The Staufenberger Repository

BMW paper cars

We like this.

BMW Thailand have a site where you can download cutout paper models of various cars.

Above is my attempt at the iconic Isetta from the mid 1950s. It's a bit scrappy and a bit pixely but that's the point really, isn't it? The brand might be about super-efficient, super-engineered precision but that doesn't mean everything the brand does has to be super-efficient and super-engineered. This provides something tangible, something that you might like to stick on your desk or shelf, something other than an overproduced glossy brochure or gewgaw.

Of course, as a healthy brand that illicits strong reactions (both positive and negative), there is inevitably some fan mods knocking around, such as this one here, and this somewhat ironic take on it.

My new brainstorming technique is unstoppable

A while back we invested in a few Dover Publications Clip-Art books in order to pep up the occasional presentation. Despite our preference for things non-Powerpoint, there are occasions when there's no avoiding it. But that's no reason not to make an effort, is it?

Our favourites are the more 80s feeling business titles, like this:

...and this:

...which includes this splendid pipe-smoking chap:

But we've a soft spot for these two, too:

Lot's of outdated home and office gadgets in the former, lots of ladies with big hair, hats and cats in the latter:

Plenty in there to bring a certain something to your next Powerpoint meisterwerk.

Of course, David Rees has used many of these to mirthful effect in his comic strips.

We've been trying to do a plannery equivalent for months, but couldn't think of anything nearly as amusing as Mr Rees' efforts. So this is as far as we've got. (Feel free to have a go yourselves. We might even find a prize for the best submission.)

Looking at it now, I think the blank bubbles do give it different kind of meaning.

From the days when cut and paste meant using something sharp and something sticky, all these images are printed one-sided so that nothing shows through from the reverse when you cut them out to construct your composition. And to help you do that, each book comes with handy instructions inside the back cover:

I think I want an X-Acto knife. It sounds like something from The Incredibles.

"Big old shoulders and double breastiness"

It's nearly time to unveil The Staufenberger suit.

To keep you occupied till then, here's another timely bit of generic suit coverage, courtesy of The Observer.

Fashion, with fs big and small

In between making suits and the occasional bit of work, I recently contributed an article to Brand Strategy magazine.

It sets out a view of how fashion works, and the implications for non-fashion brands wanting to move into that space.

The style is a bit clunky - need to work on that. But it makes sense, I hope. You can download it here.