Author: Ryley Bane

Collaboration Round-Up: Target X Loomstate; Madonna X Louis Vuitton; Jeff Staple X Airwalk X Payless; Mihara Yasuhiro X Puma

The way of the future includes collaborations on a variety of scales to keep retail and consumerism going. Here are some of the latest and best.

NBC Sports X MTV = Alli

In a move to bring some of the top action sports properties under one big umbrella organization, the Alliance of Action Sports may give the industry serious mainstream leverage.

Mexico X Japan Collaboration: Lost”Myth of Tomorrow” is Found and Returns to New Permanent Home in Shibuya Station

Mexican-commissioned mural of 1945 atomic bombings in Japan is found and goes back to its original source of tragic inspiration. A showstopper, young Japanese stop to click mobile pics by the thousands.

Japanese Salarymen Encouraged to Have More Sex by Big Businesses in National Campaign to Increase Youth Demographic

What is effective in Japan to increase their youth population is sure to follow in other countries with similar problems, including many in Europe.

DNR Fold-Men’s Fashion Trade Magazine Calls It Quits

Yet another print publication bites the dust, and this one doesn’t even try to attempt “moving online” as an excuse.

Trade Show Season Prep Part 3: Trade Show Lead Generation, Marketing Materials, Follow-up -How to Make the Most of Limited Funds Towards Getting Your Brand Noticed

Keepsakes for buyers and media are a good idea but bigger is not always better. Other than a postcard or marketing kit flyer, if you have cool buttons or pins that are designed and include your URL on them these tend to create a viral marketing buzz. Here are other good give-aways that work well but are not all that expensive:

%u201CWe Beat You Uncle Sam!” ParaSITE Project by Artist Michael Rakowitz Takes a New Look at Homelessness

Graffiti and street artists of today’s generation often use humanitarian issues as protests and inspiration. Here’s an excellent example.

Retail and Brand Economic Round-up: Target’s Downturn and McQ Collaboration; Abercrombie & Fitch Loses Cred but Not in Europe; Quiksilver Closes Rossi Sale and Launches Street-inspired 2009/10 Outerwear; Volcom Remains the Hidden Gem

Youth culture retail and branding strategies continue to evolve through economic downturn. Here’s what’s up with some main players.

Hipster Rap Revival and How the New-School Version of this Music Genre is Impacting Fashion, Home Recording Biz, and other Cultural Industries

The deconstruction of an older era into something altogether new is what creates the ripples effects of change by crossing many boundaries. Here’s information about one of the biggies.

Collaboration Round-up: Married to the Mob X Nike; Lanvin X Acne Jeans; Dr. Dre X Monster Cable Headphones; Shoes-up Magazine X Lacoste; Baby the Stars Shine Bright Japanese Brand Pop-up in Colette Paris

Collaborations across cultures continue to create new niches and successful branding strategies while keeping must-have consumerism alive.