TOKYO IS CALLING ME

Recent graphic events in Buenos Aries have come as a timely reminder of the pitfalls and pleasures to be had in creating an iconic emblem to capture and build the unique spirit and pride of an Olympic Host City. Down in Argentina whilst the International Olympic Committee were pondering all manner of financial, logistical and cultural considerations in the bidding for the 2020 Summer Games, we designers knew the real deciding factor; the Logo.

More generously described as a simplistic evocation of the soaring coloured curves of the city's acclaimed Richard Rogers designed Barjas Airport, and equally at home on a Back-to-School September Special Jumbo Colouring Pack, the Madrid effort lacks conviction and personality. Not sure what happened there; Spanish simple can be great – see mould breaking Barcelona 1992 – here it appears to be a cost saving update of the 2016 Happy Hand and over compensation for a lack of national confidence created by the Euro crisis fuelled crippled economy. 

Another missed opportunity came from Turkey. As their 5th bid maybe they've run out of concepts; the Company Christmas Card Syndrome. Seems unlikely though because Istanbul is a truly diverse, animated city full of contemporary architecture, innovation and noisy warmth; a place where this summer's political protests in Gezi Park provided ample creative communication opportunities. Protest Tree and Gas Mask stencils demonstrate the talent exists; great ideas executed with power and humour. The 2020 Olympic design fails to capture any of this dynamism; a dreaded public vote from 4 tulips (the City symbol) and a mosaic providing a safe fall back in particularly drab fashion.

Whatever the IOC said 4 years ago, it was obviously the medicore medal ribbon affair that cost the Japanese dearly in 2009. By contrast this time the delicately crafted floral entry from Tokyo blossoms with potential and possibilities, reflecting an optimism and ecclectic energy that every visitor experiences as they discover the city for the first or fifteenth time. Traditional Sakura motifs are updated and given a fresh vibrant feel in tune with youthful contemporary fashion. Still a safe option undoubtedly, so not the outright guaranteed first place for Design Purists and lovers of the structurally referenced frankly unbeatable Yusaku Kamekura 1964 classic, but a clear winner for 2020. And nice that the team took the designer all the way to South America so he could celebrate in style.

YELLOW RIBBON PRISON RUN 2013 'THE ROAD TO ACCEPTANCE'

After an early start on Sunday morning, we were ready to put all those weeks of training at Beaujolais to the test and run the 10km Yellow Ribbon Prison Run 2013!!

The 5 H&M runners from the design team were ready! Sam with his floating trainers and Monique with her dance moves were the likely contenders for the internal win!  In the end it was a hard fought race, but Sam won this epic battle, with Monique coming in a groovy second and a slightly over heated Corke in third place.

Aside from all the fun and excitement amongst the sea of runners, it is important to remember that it was a charity run.  Yellow Ribbon Run raises awareness and money in order to give convicted felons a second chance in society, so thumbs up to a great cause, great event and great run.

Special thanks to the team Sam, Monique, Corke, Ken and the slightly injured Audrey - who came in at the end wearing one trainer!?!? 

http://yellowribbonprisonrun.sg/

THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OF SINGAPORE

We came across this video shot by Martijn Doolaard,  The Colours of Singapore - 

http://vimeo.com/70779031, that proves that Singapore really is a very vibrant city.

From the colourful light show at Marina Bay to the glow of the shipping ports; this video captures the excitement and contrasting experiences that Singapore holds, and shows us how inspiration and creativity can be taken from things that we take for granted every day. 

It definitely reminds us that when residents of Singapore are complaining about the humidity, taxi drivers, haze or whatever it might be, we do live in a very unique and exciting place.  One to keep to hand if the forests of Indonesia catch on fire again.

SINGAPORE'S REALLY REALLY FREE MARKET (SRRFM)

Can you imagine a market where you don’t have to spend a cent?

SRRFM is just that!

SRRFM is a monthly event organized by a group of really cool individuals as an alternative to a capitalist market. People join hands and share their skills.

For more details log onto their Facebook page:    www.facebook.com/srrfm 

Or they're website:   www.post-museum.org/ssrrfm

At this Market they had (to name a few) - Ukulele lessons, Tarot reading, Japanese for beginners, 5-minute massage's, live band and not to mention a random assortment of bits'n'bobs to rummage through.

Also we saw our friends of Singapore trying to save Bukit Brown from development and eventual destruction!!! :(... 

For enquires and tours (before it's too late) you can email:    a.t.bukitbrown@gmail.com

CONGRATULATIONS MONIQUE!

 As we all know, last Thursday, 4th of July was a memorable day for both USA and the team of Holmes & Marchant.Monique Gaillard, our design director officially became an Aunt that day and she was in tears when she heard the news from her sister. Emotions were going wild and she was literally jumping in joy!
Everyone at H&M was as ecstatic as she was and they were offering their well wishes for both the baby and mother. Nive in particular touched our hearts dearly when she managed to find Monique an air ticket that same night to travel back to Amsterdam to visit her new nephew.

Spending the weekend with her new nephew, Monique returned today with a bag full of goodies that are used to celebrate the birth of a newborn in Amsterdam! Those goodies were scrumptious and during such moments, we truly able to appreciate the privilege of being part of H&M so that we would be able to understand and experience different cultures.

JAY'S MALDIVES TRIP~!

Jay recently travelled to Maldives this year for both her birthday and friend’s wedding. She has been visited 7 islands in Maldives from north to south and she also managed to see many types of tropical fishes, dolphins and even a shark! It was one of the best and unforgettable trips that she has experienced and she would never forget it.!
Below is her beautiful pictures.

Too see her underwater video go to below link

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152991499490065&set=vb.871810064&type=2&theater

SCHOOL TRIP

Some of us at Holmes & Marchant recently visited a print house that we work closely with.

On the tour we learnt what happens once our designs leave the studio and go into print. Creatives and suits both came away with a good understanding of Offset Litho and what finishes can be achieved on press.

Thank you Richard Hand for arranging the tour, and to our printer friends for letting us visit.

Haze Haze go away, Come again another day! #SGHAZE

For those of you who hadn’t heard- Singapore was hit by the haze! Caused by forest fires by inconsiderate Indonesian farmers, Singapore was enveloped in a thick layer of pollution second only to Beijing, Shanghai, Mumbai and Delhi.

    As an office, we were well prepared- N95’s, Bra Cups , Petes Daily Hazewatch and Facebook/Instagram/Twitter kept us aware of the perils and pitfalls of stepping outside unprotected.

Now that it’s gone, we’re rejoicing clear skies and Beaujolais nights .

… Though it is hailing now. Who said talking about the weather was boring?

Displacement

Jay visited an interesting exhibition over the weekend called ‘Displacements’.
Located at 13 Wilkie Terrace, this 77 year old family home will soon transform into an urban condo. Jay found the exhibition very interesting, not only because all 16 artists involved in the project lived in the house together, but also because of the antique furniture displayed and the traditional atmosphere it created. To find out more visit http://www.13wilkieterrace.com/