature called the Illwrack Changeling, a boy raised to manhood in the ghostly between-world realm of the Grey Places, home to the Aldrain. A human raised as one of them—and, some say, the lover of one of their greatest warriors—until, in a time lost to legend, he was vanquished. Wrapped in sorcerous slumber, hidden away on an island that drifts between this world and the Grey Places, the Illwrack Changeling is stirring. And when he wakes, the Aldrain will rally to him and return in force—this time without the Kiriath to stop them.

An expedition is outfitted for the long and arduous sea journey to find the lost island of the Illwrack Changeling. Aboard are Gil, Egar, and Archeth: each fleeing from ghosts of the past, each seeking redemption in whatever lies ahead. But redemption doesn’t come cheap these days. Nor, for that matter, does survival. Not even for Ringil Eskiath. Or anyone—god or mortal—who would seek to use him as a pawn.

The rules are the same as usual. You need to send an email at reviews@(no-spam)gryphonwood.net with the header "COLD." Remember to remove the "no spam" thingy.

Second, your email must contain your full mailing address (that's snail mail!), otherwise your message will be deleted.

Lastly, multiple entries will disqualify whoever sends them. And please include your screen name and the message boards that you frequent using it, if you do hang out on a particular MB.

Good luck to all the participants!

Decorator's Closet Sale: Silk Pillow

As I previously mentioned, I'm in the process of redecorating my bedroom. I have a pair of oblong silk pillows that I made a couple of years ago that I'd like to sell. They are on sale over at my Etsy shop.

Hope you're having a great weekend!

If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please email me. Thanks!

 Subscribe to ::Surroundings::

The Whisperer

On the Thursday of last week, I was going through a portion of Haruki Murakami's Kafka on the Shore that made me want to commit suicide. I knew I needed something good to read next, something that would grab hold of me and wouldn't let me go. The kind of story which sucks you in and makes you forget about everything else.

I was having lunch with a coworker that day and was telling her how uneven a read the Murakami book turned out to be. And avid reader herself, she has mostly been reading thrillers for the last couple of months. When asked about any good thrillers she could recommend, the lovely Joanie instantly replied Donato Carrisi's The Whisperer. No hesitation, straight up, this one was at the top of her list. The second one was Lars Kepler's The Hypnotist, which I have on the way.

That night, a quick Google search about Donato Carrisi's novel immediately piqued my curiosity. Dubbed the italian literary thriller phenomenon, The Whisperer appeared to be exactly what I needed. Problem is, as is often the case, English language publishers are often behind the rest of the world when it comes to international bestsellers. One only has to look at Stieg Larsson's Millennium trilogy, which became a worldwide phenomenon before it was even translated into English. I was disappointed to learn that the US edition of The Whisperer wouldn't be released until February. It is already out in the UK, however, which is a good thing. Hence, I had no choice but to read it in French. I could have gotten my hands on the British edition, but it would have taken too long. I was already hooked on the premise, and as the winner of the best European thriller last year I knew I couldn't wait to read this book.

God is silent, but the Devil whispers.

Here's the blurb:

Six buried arms. Six missing girls. A team led by Captain Roche and internationally renowned criminologist Goran Gavila are on the trail of a serial killer whose ferocity seems to have no limits. And he seems to be taunting them, leading them to discover each small corpse in turn; but the clues on the bodies point to several different killers. Roche and Gavila bring in Mila Vasquez, a specialist in cases involving children, and Mila discovers that the real killer is one who has never lifted a finger against the girls – but merely psychologically instructs others to do his work: a ‘subliminal killer’ – the hardest to catch.

I bought this book the following evening after my shift. Returned home, showered, prepared myself a snack, and then watched the sports news. I never read late at night, for my concentration is not what it should be. Yet my curiosity was piqued in such a way that I couldn't resist, and I decided to sit down to read "a chapter or two," just to get a feel for the novel. Before I knew it, it was past 1:00am and I had to force myself to stop reading. Yes, it's that kind of book. In the end, I went through it in only four sittings. I would have finished even sooner, if only I hadn't worked on Sunday. On Monday, I was texting Joanie, telling her just how crazy The Whisperer turned out to be!

The action supposedly occurs somewhere in Italy, but you never truly get the feeling that that the setting is indeed Italian. The Whisperer really has an international feel to it. A variety of sources were used by Donato Carrisi for this literary work, chief among them criminology and forensic psychiatry manuals, as well as several FBI papers regarding serial killers and violent crimes. Many true cases, finalized or ongoing, inspired a number of those found within the pages of the novel. With his homework done properly, Carrisi's debut has an unmistakable genuine feel to it.

The characterization is top notch. Professor Goran Gavila is the criminologist in charge of the investigation and a well-drawn character. The second character at the heart of the story is Mila Vasquez, who specializes in child kidnapping. Although the supporting cast also get POV sections, the narrative is driven by both Gavila and Mila's points of views. As disparate as it gets, seeing the tale unfold through both of their perspective makes for a great reading experience.

As engrossing as it is disturbing, Donato Carrisi's The Whisperer is a complex, multilayered thriller that stays with you long after you've reached the last page. The young age of the victims increases the emotional impact of certain sequences, which may not sit well with all readers. It's a clever work with plots and subplots forming a chilling tapestry, all of which culminating toward an ending that will knock you out cold. There is also a thought-provoking theme underlying the entire book: The true essence of evil. Does it exist within all of us, latent and just waiting to be released?

Though the novel is based on true law enforcement investigation techniques, and though psychics are occasionally used to work on special cases, I did feel it cheapened this troubling ensemble of macabre plotlines somewhat. But it doesn't take anything away from the overall reading experience, especially since the psychic's involvement is linked to one of the protagonists. The French translation was clunky at times, so hopefully the English version will be better.

All in all, this perturbing work is everything a thriller is supposed to be. The Whisperer is a veritable page-turner that begs to be read. Looking for something different? Something that might shock you, knowing that many of the storylines are based on true events? Then Donato Carrisi's The Whisperer is definitely for you.

Impossible to put down.

The final verdict: 10/10

For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe

This week's New York Times Bestsellers (September 20th)

In hardcover:

George R. R. Martin's A Dance With Dragons is down one position, ending the week at number 4. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.

S. M. Stirling's The Tears of the Sun debuts at number 12.

Charlaine Harris' The Sookie Stackhouse Companion is down twelve spots, finishing the week at number 14.

Terry Goodkind's The Omen Machine is down seven spots, finishing the week at number 17. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.

Terry Brooks' The Measure of the Magic is down four positions, ending the week at number 19. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.

Jim Butcher's Ghost Story is down ten positions at number 27. For more info about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.

In paperback:

George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones is up two positions, ending the week at number 8.

George R. R. Martin's A Storms of Swords is up two positions, ending the week at number 11.

George R. R. Martin's A Clash of Kings maintains its position at number 12.

George R. R. Martin's A Feast for Crows is down one position, ending the week at number 18.

George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones is down five spots, finishing the week at number 19 (trade paperback).

George R. R. Martin's A Clash of Kings is down one spot, finishing the week at number 23 (trade paperback).

George R. R. Martin's A Feast for Crows is down two spots, finishing the week at number 30 (trade paperback).

Game of Thrones in Muppet Form

This from The Escapist Magazine:

Nothing beats mashing up two great franchises. It worked with LEGO Star Wars and Pony Effect 2, and it certainly works great in a series of drawings by comic book illustrator Yehudi Mercado. Mercado has worked in the videogame industry and heading up his animation studio in Austin, TX. He's written and illustrated two graphic novels - Buffalo Speedway and Throne of Secrets - but his greatest achievement has to be these drawings of characters from George R. R. Martin's Game of Thrones as Jim Henson's lovable The Muppets.

As a fan of both A Song of Ice and Fire and The Muppets, I am uniquely equipped to appreciate the subtlety of Mercado's work. Kermit Stark was a gimme, considering that both are the de facto main characters. Piggy as Cersei is a little strange, but the vanity connection makes sense, as it does with Link Hogthrob as Jaime. My personal favorite is Petyr Beakish and Dr. Varys Honeydew as the pair are seemingly working on the same side, although that's about to ... never mind.

Follow this link to see all the illustrations.

Hollister Hong Kong Photos Now Out!

Hot dudes and cute Bettys pose in front of the electronic facade of HCo Hong Kong! | (image source)

So finally, finally, Hollister has uploaded photos from the opening of the first ever HCo in Asia! The store opened back in August 18, but HCo to a long time to put them up on its Facebook page. It is a very modern Hollister store! Just check out the electro-facade and bronze and glass entrance! Head on over to the Hollister in Hong Kong photo gallery to check out pics of the event.

Forget the waves! Ride a surfer! | (image source)

Surf's up, Dudes! Stay FIERCE!

Marimekko at Crate & Barrel PLUS a giveaway

 The classic Unikko poppy pattern in blue

Iconic Finnish brand Marimekko is launching mini-shops within Crate and Barrel's across the country in order to highlight their home category of products. I had the chance yesterday to visit the new shop on Boylston Street in Boston and meet with several lovely reps from Marimekko, one more passionate about their brand than the next. Unless you've been living under a rock, you're undoubtedly familiar with the colorful and graphic Marimekko prints which have been influencing design since 1951. There are, of course, many imitators, but once you're familiar with the real thing, it's easy to spot the knock-offs.  While these graphics are not in my usual wheel-house of design style, I do love the bright and fun quality that would enliven any space, particularly on a cold or dreary New England day (much as it is today!)

 

Love these black and pink Lukematon notebooks - a new pattern featuring the current trends towards text graphics.

Unikko in pink and red towels

I was told that the toss pillows are among their best sellers at the moment. Such a great way to add a little Marimekko style easily and afforably!

Mix 'n Match!

 

Cute little poufs made with Marimekko fabrics (not for sale)

"Surrur" is a new book filled with projects that can be made with Marimekko fabrics. The word "Surrur" has no translation, it's in fact the sound the brain or a sewing machine makes when hard at work. Cute, no? And really, quite true. I love how they really promote the "DIY" side of things.  Their fabrics are sold by the yard here and come in cotton, coated cotton (great for outdoor tablecloths, placemats or bibs) and upholstery weight.

I would like to give away this cute cotton tote bag to someone who would really appreciate and use it. It's approximately 17"x18". Just leave a comment and tell me which of Marimekko's fabrics you love the most and I'll draw a name at random. Just make sure to include your email, or link to your site with an email, so I can let you know if you're the winner! Some people have let me know that they have trouble commenting on Disqus, if so, then just email me and I'll include you in the drawing!

My favorites are:

Luminarja

Ananas (also available in blue)

Tuuli

Have a great weekend!

If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please email me. Thanks!

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First set photos for Game of Thrones season 2

The first set photos have begun to appear on various Croatian news websites, and io9 just posted them.

Check the pics here.

Hollister's Coming to Beijing and Shanghai!

The promotional wall enclosing the future HCo Shanghai store. | (image source)

Get your surfboards ready, Dudes and Bettys! Hollister is opening flagships in Beijing and Shanghai as a part of its expansion plans into the Chinese market.

The store in Beijing will be located in Plaza 353 (353 广场) at 353 Nanjing Dong Lu (南京东路353号).

Meanwhile, HCo Shanghai will open inside Raffles Mall at the base of the Raffles City (来福士广场) Shanghai tower in the People's Square (人民广场). The People's Square happens to be a main point of retail traffic in the city and it is adjacent to Nanjing Road (南京路) - the street's among the world's most busiest shopping streets!

Both flagships will open sometime during the Christmas fashion season. (Unfortunately, the dates are yet unknown).

Stay FIERCE!

Ode to a Bookstore Death

This from Galleycat:

As Borders closed forever this weekend, one patron snapped a photograph of a bitter bookseller’s manifesto at an unidentified store: “Things We Never Told You: Ode to a Bookstore Death.”

So funny!

Career Opportunities at A&F Home Office...Are You In?

A&F Home Office in New Albany, Ohio.
Screenshot from A&F's Leadership Development Program (image source)

Abercrombie's come out with a very cool promo video of its Home Office headquarters. You know. Just to show off how awesome it is. haha. Seriously, Abercrombie & Fitch recruiters are going to be visiting universities (primarily, but not limited to, the United States and the United Kingdom) in their search for talented students looking to further develop their career at A&F. After it all, 50 students will be selected for the Leadership Development Program at Home Office. It gets really competitive. Abercrombie & Fitch is seriously devoted to its strong business and career values and that includes people with a equally firm ethics, passion, and dedication.

Check out the Leadership Development Program video on Facebook (here). It's completely awesome. The beginning clips are from the promotional films of A&F Milan, Ginza, and Paris. Other screenshots featured in the video aren't actually recent though. A few are footage from three years or more! The song playing on the video is Good Life (Demolition Crew Remix) by One Republic. Have a look at A&F Careers if you're further interested (here). Stay FIERCE!

P.S. Have a look at the original promotional video for A&F Home Office:

Win a copy of David Anthony Durham's THE SACRED BAND

Thanks to the folks at Doubleday, I have three copies of David Anthony Durham's The Sacred Band up for grabs! For more information about this title: Canada, USA, Europe.

Here's the blurb:

With the first two books in the Acacia Trilogy, Acacia and The Other Lands, David Anthony Durham has created a vast and engrossing canvas of a world in turmoil, where the surviving children of a royal dynasty are on a quest to realize their fates—and perhaps right ancient wrongs once and for all. As The Sacred Band begins, one of them, Queen Corinn, bestrides the world as a result of her mastery of spells found in the ancient Book of Elenet. Her younger brother, Dariel, has been sent on a perilous mis­sion to the Other Lands, while her sister, Mena, travels to the far north to confront an invasion of the feared race of the Auldek. Their separate trajectories will converge in a series of world-shaping, earth-shattering battles, all ren­dered with vividly imagined detail and in heroic scale.

David Anthony Durham concludes his tale of kingdoms in collision in an exciting fashion. His fictional world is at once realistic and fantastic, informed with an eloquent and dis­tinctively Shakespearean sensibility.

The rules are the same as usual. You need to send an email at reviews@(no-spam)gryphonwood.net with the header "SACRED." Remember to remove the "no spam" thingy.

Second, your email must contain your full mailing address (that's snail mail!), otherwise your message will be deleted.

Lastly, multiple entries will disqualify whoever sends them. And please include your screen name and the message boards that you frequent using it, if you do hang out on a particular MB.

Good luck to all the participants!