Back in February we launched a new version of the IMA website.  But by now, I’m sure you are already aware of this.  And because a programmer’s work is never done, after the launch it was on to phase 2. That included improving our online store and integrate it into the rest of the site.

With that, we are pleased to announce the new and improved online Shop Section:

With the launch of the online shop, users (that’s you) will now be able to purchase tickets and memberships right along side any books, cards, or jewelry you may decide to buy.  Whether you’re shopping the IMA Store, the Design Center, or the Greenhouse Shop, you’ll immediately receive a 10% membership discount on items when you are purchasing a membership.  If you already have a membership, you will just need to login to take advantage of the discount.

The shop also received a dramatic visual overhaul, bringing featured products and categories to the front.  And all based on the 960 grid system as previously discussed by Matt. Happy shopping!

Filed under: Technology

Pulling the IMA magazine together is probably one of the most enjoyable aspects of my job, aside from Monday Web team meetings. And with the winter (November-January) issue, we usher in a new era of the magazine. No longer called Previews, but simply known as the IMA magazine, the cover and pages present the Museum’s new graphic identity. With a new look also comes fresh content and ideas that incorporate the intersection of art, design and nature. In this issue, we went out on a limb and decided to do our first retail holiday photo shoot–presenting items for sale in the Museum’s shops–rather than rely on product photography from the design house or manufacturers.

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Filed under: Art, Design, Musings

Known for his DIY street art OBEY in the late 90′s, and more recently for his Obama ‘Hope’ poster, artist Shepard Fairey is teaming up with Saks Fifth Avenue for their latest marketing effort.

The campaign includes Russian Communist inspired artwork on limited-edition bags, window displays, catalogs and an in-store presentation, all hitting stores on March 12.

Saks' Spring campaign

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Filed under: Current Events, Design, Marketing

Tradition dictates that January 1st marks the beginning of each new year. A new year that brings opportunity for a fresh start.

For me though, the new year and ensuing opportunity for a fresh start occurs about this time every year. I always look forward to the end of August, because that is when the onslaught begins.

That is when super size fashion magazines featuring the latest trends for fall begin to flood my mailbox. I remain giddy for about a week, knowing that at least one brand new, beefy, fall fashion issue will be waiting for me when I get home.

I truly look forward to studying each page (even the ads) for inspiration on ways to update my wardrobe. As I open every cover, I begin to formulate a plan for ways to revamp my current clothing and identify key pieces to purchase- – all in an effort to start fresh.
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Filed under: Art, Design

A fact about me that isn’t included in my profile is that I am a huge Francophile.

Maybe because my great grandmother was French, maybe because I studied French for seven years, or maybe because of my admiration for French women’s uncanny ability to make any outfit look stylish simply by adding a scarf. Whatever the reason- I’ve been fascinated by all things French for as long as I can remember.

Therefore, it should come as no surprise that one of my favorite designers is Philippe Starck, a Frenchman. To me, he is the master of style, and for certain, the king of cool.

His product designs exude imagination and originality, and his interior designs ooze style & sex appeal.

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Filed under: Art, Design