The Seoul Metropolitan Government has won the gold of IDEA/Brazil 2010 Awards, a coveted international design competition in South America, in the category of design strategy and environment for its design-related policy in recognition of Mayor Oh Se-hoon's exemplary leadership in promoting design in overall city administration and urban development.

IDEA/Brazil is the South American chapter of the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA), one of the three most prestigious awards for designers in the world along with iF and Red dot of Germany. IDEA/Brazil Awards are conducted every year with the validation of the Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA).

Joice Joppert Leal, executive-director of the Objecto Brasil Association, main organizer of the IDEA/Brazil Awards, said that the citation is for Mayor Oh's contribution to upgrading the city brand value of Seoul though his design policy. In particular, Seoul City established the Design Seoul Headquarters as an organization of the city government, which has implemented various design-related projects. He even recruited a design expert as the Chief Design Officer (CDO) responsible for the city's design policies. Oh's such move is believed to strengthen the city's international competitiveness and improve the quality of life of citizens, she was quoted as saying.

Such efforts of the city have made Seoul won the title of World Design Capital 2010 from the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design in 2007. In celebration of its designation of WDC 2010, Seoul hosted/will host several events including the annual Seoul Design Fair, World Design Capital Summit that induced cooperation among leaders of world cities, Seoul International Design Workshop that helped cultivate design manpower, and the like.

Seoul City has also strengthened design infrastructure. Some of the examples are the Seoul Design Committee, set up and operated by the city, and the creation of the design guidelines and typeface of Seoul that apply to urban design. In addition, Dongdaemun Design Plaza is being built at the site of the former Dongdaemun Stadium, which is expected to complete by 2012.

Seoul City said the gold award from IDEA/Brazil signifies that its design policy has gained recognition even from countries in South America and will serve as a momentum to further upgrade the city brand value of Seoul, the World Design Capital 2010.

    Contacts:

     Seoul Metropolitan Government
     Tel:   +82-2-727-0024
     Email: seoulpress@gmail.com

SOURCE Seoul Metropolitan Government

Back to top

The Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture (MAC), a Smithsonian Affiliate, and Charles J. Simon, founder of pioneering technology companies and nationally recognized software developer, announced today the innovative pilot project PassPort to Discovery™.  It is an interactive exhibit system designed to customize the visitor experience at museums and exhibit venues.  Onscreen talking avatars greet visitors by name and can paraphrase the exhibit content.  A unique gaming element allows visitors to answer questions and earn points - high scores are displayed.

"This unique technology was created to allow museum visitors to enjoy their exploration more by creating a totally customized and unique experience," said Charles Simon, developer of PassPort to Discovery™.  "This is the only exhibit technology allowing visitors to capture their experience on their own ID card and have it remember their individual preferences every time they visit."

PassPort to Discovery™ opens September 1 at the MAC in combination with a new exhibit 100 Curious Things.  This exhibit marks the start of a major effort to increase public digital access to MAC Collection materials.  

This prototype includes touch screen computers associated with various pieces in the Spokane Timeline exhibit and unique visitor passes that can be sensed by the computers.  Each of the exhibit's four interactive kiosks offers in-depth information on an aspect of Spokane history.  The touch screens can target visitors' specific interests, grade level and language.

"This PassPort system enhances the learning process through a uniquely engaging experience using audio, video, animations, questions, and competition," said Ron Rector, MAC Executive Director.

The MAC is the Inland Northwest's art, history and American Indian center and now is home to a one-of-a-kind system designed to provide youth and adults with a unique blend of education and entertainment.  The MAC is proud to be a beta test site for other museums across the country to explore the potential for this exhibit system.  To learn more, visit www.northwestmuseum.org.

About Charles Simon

Originally from San Francisco, CA, Simon has co-founded three pioneering technology companies; GiftSpot.com (acquired by GiftCertificates.com), Bentley's Continuum and a CAD for printed-circuit company.  Simon managed major development projects for MSNBC.com and 2Wire, Inc.  He has gained national attention in write-ups including Newsweek, The Los Angeles Times, and PC Magazine.

SOURCE Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.northwestmuseum.org

For the launch of the AW10 collection, REISS has collaborated with renowned photographer and filmmaker, Jamie Morgan, to create an artistic short film that highlights the feel and aesthetic of the upcoming collection.

"This season is a step forward for Reiss with a collection we are really excited about. Showing our key products in this new and innovative way felt right for where we are going, as a way of capturing all the energy and excitement that is apparent throughout every aspect of our brand. And generally, if we're this excited about it, I'm confident that our customers will be too." - David Reiss

David Reiss understands what his brand DNA is about as he has been successfully making innovative decisions at the helm of the company for nearly 40 years. He recognized that choosing to shoot the campaign on video was a bold move and was confident that it was the right time for the brand to take this step.

The creative inspiration came as the result of an artistic collaboration with Jamie Morgan, renowned photographer and film maker who founded London's creative collective 'Buffalo' in the 1980's.

The 'Buffalo' collective changed the nature of image making through its pioneering work in The Face. His sense of exploration and creative instincts then brought him to explore moving images which translated into a series of short but beautifully emotive films as well as portrait and documentary studies.

Jamie's minimalistic and structured style epitomizes this evocative and powerful narrative.

"We set out to make art. Our objective was to create a confident and captivating visual statement for Reiss today and as a mark of intent for the future. The search for the new and the need to push the boundaries are key to how we stay relevant. 'Elements' is the nature of all Reiss stands for while clearly visualizing our sexy, modernist stance." - Andy Rogers, Brand Director

The choice of filming in black and white creates a timeless atmosphere for the film and campaign. In addition, we chose to pare everything back and focus on only a few classic pieces that make up the core of our business, such as a coat, a dress and a suit; but give them a simple but compelling backdrop. This was supported by the atmospheric elements; wind, rain and snow which contribute to the visual indulgence, as well as providing emotive references that are punctuated by the use of recognizable symbols, which feed nuances of narrative. The sentiment created by the images becomes the protagonist of the film.

The casting included the search for strong, iconic and inspirational symbols that would support the narrative and transmit an element of mystery. The animals are used as powerful symbols that allow the film to create a narrative within a matter of minutes.

http://www.reissonline.com/campaign

http://www.youtube.com/reissfashion

SOURCE Reiss

Back to top

Superbreak, the theatre break specialist, has reported a sharp increase in the number of rail inclusive theatre breaks being booked, on the run up to the busiest theatre season of the year.

The Yorkshire based tour operator has secured a number of budget and top price theatre tickets for a host of musicals and performances in London's West End as the autumn season approaches. What sets Superbreak apart from its competition is the ability for customers to tailor-make their breaks by adding a return rail journey from most UK mainline stations, including Edinburgh, Manchester and Leeds, into London. As with all theatre break packages, customers have a choice of over 250 hotels spanning the capital city, including many in and around Theatreland itself.

Popular theatre shows for autumn 2010 so far include 'Wicked' and 'Dirty Dancing', with 'The Lion King' proving a hot favourite for families during the October half term break. The relationship with rail providers allows Superbreak the ability to offer one night theatre breaks to see 'Oliver!', standard return rail travel with East Coast Rail and overnight accommodation at the 3-star Royal National Hotel from just pounds Sterling 129pp.

Superbreak has a long standing reputation for selling rail inclusive breaks. Last year, over 200,000 passengers booked a London theatre break with the tour operator and chose to add a rail journey to their booking. The ability to custom-make a theatre break to include a hotel stay, theatre tickets and return rail travel, allows customers both the choice and flexibility no matter what the budget.

Will Dunnett, Director of Marketing at Superbreak, commented: "Rail inclusive breaks continue to be a mainstay of the Superbreak programme and are proving to be a big hit with customers heading to the capital on a theatre break. The ability to select your hotel, length of stay, theatre tickets and rail travel allows us to offer our customers the very best in value and choice."

About Superbreak:

Superbreak is the internet division of Superbreak Mini Holidays Limited, the market leader for short breaks and hotels throughout the UK. Superbreak is part of Holiday Break plc. Based in York, England, Superbreak specialises in booking cheap weekend breaks in 2-5 star hotel accommodation throughout Britain for the leisure traveller. Superbreak holds allocations of rooms at all hotels and can make bookings up to and on the day of departure.

With 5000 plus hotel partners in worldwide locations from Aberdeen to Abu Dhabi, from London to Lourdes and with great availability and rates for theatre breaks, events at the O2 Arena, various popular attractions  and national and international rail partners, Superbreak can offer an outstanding depth and breadth of UK and Overseas short break products including Manchester hotels.

SOURCE Superbreak

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.superbreak.com

Jagermeister's attitude just got bolder and edgier with the introduction of Jager For Life, the opportunity to turn three lucky winners' bodies into a canvas for three of the world's biggest tattoo stars. Whether they are looking to add to a collection, make up for an embarrassing tat, or get inked for the first time, consumers are now one click away from being inked by a living legend.

Jagermeister is bringing together Mario Barth – the rockstar and undisputed king of Las Vegas tattooing, Josh Lord – of East Side Ink and Ruthless – the hottest new tattoo talent in Los Angeles, three of the most skilled and sought after tattoo artists in the world, to offer consumers a chance to permanently show their dedication to the brand. The three master tattoo artists, known for their expert artistry and year long waiting lists, will be designing their individual interpretations of Jagermeister and its distinctive square green bottle, rich history of myths and legends, and its iconic label featuring a stag and cross. Consumers will then enter for a chance to permanently display one of these works of art on their body. The program kicks off August 27th and runs through December 31st, 2010 when three winners will be selected.

In addition to offering brand loyalists an opportunity to receive ink from a famed tattoo artist, Jager for Life is providing an online platform where consumers can immortalize their ink and showcase their favorite tattoos. Once uploaded, others can view and rate the submitted tattoos as well as share submissions with friends through top social media sites.

Jagermeister has partnered with Inked Magazine, a monthly men's magazine that focuses on the culture, style and art of the rapidly expanding tattoo community, to bring exclusive never seen before video interviews with each of the three artists. Additionally, Jager For Life advertorials will be featured in the September and October issues of Inked.

"We receive thousands of emails from Jagermeister fans with images of their Jagermeister inspired tattoos," says Bill Henderson, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Advertising at Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc. "We wanted to provide these loyal consumers with something they couldn't normally get – immediate access to three of the top tattoo artists in the world, never before seen Jagermeister ink designs and the opportunity to rock Jager For Life."

World renowned tattoo artist Mario Barth has been tattooing for 30 years, and has won over 200 tattooing awards internationally. His clientele includes Usher, Lenny Kravitz, and Tommy Lee, to name a few. He is currently the chief tattoo artist and owner of the legendary Starlight Tattoo studios in New Jersey and at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, as well as "King Ink - Mario Barth at the Mirage", the first ever tattoo studio and nightclub, located at the Mirage Hotel and Casino.

Josh Lord began tattooing in New York 11 years ago.  If Leonardo da Vinci and Charles Darwin had a love child who decided to embark on a career as a tattoo artist, his name would be Josh Lord, whose work often features incredibly detailed anatomical and naturalistic themes. He is the East Coast's artist of the intricate and the owner of two of New York's hottest shops; Graceland and East Side Ink—where A-listers like Rihanna and Daniel Day-Lewis have been tattooed. Lord is also the man Hollywood tapped to create the tattoos for The Last Airbender.

Tattoo's new rising star is Ruthless, and she is not just a pretty face on LA Ink, the girl's got serious tattoo skills. She is a native Angelino who left Los Angeles to apprentice under Tattoo Joe at Physical Graffiti in Connecticut. Then her tattooing took her to Sacred Art Tattoo in Hawaii where she developed her own Eastern-inspired style. Now she has returned home to Los Angeles and become a star working out of American Electric.

Register to win where legal and view rules and regulations at www.jagerforlife.com.

Jagermeister, which translates to "master hunter", is the #1 selling imported liqueur in the United States and one of the top shot brands in the world. The liqueur is based on a secret recipe, combining 56 different natural ingredients, including select herbs, blossoms, roots and fruits from every corner of the globe. Jagermeister, with the distinctive square bottle, was developed in 1934 in Germany and the brand quickly gained global fame through its innovative marketing, unique taste profile and its association with good times. Jagermeister Liqueur is 35% Alc./Vol. and imported exclusively by Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc., New Rochelle, NY www.jager.com. Jagermeister is available in the following sizes in the United States: 50ml, 100ml, 200ml, 375ml, 750ml, 1L, 1.75L.

Jagermeister Liqueur 35% Alc./Vol. Imported exclusively by Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc., New Rochelle, NY www.jager.com Jagermeister is available in the following sizes in the United States: 50ml, 100ml, 200ml, 375ml, 750ml, 1L, 1.75L.

DRINK RESPONSIBLY

SOURCE Jagermeister

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.jager.com