Creating my own universe

Websites:

Finding out what I like and don’t like to create my own universe.

MIU MIU

I love the chunkiness and curves of Miu Miu's logo as well as the name. I find the symmetry of the name really pleasing in terms of the way the letters are shaped. The curves of the M and the opposite curve of the U create a nice opposing balance whilst having the straight I in the middle. When thinking about the name of my brand I will look into the way the letters appear and how it may make a consumer feel. This website feels clean and simple whilst focusing on the natural beauty of the models which makes it refreshing.

Also noticing that readable fonts are important as well as having the logo in black or white so that it shows well on any background.

As for the Miu Miu Club page. I love the idea of having a community, thats something I definitely want to create with my brand and have a space for on my website and social media page. Including holding space for people in my companies studio/shop and hosting events for people to connect and network. As for the website I would like to have a page where there are photos of what were doing and updates on the events and launches being held.

This page on the website for me is slightly dull. I think the images they have used have off lighting and don’t engage my eyes as much as they could. The font of “Miu Miu Club” compared to the logo feels disappointing.

I really like the product photos on their own next to a larger photo of them on a model. This is something I would translate on my website. The off toned boxes that hold the products and writing give a nice contrast from the overall white background.

I really like how they have used a ghost Mannequin, although next to a model because it takes your attention to the product and perhaps helps you envision yourself in it.

COACH

On the Coach website, something I like is that the logo switches to the top left when on another page. To allow the title of the page to be the main focus. Instead of having words under words of a different font, like the Miu Miu website.

DIESEL

Now for Diesel. In my opinion the block lettering and the red reminds me of sports direct and looks quite cheap compared to the price point of their clothes. I think with the increasing popularity of them and the new look they should have redesigned their website.

Although, I like that the lines of the product images are really thin. I think it would look better if the name and prices weren’t so close to the edge of the box, so that you can see a definite beginning and end.

FRANKIES BIKINIS

This is a company that I have been researching looking at their marketing because of the swimwear section of my brand. The photo collaging on the front page makes it give off a college/ university young student vibe. I understand the reason but I feel as if its too much going on aesthetically. The font of the menu bar reminds me of a drugstore website font which I dont think reflects this brand. I’ve realised throughout this research that I dislike the word sale, especially in red. I think if a brand has this in their menu, it indicates that they make too much compared to what they sell, therefore giving off signals that they’re not very sustainable and don't meet their sales targets. As well as taking away any exclusivity.

I don’t know how I feel about when brands put reviews or customer ratings because on the one hand it’s great if the customer wants reassurance, but why should they need reassurance. The website and your marketing should be so good that it’s full proof and the brand is sure it’s good without approval. Physcologically what does it say about the brand?

This is a brand that I will definitely return to their website, purely because i’m interested to see how they develop in the future.

POSTER GIRL

Poster Girl is a brand that I watch and I was really surprised by their website. The lettering on the logo is something really small and spaced out which I don’t like and wouldn’t do. Also the thin lines across the menu bar, I feel like they are distracting.

The imagery on the websites are really important for what you’re selling, for example Poster Girl is known for their tight bodycon cut out going out outfits that focus on accentuating the body. What’s very on brand for them is this image and her breasts are in the middle of the screen, it gives off poster girl.

Which is something to think about, what's on brand and off brand for my website?

I really like the thin lines between the product images as well as how the name and price is displayed compared to how Diesel does it. I feel like it computes quicker in the brain and is easy and simple for the consumer.

Something I won't be doing is using emojis on the website,in my opinion this cheapens the effect of the website.

I really enjoy the fact that the picture here is inside the screen barrier and that you don't have to scroll to see the rest of the image. As a consumer I find that really frustrating and overwhelming because I can't see the full effect.

Compared to Jaded London that has images spreading across their website that you can’t seen completely.

JADED LONDON

Whereas Jaded London’s photos don’t fit the frame as well as a lot of other websites which makes me feel a bit overwhelmed. Therefore for my website the photos won't be bigger than the screen for aesthetic ease.

Conclusion and ideas on this week's research:

I like the name at the top centre on the home page, but when we switch I would like the logo/name to move to the top left to allow the focus to be on the title of the page.

I’m really interested in having a digital fashion film below the name on the home page ( making sure that it fits within the screen, so no scrolling)

A part of my brand is definitely building a community but I need to figure out how I would make that a part of my website, so that’s yet to think about.

In terms of the images, I really like having the product on its own but then next to it a model wearing it. The models in these images will be posing in interesting shapes rather than standing there like a mannequin. Looking as if they’re having fun and enjoying wearing the clothes.

For the blog section I want to design it like a magazine and within the articles it reads in columns.

Things I will be avoiding:

- When the mouse hovers over a photo and it changes to something else

- Having the photo spill out of the screen

- Unnecessary thin lines on the menu

- Small lettered spaced out logos

- Collages

- Red sale buttons

- Drug store style fonts

- Chunky red and white

- Having the name/ Logo directly above a title in a different font

The development of these websites will be interesting to watch in terms of how they develop whilst staying true to brand image.