We recently participated in the creation of a new “boutique” brand with a client and a team of branding folks. For whatever reason, the facilitator made frequent snide references to one individual on the team’s apparent affinity for the Tommy Bahama brand. It bugged the heck out of me. So I offer this to cleanse my soul…
While Tommy may not define every lifestyle, I believe his is one of the true branding success stories of our time. Read Cigar Aficionado, June 2007. I wish I were a little more like Tommy.
Tommy is an innovator. He had the courage to persevere when others were blind to his vision. Today he has legions of brand loyalists and just as many wannabe imitators.
Tommy knows who he is. He was created to live a very specific life (an attainable yet aspirational life)—and even more than a life, an attitude.
Tommy is true to who he is. He doesn’t try to be more things to more people. Instead he continues to drill into his own life (always asking the question: What would Tommy want?) and take a niche market deeper into his experience.
In my mind Tommy defines “boutique” and has rightfully earned his station in a life “where the weekend never ends.”
Relax.
Published by Jo on August 6, 2007
in Design.
We love expanding our design sensibilities beyond the borders of the printed page, billboard or television screen to foster true consumer brand engagement. We recently had the opportunity to do just that for Pathfinders Birkenstock as we helped the owner create a vibrant, comfortable shopping experience through the store interior.
Pathfinders west store was relocating so it was the perfect time to bring the interior aesthetic in line with the brand. As a purveyor of cool and comfortable shoes, Jill Dunning has a light-hearted personality and a deep love for nature. With her personal style in mind, we began the interior design process.
We set the tone with an earthy color palette using shades of tan, green and a warm, deep red. With the color palette in place, we began to introduce fun textures. Faux paint resembling stone was applied behind the check-out desk. A metallic vinyl swirl pattern representing leaves and foliage was added to the adjacent display walls. Concrete floors were stained to resemble stone and compliment the warm, earth-tone color palette used on the walls.
Jill also expressed the desire to explore original artwork to display in her store. Three large, horizontal murals were concepted, designed and printed on stretched canvas to provoke a sense of journey—the different paths we take in life. And, of course, the need for cool and comfortable shoes to get us where we’re going!
Check out this engaging interior at Pathfinders Birkenstock west Wichita location. Just south of New Market Square on west 21st street. You might even find a pair of cool shoes for your personal journey.
