MINI”s recent fashion show at Barcelona was not only the debut of the 2008 line of apparel and accessories but also the first look at some of the new Clubman inspired pieces.
One quick note on the watch. It looks to be a new (and possibly cheapened) version of the original MINI Motion watch designed by Yves Behar.
Some good information about those shoes is up on the MINI International site: <a href="http://www.mini.com/com/en/onitsukatiger/" rel="nofollow">Onitsuka Tiger for MINI</a>
The mini-site also has some good (first official?) shots of the Hot Chocolate clubman.
I saw a girl wearing some heels the other day with white bonnet stripes….the rounded closed toe was about the same proportion to the mini’s hood…they need to get those in the line
The ‘new’ Motion watch looks identical to the existing design but it looks as if the facia is now anodized aluminum or powder coated steel depending on the material…the buttons and graphics appear to be the same as the MINI Motion watch I’m wearing…
Why does MINI insist on marketing the clothing only to 20-year-olds? Anyone five seconds older than that would look asinine wearing any of this stuff. If the MINI is for everyone, why deliberately neglect a large part of the ownership?
>Why does MINI insist on marketing the clothing only to 20-year-olds? Anyone five seconds older than that would look asinine wearing any of this stuff. If the MINI is for everyone, why deliberately neglect a large part of the ownership?
I have to disagree with you here. This apparel falls squarely within what you see daily in any large city like NYC, London, Munich or Chicago. With MINI being such an urban oriented brand, this is a natural fit.
Now the broader question, why does MINI market to this young urban demographic? Because outside that the US that’s largely who is buying the car. Take a look at our <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bridger/sets/72157600298397156/" rel="nofollow">photos from MINI United</a> and you’ll see it in action. It’s decidedly different from the MINI owning demographic in some parts of the US.
Yes, the MINI brand is decidely a “youth” brand in other parts of the world, whereas the demographic in the US tends to be spread out accross a wider range of ages, with those in the 30-40 year old bracket being the biggest market share for MINI in the US.
On a related note, I am 35 and I have to have that cool watch.
Gabe, you wouldn’t have a link for the shop or data on US availability, would you? my shoulder bag is much the worse for wear and needs replacement. the Clubman bag could be a good alternative.
OK, the demographic question was answered; it’s the younger crowd outside of the USA that buys the car. But seriously, ME [51, salt and pepper hair] in these outfits would cause a great deal of snickering and pointing. Not good for the self-esteem. ;-D
<blockquote>But seriously, ME [51, salt and pepper hair] in these outfits would cause a great deal of snickering and pointing. Not good for the self-esteem. ;-D</blockquote>
Hey MichaelD:
Actually, I think you will find it is the opposite. I’m 58, with salt and pepper hair, and at work wear jeans, golf shirts, sneakers all the time as do the 20-somethings in the office (software biz) and don’t feel out of place. The snickers and pointing are at the leasure-suit Larrys, wearing yesterdays suit-pants with unbuttoned white shirt, white socks and dress shoes, as “casual wear”.
Some good information about those shoes is up on the MINI International site: <a href="http://www.mini.com/com/en/onitsukatiger/" rel="nofollow">Onitsuka Tiger for MINI</a>
The mini-site also has some good (first official?) shots of the Hot Chocolate clubman.
Still working on the 2008 ladies’ footwear I see.
So where is the mellow yellow/chocolate brown Clubman that inspired this collection?
Is MINI in the denim business now?
Driving shoes to match your MINI, now that would be cool. oh wait, I already have a set.
I saw a girl wearing some heels the other day with white bonnet stripes….the rounded closed toe was about the same proportion to the mini’s hood…they need to get those in the line
The ‘new’ Motion watch looks identical to the existing design but it looks as if the facia is now anodized aluminum or powder coated steel depending on the material…the buttons and graphics appear to be the same as the MINI Motion watch I’m wearing…
Why does MINI insist on marketing the clothing only to 20-year-olds? Anyone five seconds older than that would look asinine wearing any of this stuff. If the MINI is for everyone, why deliberately neglect a large part of the ownership?
>Why does MINI insist on marketing the clothing only to 20-year-olds? Anyone five seconds older than that would look asinine wearing any of this stuff. If the MINI is for everyone, why deliberately neglect a large part of the ownership?
I have to disagree with you here. This apparel falls squarely within what you see daily in any large city like NYC, London, Munich or Chicago. With MINI being such an urban oriented brand, this is a natural fit.
Now the broader question, why does MINI market to this young urban demographic? Because outside that the US that’s largely who is buying the car. Take a look at our <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bridger/sets/72157600298397156/" rel="nofollow">photos from MINI United</a> and you’ll see it in action. It’s decidedly different from the MINI owning demographic in some parts of the US.
Yes, the MINI brand is decidely a “youth” brand in other parts of the world, whereas the demographic in the US tends to be spread out accross a wider range of ages, with those in the 30-40 year old bracket being the biggest market share for MINI in the US.
On a related note, I am 35 and I have to have that cool watch.
-Nigel
Gabe, you wouldn’t have a link for the shop or data on US availability, would you? my shoulder bag is much the worse for wear and needs replacement. the Clubman bag could be a good alternative.
MichaelD, i’m 31.
I like that they did the Punch Carbon pattern in the leather shoes. Strange they didn’t mention it.
I’m a 63 yr old MINI owner (buying our 2nd MINI next year) and I buy and wear MINI shirts and other stuff.
OK, the demographic question was answered; it’s the younger crowd outside of the USA that buys the car. But seriously, ME [51, salt and pepper hair] in these outfits would cause a great deal of snickering and pointing. Not good for the self-esteem. ;-D
MichaelD, you never know. Perhaps some of these outfits will make you very noticeable with the younger female population, in a very positive way..
Those Tigers are sweet. i almost bought a similar pair a month or so ago, but the shop didn’t have my size. Now I’m glad.
Yellow is for cheetahs.
<blockquote>But seriously, ME [51, salt and pepper hair] in these outfits would cause a great deal of snickering and pointing. Not good for the self-esteem. ;-D</blockquote>
Hey MichaelD:
Actually, I think you will find it is the opposite. I’m 58, with salt and pepper hair, and at work wear jeans, golf shirts, sneakers all the time as do the 20-somethings in the office (software biz) and don’t feel out of place. The snickers and pointing are at the leasure-suit Larrys, wearing yesterdays suit-pants with unbuttoned white shirt, white socks and dress shoes, as “casual wear”.