Is Calvin Klein having a design crisis?

It's 9 AM and I have taken a stand with Calvin Klein.

I am sending back his euphoria perfume sample.

Have you ever smelled "euphoria?"
They describe it as 'top notes' of
pomegranate, persimmon, and lush green,
'mid notes' of lotus blossom,
champaca flower and black orchid,
and, then, 'base notes' of
liquid amber, black violet,
cream and mahogany.
That's what they say.
I just know it smells good.

It's empty, of course. Otherwise I wouldn't be sending it back.

I am returning this used sample handed out at Christmas when I was purchasing fragrances as gifts for my girls.

I'm sending it back because of the design of the bottle.  When I saw it, I could not picture it sitting on my dresser alongside Chanel No. 5 and my French lavender oil.

Sorry, Calvin, but's it's ugly. Really.

So much so, in fact, that I did not buy it. And, I wanted to. I went to Macy's at Galleria Mall for that purpose.

I like the fragrance.

I like the way I smell to me.

And, I like the way others respond to my scent.

Please? It's so difficult to find a fragrance that one likes. There are so many factors involved in choosing a personal fragrance, a signature smell. There's an emotional investment in the choice.

Can't you make a Calvin Klein design that's Calvin Klein? Something I can look at, that's beautiful?

Protesting anything is work. There are activities involved in this process, much of it "creative."

Design steps in crafting this process including selection of the note card, writing the note, photographing the note.

Wrapping the sample in bubble wrap to protect it.


And, photographing it.

After all, the little spray bottle is glass. There are a few drops left in it.

I want him to see that I used it.

I want him to realize that he is losing business with  this ugly design.

Truth is, I don't think he designed it at all. I'd really like to know how that whole thing works out. Does he "subcontract" design work out to young designers? Is that why this so doesn't look like anything Calvin Klein would ever do.

I'm sending it to the "corporate office."










Maybe the advertising folks will get it and go, "Hey, we should listen to our fans. They know good stuff when they see it!"

Yeah.

Right.

{Wink.Wink.}

It's 10:10 AM.

I'm done here.

Playing Catch Up!

I haven't been here in a while, but I've been being creative all over the place! In February and March, I organized, promoted and hosted two, count 'em! 2! art socials at a little park in my neighborhood. The artists are so wonderful and they delivered a lovely evening of art and food and friends! Maybe, with a little luck and a lot of help from neighbors, we'll do it again next year!

In April, it was the children's art exhibit, "Everglades Eyes." I started this as an annual event in celebration of Earth Day back in 2006 and it's definitely taken on a life of its own! My boss was amazed that this year was the "fifth annual" and he was impressed with the amount and quality of the art submissions! 105 students from five area schools produced some amazing images! Like, this one ...

In May, working with my Soroptimist club, we presented the "Live Your Dream" Luncheon. I posted all the collateral I worked on at my Veer page, here, if you want to see. And, now, I'm working on a Barbie doll exhibition at the Old Davie School! (http://www.olddavieschool.org/)

I'm a huge fan of Kelly Kilmer, a mixed media artist and instructor, and, while my pages look nothing like hers, she inspired me take pictures of what I've created and share it here, on my blog. So, here you are!

The left page above is my first draft of my "doll list" for the upcoming exhibit at Old Davie School. I know the school's four rooms really well, so my goal has been to link the dolls to the exhibits (however thin that link might be!) and create an experience that is entertaining AND educational.

The page on the right is my notes from a meeting on a capital project that I attended for my day job. The flower doodles didn't get colored until after the meeting, during a phone conversation that involved a good deal of time "on hold."

These pages are what's happening right now. My "to do" lists, a new vocabulary word (and, what a word it is!) and paperdolls I cut out during a brainstorming session. I think it's clear what's on my mind! Dolls and their fashions!

So, there's my creativity contribution for today! I've got to design a "tee shirt" for the special Barbie event in July, so I'm off to do that now. I'm so glad it's Friday, aren't you?