Hacker caught in the act!

Here is our newest junior designer.

Etien is already finding his way around a Mac, surfing kneebouncers.com and occasionally blogging.

They grow up so fast...

For messing about on the river

It was only a matter of time really... Being perched on the river bank means you need an alternative mode of transport sometimes, so we now have ourselves a boat!

So here is she is, our little development project. And how weird and wonderful a project to have! Moored right outside our office in Worcester.

The little tub was created as a concept prototype by the Ministry of Defence in the early 1970's, so it's completely unique and one off - just like us.

We're going to get busy pimping it out now, so the next time you see it, it'll be a whole different gig. Much like the ferry shown below that G-Star groomed, we're going back to its military roots with battleship grey and some hardcore interior.

That said, we're also thinking LED lighting and a Bose sound system, so it'll have the necessary creature comforts.

Come next summer, it'll be all ready with WiFi for working and brainstorming on the river.

More news as things develop.

New Designers

The New Designers exhibition was held in Shoreditch as part of Design Week this week.

Above is a few of the interesting things we came across...

A trip to The Future Laboratory

We met up with Chris Sanderson, the Strategy Director at The Future Laboratory recently.

We're very much hoping to collaborate with them soon. They have an excellent progressive model for global brand research, coolhunting, trendwatching and seeing into future cultural behaviours.

As you can see from the pic, we thought it was also pretty funny that the 'Future Lab', would have an old black Lab lazing around their offices.

Good work!

Say hello to Ginny!

We are very very pleased to announce Ginny joining the team!

She's come to us from the global brand design agency Boxer where she was a Senior Creative working on big brand campaigns for the likes of McDonald's and InBev.

She joins Open as an Art Director, bringing her own 'special blend' of design integrity and expansive creative thinking.

Aside from being a big thinker she has a dog called India, is a total travel junky, loves culture, music, skiing, the occasional drinky poo and has the wildest collection of Car Boot tat to clutter up her lovely world.

Welcome Ginny!

Open House!

At last - we're in.

We've moved our Worcester base to allow for the folks that keep joining Open.

We're perched in between a canal basin and a marina just one lock away from the River.

We've got the whole building which is a recently converted listed boathouse.

This place really is Worcester's little hidden secret and with a new gym opposite and pub next door, we've got all important amenities close at hand.

If you look at the pics carefully, you'll see Nick hanging out! It's like 'Where's Wally' for Creative Directors.

We love Clerkenwell

Thought it was about time to show where we call home in the smoke!

So here's the place in all its glory. Beautifully formed from a converted warehouse studio and located literally seconds from Farringdon Tube.

Drop in for a coffee sometime.

Designer Glass Competition Award night

We got a long to the Bombay Sapphire organised Designer Glass Awards the other night.

It was held at The Village Underground venue in Shoreditch which made for a great urban location to set the event off.

Aside from seeing the beautiful finalist pieces on show from a range of young and very talented international glass designers, we were also very pleased to be in the company of Tom Collins!

A lovely evening.

OKI-NI

Still going strong after 7 years of fashion collaboration the oki-ni concept is to offer one off rarities in conjunction with various globally renowned fashion labels. Dual-branded pieces by the likes of Alexander McQueen, Puma or Levi's Vintage alongside smaller and more niche brands. Collaboration and exclusivity is what makes this brand cool, as well as the ability to change and keep things fresh. As they say themselves – as the rest of the fashion world has caught up, it's time for oki-ni to move on.

Filter thinking

We drink a lot of coffee.

In a recent meeting at our local barista parlour we noticed just how many generations, social groups, professions, fashions and personalities are brought together in a humble coffee house.

But how, in a world where consumers like to define themselves through sub-culture and specific identities does a coffee house bend the rules and become a destination for all?

Maybe it’s an eclectic thing!? A melting pot, co-owned, co-existing thing. No set style or persuasion, something easy to morph into what anyone wants it to be. A little like Vernon Kay perhaps?!

Either way there’s got to be some insight here for any brand wanting to get pull together disparate consumer groups with a destination mentality. Offer up adaptable culture to your consumers, a place and space that provides a part completed canvas allowing for easy adaptation to their purpose.

Here’s to coffee shop culture. One of a kind. No rules, no pretences, no expectations. So long as the coffee’s good.

Mine’s a large skinny Cap for reference, easy on the sprinkles.

Susology

We've been following the Suso brand closely to see how the ex-Red Bull team would roll things out.

For those of you unfamiliar with the drink... it's a can and a bottle of carbonate pure fruit juice and damn refreshing it is too!

They've been pushing it pretty hard with outdoor in London and recently have launched their branded mag called Susology.

Nicely put together and following in their definition of Susology -" The study of Imagination, Creativity and Determination".

A nice sentiment.