New Swatch Bicoloured Collection: five fun-filled designs feature fantastic colours to make the summer brighter!

Posted on 16/04/2012 by coolbrands.ch

For Summer, 2012, the Swatch Bicoloured Collection is unleashed in eye-poppingly bright colours, designed to create high-impact and fiercely-modern style statements.

This dazzling array of five Swatch Gent Originals cheekily captures the vibrancy and vivaciousness for which the iconic Swiss watch and jewellery maker is so internationally adored. The clean, precise shapes of these gorgeous watches are, as ever, complimented by the technical excellence and state-of-the-art materials inherent to all Swatch products. Maximum fashionability and functionality for the sunny months ahead is, of course, guaranteed.

All Swatch Gent Originals in the Bicoloured Collection share in common chic solid black plastic cases, loops and tongues. Choose from attention-grabbing designs characterized by either proudly-poptastic pink Pink’n grey, gorgeous-garish green Green’n violet, outrageously-seductive orange Orange’n petrol, brilliant-bright blue Cobalt’n pink, or yelling-it-out-loud yellow Yellow’n brown.

Dull days and dark moods are now firmly banished by the Bicoloured Collection, as these fresh ‘n’ flashy creations from Swatch fill time with a fabulous feeling of fun!

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mood and me, inseparable and always in good humour, says Marilinka

Posted on 13/04/2012 by coolbrands.ch

Our liaison started one evening as I found a rather big envelope in my letter box: oh, a gift has arrived?

As I opened it I was surprised, it didn’t contain the actual mood, but rather a test ring with which I was meant to measure the size of my finger. Absolutely coherent with the idea of personalisation, I thought and liked it straight away!

mood and me, and that I know already, will be quite inseparable. That thought puts me in a good mood instantly!

So that evening I visited mood’s website and took great pleasure in discovering the many different types of rings: coloured, stripy or plain, flashy, fun and totally trendy…

The leaflet inside the envelope carried the image of a surfer and evoked thoughts of travelling to far away destinations and holidays, oh happy holidays, right there in my cute little kitchen.

Then, there are rings that really have got class and that appeal to the more “chic & glam” side of me. The ring with rubies on it, for example, oh wouaw! The series of wedding rings is a total success: it combines modern trends with personalised sophistication. When is it going to be my turn, I wonder ;-)

The choice is huge and there is a mood for every occasion… Hmmm, which one shall I chose? Stay tuned!

Marilinka, coolbrander for coolbrands.ch

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Black is back

Posted on 10/04/2012 by coolbrands.ch

I simply dread making gifts on prescribed dates. Christmas shopping is something I hate; and when it comes to Valentine’s day: do I need to be told when to give my sweetheart a present? Birthdays tend to be “overlooked” for other reasons – why be reminded that one has aged by yet another year?

But one special day just has to be celebrated with a little present: our getting-to-know-each-other anniversary! And as things go with presents one sometimes not only knows exactly what present to make, but also what one would like to get!

Yet, since making gifts should also bring happiness to the presenter, I would never go up to Patrick and say “I’d love to have the new Freelancer Urban Black by Raymond Weil” even if this model, just as cool and elegant as all Freelancers are, is EXACTLY what I want right now: the Urban Black with its beveled horns, the graphic application of its screws, with its jet black PVD coating, and the bright garnet red of the chronograph’s tachymeter numbers and hands. Undoubtedly sexy, modern, and stylish to say the least! The chronograph with its 42 mm case is the most iconic model of the collection.

So my strategy to get the message across to Patrick involves subtle manipulation of the subconscious mind. I make a casual remark that I love men’s watches; that black is the trend color; that it would be great to possess a watch from an independent family-owned brand like Raymond Weil. And just by chance I leave a magazine on the living room table with a photo of a Freelancer Urban Black….

Ok, so imagine my shock when two days before the great day Patrick comes home beaming. On his wrist a brand new Urban Black. I immediately grow pale, but then I compose myself. Knowing Patrick, I am convinced that he found a wonderful surprise gift for me. And I can always borrow the Freelancer Urban Black from him! La vie est belle!

Facts worth knowing about Raymond Weil:

A creative brand, endowed with watchmakers’ know-how, affordable, and above all, independent. The RAYMOND WEIL dynasty is innovative and it reinvents itself time and again whilst maintaining its uniqueness which accounts for its success.

Even if RAYMOND WEIL conquered the international market with Swiss made quality within the past 35 years, this basically is the success story of a family.

Today, Elie and Pierre Bernheim – now representing the third generation – have taken over the company’s management from their father and Raymond Weil’s son-in-law Olivier Bernheim, and have thus become guarantors of an extraordinary heritage. The family structure is characterized by a style that cultivates human values. Behind the sense of family stands an extraordinary vision striving for achievement. For more information go to raymond-weil.com.

Flo, lifestyle blogger for coolbrands.ch

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A little boutique that will delight the ladies

Posted on 06/04/2012 by coolbrands.ch

Who has not already experienced that: you see a cool outfit – trendy, frenchy or quite simply eye candy – on one of those hip girls from Paris, London or New York and then you try to get it over here. Only you can’t, it just doesn’t seem to be available in Switzerland. One girl decided to put an end to that. Mélanie Francioli, fashionista from Lausanne fills our dressing rooms with those labels that are otherwise hard to be found in Switzerland. And that for three years already, did you know that?

So Mélanie has put a virtual boutique together, with brands that are usually left behind on the other side of the Swiss boarders and that are not accessible for those not having the money to travel there often. London and Paris are thus within our grasp and that in form of trendy fashion labels such as: By Zoé, Circus & Co, Gat Rimon, 2two, American Retro and the absolutely essential French Connection (FCUK).

But there are not only clothes, but accessories, too! Jewellery by Création de L. and gems by Sowat, for example, round up the collection. If you are in or near Lausanne and want to try your favourite piece before buying it you can! There is a showroom at Avenue Rumine. This cute little boutique is a true alternative, a lot more than just a simple click-and-buy experience. Here you can try before you buy and you can get advice on your styling.

At the occasion of maptiteboutique.ch’s third birthday, Mélanie spoils us with a spring sale that will delight our wardrobes that are empty after spring-cleaning. All prices are reduced: those for the summer collection 2010 up to 80%, for the summer collection 2011 up to 65%.

coolbrands readers benefit until the end of April from the promo code coolbrands with which they can have their order delivered free of charge. Discover ma p’tite boutique and give yourself an extra special spring treat!

Contact info maptiteboutique.ch: Website, Facebook, Twitter

Raquel Monteiro, lifestyle blogger for coolbrands.ch

 

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Why there’s not a bird in every cage

Posted on 01/04/2012 by coolbrands.ch

Today, I would like to share with you my deplorable fate: my sweetheart is a serial shopper! When I go to town with Patrick we always come home heavily laden: three pairs of men’s shoes, a belt, a Paul Smith travelling bag, a Serge Lutens Eau de Toilette (so sexy!),… and for me just one little lipstick. Ok, admittedly we’re talking about Yves Saint Laurent’s Sublime Red No. 9, but nonetheless!

On the other hand, I am free to serve myself from my love’s treasures, which I definitely make good use of. This morning for example, I was in a fix once again while getting dressed: jeans, tweed coat, blouse and all were there ready to hand, but my cufflinks had simply disappeared. Well, weren’t there plenty of them in Patrick’s drawer?

I go for a pair: made of steel and in the middle something that looks like a running clockwork. Very nice, I thought. While eating out for lunch with a client (an advertising guy) he remarks in admiration: don’t tell me you’re wearing those fabulous “Tourbillon” from TF Est.1968?

What’s the guy talking about? I follow his desirous glance that leads to… my cufflinks. Quite cool, I respond “Don’t tell me you don’t have them yet?” Back in my office where I work as a translator, I immediately google TF Est. 1968, and I realize what trendy stuff I’m wearing on my sleeves!

Sheltered behind sapphire glass every cufflink contains a tiny little tourbillon cage with a working clockwork – a real eye-catcher! There are all kinds of cufflink variations: simple and classy made of steel like my model (sorry: his) and many others made of gold, with rubies, phases of the moon…

I particularly like cufflinks made by the well-known designer Elke Berr, with gem inlays of lapis, turquoise or malachite.

My only problem now is: how will I get Patrick to start a collection of these lovely pieces? But I guess that shouldn’t be mission impossible for a serial shopper…

A few words about TF Est. 1968

The man behind this absolutely unconventional brand is a Swiss named Tschumi Freddy D., born in 1968 which gave the brand its name “TF Est. 1968″. The basic idea behind TF Est. 1968 is “affordable luxury” without any loss in quality: selected materials are used in a trendy, groovy, sometimes slightly off-key, manner to make these cufflinks and ball-points which are inspired by the art of watchmaking. Exquisite leather goods and two own watch collections round off the portfolio of “TF Est. 1968″. With prices beginning at CHF 350.00 Tourbillon cufflinks are quite affordable for any non-conformist. Go against the tide, that’s today’s motto!

Flo, lifestyle blogger for coolbrands.ch

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La bague fleur: like a breath of spring on your finger…

Posted on 30/03/2012 by coolbrands.ch

It’s a dreary day, you go surfing on the mood site and already you feel better: you go with the flow and you see a whole host of rings to suit your mood, clothes, colour palette, rings to lend a distinctive touch to your outfit.

Here’s what you do:

1. First you make your choice… OK it “seems” simple, but have you seen the choice? Good luck! Right, a flower ring, that’s nice… so let’s go!

2. Next you place your order; it’s done in a few clicks.

3. Then you wait… but not long: in 3 days, you’ll be sent your 1st parcel, a bit like a “teaser”. You get a round, sliding gauge device to measure your finger with. Nothing’s a game of hit-and-miss at mood, it’s as accurate as the slipper finding Cinderella, only more so.

4. You measure up and send it back (even the return envelope is pre-stamped by mood!).

5. A few days later, you open your little gift box from mood and bingo! You have a ring made to measure wrapped around your finger, as well as some floral accessories in the colours you ordered. You choose the flower of the day, you clip it on, and there you have it!

It goes with your outfit, and it’s the kind of ring you can wear anywhere, in short… it instantly puts you in a good mood!

Clotilde Marsault, buzzmaker for coolbrands.ch

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New from Ben & Jerry’s: Oh My! Apple Pie!

Posted on 22/03/2012 by coolbrands.ch

Nothing, or almost nothing, is more evocative of the sheer bliss of being at home than the wonderful smell of freshly baked cake slowly filling the house. Even lifelong ice cream aficionados go weak at the knees and can be heard to utter the words “Oh My! Apple Pie!” at the oven door. It’s memories such as these that must have inspired the flavour designers at Ben & Jerry’s for their new version of the good old American apple pie recipe. “Oh My! Apple Pie!” will be adding its unusual, irresistible flavour in March 2012 to the already rich selection on offer from Ben & Jerry’s.

Fragrant, ripe apples, spiced up with a touch of cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg – that’s the secret of a good old Apple Pie just like grandma used to make, as well as Ben & Jerry’s brand new version of it. But wait! There’s more! This ice cream is brimming with delicious chunks of rich pie crust that Ben & Jerry’s fans simply won’t be able to get enough of. Just thinking about it has your hand reaching out for the spoon and scooping out chunks like you used to while mum was still making it.

The new Fairtrade version of the super premium ice cream brand is not happy with just being exquisitely delicious. Ben & Jerry’s has committed itself wholeheartedly to a number of sustainable development and solidarity projects to show its gratitude towards society. “Oh My! Apple Pie!” bearing the Fairtrade stamp, brimming with delectable ingredients and flavoured with cinnamon, can be enjoyed with a clear conscience as of March in 500 ml tubs priced at CHF 9.90, or in 150 ml shorty versions selling for CHF 4.50.

For more details about Ben & Jerry’s, its social commitment and the conversion of its entire range over to Fairtrade principles, take a trip to the website at www.benjerry.ch and, of course, to its Fan Page on Facebook!

A bit about Ben & Jerry’s:

The history behind the success of the prestigious Ben & Jerry’s ice cream brand began in 1978 with the opening of the first milk bar by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield. More than 30 years’ later, the name Ben & Jerry’s is not only synonymous with being ‘Better than ice cream’, the internationally-renowned brand Ben & Jerry’s is now more of a philosophy and a way of being captured in ice. This is linked mainly to the social, ecological and human values that Ben & Jerry’s defends just as vigorously as its top-quality ingredients and the fun names applied to its different ice cream varieties.

 

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yourmood.net: In the mood for love!

Posted on 17/03/2012 by coolbrands.ch

There are some things that just can’t be explained, love at first sight is one of them. Like a blinding glimpse of the obvious, it hits you and, at that very moment, you just know! It’s just the way it is, there’s no rhyme or reason, it happens, it’s electrifying and that’s all there is to it.

I experienced it myself not so long ago. I still recall the moment in the minutest detail. There I was surfing freestyle on the web, aimlessly looking for something new, ideas, inspiration, etc., when, suddenly, I saw it: a wooden gem. I could only have glimpsed it for a nanosecond, for no sooner had I spotted it on the screen than I had mindlessly clicked on a link that took me off in some other far-flung direction!

An abrupt about turn and POW! I was back on the page where I’d first seen it: the mood ring with wooden add-on! Sporting a minimalist, industrial design peculiar to the brand, the ring at first appeared a complex model, combining a mixture of elements and their different characteristics: the warmth of wood and the chill of metal, the shimmer of surgical steel and the mattness of the organic add-on, the fragility of one and the strength of the other…

In a word, I knew it was the one for me.

So I started to make my move. I signed up with coolbrands.ch to get a little bit closer. My plan was to become a buzzmaker on the site and for the mood brand. It was almost within my grasp… When I found out I had been chosen, I knew that making it mine was just a matter of time.

After supplying my ring size, which I did last week thanks to the brand’s very own ingenious home measurement concept, I finally received my precious ring today! As with any good love story, there were lots of good omens this morning that told me we would soon be together! Firstly, I instinctively took great care to wear something co-ordinating in brown. I also took off the ring I usually wear and left it on the chest of drawers to make my finger look available. Then I had a chance encounter with the postie. I never see him as a rule as he always comes too early. But blow me down, if we didn’t practically collide outside my flat! “There’s a letter for you to sign for!”, he said. “There you go, just sign here and it’s all yours!” It was waiting for me in the envelope. We were at last united!

Now, I know exactly what you’re going to say, because I said more or less the same thing to myself: it couldn’t have been more romantic if the postman had got down on his knees and put the ring on my finger himself!

Anyway, I’m wearing it! And I’m LOVING it! This summer, we’re gonna ride out together; I’m not going to take it off for one second. I know that tongues will start wagging on the terraces about us both and how sudden, extreme and crazy it all is. But so what! I’ve never felt as young as I do now with my mood ring on my finger!

Felipe Novoa, lifestyle blogger for coolbrands.ch

 

 

 

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Doodle: organisation ‘Swiss style’, easy and effective. In other words, cool!

Posted on 15/03/2012 by coolbrands.ch

Doodle takes care of everything… it’s a sexy piece of kit! Huh? You mean it’s the ideal guy? No, it’s just the ONLY website that helps you organise and plan:

  • your next girls’ night out
  • the local sports club, chess, cookery, finance, committee meetings
  • a simple meal with your expat pals who only come to Switzerland once a year
  • family reunions that no-one ever wants to organise because they’re such hard work

In short, it’s a great product, which was given a brilliant launch… with minimal marketing. Oh, and BTW, it’s a Swiss company!

Doodle, for those of you who haven’t used it yet, is a site that helps you plan an event easily, even if you’re the sort who has a hectic calendar. All you need is Internet access, a few friends and you’re done.

It’s hassle-free: no need to sign up, you just go to doodle.com, plan your event, list your availabilities and participants (their e-mail addresses), then you send the “questionnaire”. Doodle takes care of the rest: it sends an e-mail including link to each guest, tells you when guests have filled in their availabilities and it plans the respective agendas on Outlook or Google.

Just for the record, the launch took place in 2003 and was described in a press release by Le Monde newspaper as ‘a great gag’: We are pleased to announce the launch of Doodle unplugged. With Doodle, you can plan your events for up to a year. When it comes to the press release, however, it’s a matter of grabbing your pad of lined paper and a pen… like in the old days. Funny how some habits soon get lost in the mists of time…

A few years on, no publicity, just an inspired choice of name given its similarity to Google, and it’s a huge hit. Well done Mr. Näf from Zurich!

Clotilde Marsault, buzzmaker for coolbrands.ch

 

 

 

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