#boutique branding agency

[zodiacdisplays05]

Are you looking for a dynamic, eye-catching advertising tool for your business? Look no further. Our latest offering, the Wing Banner, combines elegance and practicality – perfect for businesses looking to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

[eadniagency]

Unearthing Underrated Players

by Tom Storvik

In football, as in so many other spheres, a players success is directly judged by the number of goals they score or by their number of assists. However, not every genius of the game is brought into the limelight due to restrictions on playing time. That's where the power of statistics comes into play.

Going deeper into players performance statistics, one might be able to identify some hidden talent that earlier could not be identified easily. EADNI is an agency that specializes in representing such underrated footballers with advanced statistics to give a chance to its clients to be noticed by the leading clubs.

The Problem: Playing Time is Finite

Many promising footballers end up on the bench, often more than they would like. This lack of playing time may come from team strategies, competition for places, and if managers prefer one player over another. Such players miss, by definition, the occasion for showcasing their qualities in the reflection of the statistics that traditionally catches the attention of staff, fans and the public in general—for example, goals and assists. And that's where it needs more nuanced approach to surface this potential.

The Fix: Advanced Focus on Performance Metrics

Football statistics mean more than just the simple metrics of goals and assists. Checking these advanced performance metrics better shows a players abilities. Below are the key statistics that display the skills of footballers with few playing minutes:

Pass Completion Rate: High pass completion rates are reflected in the accuracy and conciseness of any individual player.

Interceptions and Tackles: A look at core defensive metrics that show how successful a player is at stopping opposition plays and regaining possession.

Key Passes: Shows creativity and vision in the number of passes leading to a goal-scoring opportunity.

Dribbles and Take-ons: These are successful attempts to run past an opponent.

Pressures Applied: Other than the raw data, it measures how frequently a player applies pressure to the opponent, which is crucial in high-pressing modern football strategies.

Case Study: Unearthing a Midfield Maestro

Now, consider this hypothetical midfielder, Alex — a relatively young player who has not been given enough chances but has proven himself during training and in some games. These reduced minutes are shown in Alex's stats and data, where he only:

Pass Completion Rate: 92 %

Interceptions per 90 minutes: 4

Key passes per 90 minutes: 2.3

Successful Dribbles per 90 minutes: 6.2

Pressures Per 90 mins: 18

These are the statistics that illustrate Alex's ability to hold onto the ball, unsettle the other team and create goal-scoring opportunities - even created with a start set in a defensive perspective. By those measures, Alex no longer appears like an extra body on the bench, but rightfully will be viewed as a dynamo on the pitch.

EADNI's Strategy:

EADNI is skillful in identifying and promoting underexposed football talents. And here is where the stats would help nudge their clients:

Comprehensive Data Analysis: EADNI conducts a detailed analysis of available match data, focusing on advanced metrics to properly evaluate player performance.

Bespoke Player Profiles: They provide tailor-made, in-depth profiles that depict selected players strengths, supported by statistics. These are provided to the clubs to effectively mark off what the player could bring to the club, above and beyond the relevant statistics.

Highlight Reels: EADNI has gone a step further by showing some statistics on the in-game players; this, therefore, fills in the gap in which the stats translate to in the real world.

Networking and Advocacy: EADNI markets its clients to clubs and scouts, allowing them to get noticed, be offered trials and get a chance to live out their full potential as a player on a level their talent deserves to be showcased.

Continual Monitoring and Feedback: EADNI continually ensures that their clients are on top of their game with the necessary feedback and improvements to be ever ready to maximize their opportunities.

Conclusion:

For those in the football world, talent cannot only be counted by just the number of goals and assists. Advanced stats are the primary resource to reach new skills in their underplayed footballers. EADNI is at the forefront of using data-driven insights to unlock and transform careers towards the recognition its clients deserve. With an emphasis on worldwide, up-to-date performance statistics, EADNI ensures that no talent is left out, keeping deserving players in the limelight and on the lists of top football clubs.

With advanced football statistics going untapped, EADNI Agency is redefining perceptions around under-represented footballers, giving them the platform they require to stand out.

Are you a football/soccer player looking for unique, personal, digitally minded, forward thinking and FIFA Licenced representation to take the next step developing your career and signing for a club perfectly suited for your skills on and off the pitch? Reach out to EADNI through one of the links below and if we discover your personality suit our style of representing players and you discover that we are the right agency to make your dream career become a reality - let us begin the journey to the stars together, today!

| EADNI | WhatsApp | EADNI | WhatsApp | EADNI |

[happywebdesign]

Responsible Fashion Agency

[societalsg]

In the bustling world of creative agencies, it's imperative to make a choice that aligns with your brand's vision and goals. When it comes to Singapore, one agency that stands out in the crowd is Societal. With a unique blend of creativity, expertise, and a commitment to excellence, Societal is the boutique creative agency you can trust to elevate your brand.

To Know More Click on this link : https://www.societal.com.sg/blog/why-choose-societal-as-your-boutique-creative-agency-in-singapore

Contact Details

Company Name : Societal Pte. Ltd.

Address : 19a Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089126

Email : hello@societal.com.sg

Contact : +65 98303247

Website��:��https://www.societal.com.sg

[aeth-eris]

★ how to maximize profits via 2nd house ★

aries in the 2nd house can maximize profits by capitalizing on their entrepreneurial drive and competitive spirit. aries benefits from fast-paced, high-energy ventures where they can lead and make quick decisions. they might excel by launching a fitness training program, offering personal coaching services, or starting a motivational brand that sells products like athletic apparel, energy drinks, or performance gear. aries could also find success with subscription boxes focused on high-adrenaline hobbies like hiking, martial arts, or adventure sports. by embracing ventures that allow them to innovate quickly and take the lead, aries can build profitable businesses that leverage their passion and high energy.

taurus in the 2nd house is well-suited for steady financial growth through high-quality, long-term investments and products. they thrive in businesses that emphasize luxury, beauty, and quality, such as a high-end skincare line, organic foods business, or eco-friendly clothing brand. taurus could also consider starting a boutique furniture store that sells artisan-crafted or vintage items, as they appreciate products with enduring value. with their talent for creating a comforting atmosphere, taurus might excel with a bed and breakfast, a spa, or a wellness center that offers relaxation services. taurus maximizes profits by focusing on products that prioritize quality and offer a luxurious experience, appealing to clients who value longevity and craftsmanship.

gemini in the 2nd house can boost profits by tapping into their adaptability and communication skills, especially in diverse, mentally stimulating fields. they could thrive by starting a digital marketing agency, offering copywriting or editing services, or launching an online course platform that covers a wide range of topics to cater to curious minds. with their natural social skills, gemini could also excel in creating a networking app or social media consulting service. offering services like translation, podcasting, or even freelance journalism can keep income flowing, as gemini is well-suited to manage multiple streams of revenue. their knack for curiosity-driven ventures and networking makes them ideal for businesses that involve idea-sharing, quick adaptability, and community engagement.

cancer in the 2nd house can increase earnings by focusing on nurturing and emotionally resonant businesses that bring comfort to others. they might start a home-cooked meal delivery service, a childcare center, or a family-focused event planning service that organizes intimate gatherings like birthdays and reunions. cancer could also do well in real estate, particularly with home staging or property management that emphasizes creating warm, inviting spaces. they could excel in interior decorating, especially with a focus on cozy, family-oriented spaces, or start a handcrafted candle or blanket line. by building businesses that revolve around care, comfort, and family, cancer can create loyal clients and establish long-term success through emotional connections.

leo in the 2nd house maximizes profits by showcasing their creativity and leadership, often excelling in businesses that allow them to stand out and build a brand. leo could find success with a personal brand consultancy, fashion line, or luxury event planning business. they might enjoy launching a social media channel focused on lifestyle or self-improvement, where they can attract sponsorships or sell branded merchandise. leo also thrives in roles where they can influence and inspire others, so they might consider starting a motivational speaking business, an acting or dance academy, or a high-end boutique. with their flair for self-expression, leo profits best when they create high-quality, visually captivating products and services that let their star power shine through.

virgo in the 2nd house finds financial success through practical, detail-oriented services that provide high value and efficiency. they excel in businesses that involve organization, health, and precision, such as financial consulting, tax preparation, or a personal organizing service. virgo might also thrive with a nutrition or wellness coaching business, offering tailored health plans or holistic products like herbal supplements or self-care kits. a digital bookkeeping service, copyediting business, or virtual assistant agency could also bring them steady profits, as virgo’s meticulous nature appeals to clients who seek reliability and structure. by focusing on services that emphasize quality and organization, virgo builds a reputation for excellence that attracts a steady client base.

libra in the 2nd house can increase earnings by leveraging their skills in diplomacy, aesthetics, and partnerships. they could start a wedding planning business, a floral design company, or a luxury lifestyle brand that sells carefully curated home décor items. libra would also excel in public relations consulting or brand management roles, where they can help clients present a refined, balanced image. creating a high-end art gallery, a boutique law firm, or a relationship coaching service could also align well with libra’s skills. libra thrives in partnership-focused ventures, so building collaborative business models or co-founding a business with others can also enhance their profitability and bring a sense of harmony to their financial life.

scorpio in the 2nd house maximizes profits by tapping into their ability to handle intensity and complexity, often succeeding in fields like finance, psychology, and research. scorpio could build wealth by creating a private investigation firm, a psychotherapy practice, or a financial planning service specializing in wealth management or estate planning. they might also thrive in real estate investment, particularly with properties that need transformation, such as flipping houses or managing rental properties. scorpio may also excel in businesses related to holistic healing, offering reiki or shadow work coaching. by focusing on industries that require trust, depth, and resilience, scorpio can attract clients who value privacy and are willing to invest in transformational services.

sagittarius in the 2nd house can increase profits by embracing their love for adventure, growth, and education. they could launch a travel agency specializing in unique cultural experiences, a language learning platform, or a motivational speaking business that offers courses and workshops. sagittarius could also thrive by creating a publishing company focused on philosophical or inspirational content or starting a tour guiding business for international destinations. their enthusiasm for knowledge makes them great at teaching, so they might consider offering online courses or starting a coaching business in a field they’re passionate about. by aligning with growth-oriented ventures, sagittarius can attract an audience that values inspiration and big-picture thinking.

capricorn in the 2nd house maximizes profits through disciplined, long-term planning and a practical approach to business. they’re well-suited for businesses like a corporate consulting firm, project management agency, or investment portfolio service. capricorn could also do well in real estate development, particularly with rental properties or commercial buildings. they might find success by starting a financial advisory firm or creating a luxury goods company focused on high-end, timeless products like leather goods or fine jewelry. by aligning with industries that reward patience and professionalism, capricorn can build a solid financial foundation and enjoy steady growth, often seeing long-term success through conservative but reliable investments.

aquarius in the 2nd house can increase profits by focusing on innovation, technology, and humanitarian ventures. they might launch a tech startup, a renewable energy company, or a social media platform that prioritizes community and ethical interaction. aquarius could also find success with a nonprofit organization focused on social justice, an eco-friendly product line, or a collaborative workspace for creatives and freelancers. their futuristic mindset makes them perfect for ventures in artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, or virtual reality. by aligning their finances with progressive and forward-thinking industries, aquarius can attract clients and customers who value innovation and social impact.

pisces in the 2nd house maximizes profits by leaning into their creativity, compassion, and spirituality. they may thrive in a music or art therapy practice, a spiritual coaching business, or a holistic wellness center that offers services like yoga, meditation, and crystal healing. pisces could also succeed by creating a boutique art studio, a dream journal line, or a subscription service for wellness products like essential oils, herbal teas, and calming rituals. they’re drawn to businesses that help others heal or connect with their inner selves, so they may also find success in fields like astrology, psychic readings, or intuitive counseling. by aligning with businesses that emphasize emotional well-being and creativity, pisces can build a profitable venture that resonates deeply with clients who seek personal and spiritual growth.

[astroismypassion]

✨PART OF FORTUNE IN SIGNS AND HOUSES SERIES: 9TH HOUSE✨

Credit: Tumblr blog @astroismypassion

ARIES PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 9TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Aries and Sagittarius Sun people in your life. You would do well as a personal trainer or fitness instructor since you have great energy and motivation that can inspire clients to achieve health and fitness goals. You feel abundant when you are inspired and inspiring others and when you can experience the childlike joy and share it with those around you.

TAURUS PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 9TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Taurus and Sagittarius Sun people in your life. You can earn money via teaching about practical skills, business, economics or the arts, via creating and selling educational content (online courses, e-books, instructional videos), by becoming a travel writer or blogger, starting or managing a tourism-related business (travel agency, boutique hotel or guided tour company), via international law.

GEMINI PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 9TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Gemini and Sagittarius Sun people in your life. You can earn money via developing or working with educational technology platforms that facilitate online learning, via work in international business/trade, via diplomacy, engaging in media production, creating content for TV, radio or online platforms.

CANCER PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 9TH HOUSE

You can feel the most abundant when you have Cancer and Sagittarius Sun people in your life. You can earn money via selling home-brewed beer or offering brewing classes, via media content (podcasts, videos) connected with family relationships, emotional health, cultural traditions, life coaching, via real estate related to family homes, community housing, vacation properties that provide a sense of home and comfort, via non-profit organizations that focus on family support, emotional well-being and cultural preservation.

LEO PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 9TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Leo and Sagittarius Sun people in your life. You can earn money via providing high-end services, such as image consulting or bespoke travel planning, via engaging in theatre, film, directing, producing, via creative arts (music, painting, dancing), via sharing your experiences by storytelling, via teaching, arts, philosophy or leadership.

VIRGO PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 9TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Virgo and Sagittarius Sun people in your life. You can earn money via nutrition counselling, naturopathy, wellness coaching, preventative care, via writing for technical and scientific publications, via developing or managing programs that facilitate cultural exchanges and study abroad opportunities. You feel abundant when you are focused on service and when you have clear communication.

LIBRA PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 9TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Libra and Sagittarius Sun people in your life. You can earn money via becoming a make-up artist, creating tutorials or selling beauty products. You feel abundant when you travel with your loved ones, your partner or as a part of the team. You find wealth via becoming a teacher in subjects like art, design, law or philosophy. You find abundance in starting a business in art (art gallery, design studio, fashion brand).

SCORPIO PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 9TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Scorpio and Sagittarius Sun people in your life. You can earn money via esoteric studies, sociology, spiritual transformation, via energy work, shamanic healing, transformational coaching. You feel abundant when you dive into transformation, healing and deep psychological insights. You can also offer consulting services in areas, like crisis management, organizational transformation or deep personal development. You feel abundant when you promote healing and transformation via self-help books, wellness products or spiritual tools.

SAGITTARIUS PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 9TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Sagittarius Sun people in your life. You can earn money via offering tailored travel plans, starting a business in adventure tourism (offering hiking, trekking and cultural tours), offering spiritual counselling or coaching, helping others find their path and purpose.

CAPRICORN PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 9TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Capricorn and Sagittarius Sun people in your life. You can earn money via import/export, global consultancy, multinational corporations, via offering historical tours, archaeological digs, via eco-tourism, via international law or corporate law. You feel abundant when you are disciplined, patient and persistent.

AQUARIUS PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 9TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Aquarius and Sagittarius Sun people in your life. You can earn money via writing or speaking about progressive philosophical or spiritual ideas that align with modern, futuristic or humanitarian values, via online courses, workshops or alternative education methods, via technology, social sciences or futuristic studies.

PISCES PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 9TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Pisces and Sagittarius Sun people in your life. You can earn money via producing media content (podcast, video, documentary) on spiritual, artistic, cultural topic, via creating educational programs/workshops that blend traditional learning with holistic or spiritual perspective, via spiritual coaching, astrology or psychic readings.

Credit: Tumblr blog @astroismypassion

[lol-jackles]

I hope you enjoyed chasing those windmills 😁

I have read that Jared and Jensen are repped by different agencies, Jared is with UTA and Jensen is with Gersh.

How do these agencies rank in Hollywood and what criteria does an actor usually use to choose which agency to work with?

Also, Jared appears to have one rep. (Jason Heyman) and Jensen has three (Alexander Yarosh, Bob Gersh, and Leslie Seibert). Does it mean anything that Jensen has more reps?

I know nothing about how these agencies work (obviously) but am interested to know what the difference is.

I found this information on IMDb Pro, I can’t figure out how to link it I’m sorry.

Those windmills turn out to be faster than they look. Who knew.

The "Big Three of Hollywood��� talent agencies are :

Creative Artists Agency (CAA). The biggest and most influential agency in town known for their A-listers and sports clients. Recently bought ICM, an agency mostly known for representing high-tier showrunners/writers like Shona Rhimes, so they're known for (sometimes infamous) packaging bundle. Many agents have left CAA to go to UTA.

William Morris Endeavor (WME). A merge between two agencies in 2009 created another powerhouse agency and upped their game in events management.

United Talent Agency (UTA). Probably the most adaptable agency that includes news broadcasters and comedy clients. UTA likes to boast they represent the "most watched and celebrated actors in film and television".

The 4th position (X) is a battlefield of competing mid-size agencies looking to possible merge: Gersh Agency, A3 Artists Agency, Paradigm Talent Agency, Agency for Performing Arts (APA), and Verge Agency. Then there are the boutique agencies.

Actors choose the agencies based on the work they want to do i.e. commercials, modeling, or television/movies. Some boutique agencies specialize in children actors so there are age ranges to consider. Talents send in submissions of headshots, resume, and cover letters. As an actor grow, they move to bigger agencies, usually with submissions. In-demand actors generally don't send submissions to the Big Three Agencies, the agencies go to them.

Jared was originally represented by CAA and Jensen was originally represented by WME.

Jared's agent, Jason Heyman, was poached by UTA during a "midnight raid" in 2015 through 2019 and Jared decided to go iwth him to UTA while Melissa McCarthy stayed behind with CAA.  Heyman went from a high post at CAA to a partnership at UTA, so for him it’s a promotion.   

Jensen either left or was dropped by WME and he signed onto Gersh in 2014, who also represents Danneel. This was probably the best move for him because at WME he was always given to newbie agents (basically interns) to handle his career.

Actors can be repped by more than one agent or agencies in order to handle their brand in different markets as well as minimizing conflict of interests.  I’ve known actors who had 3 agents: one for voice work, another for commercial work, and a third for tv/film - maybe that's why Jensen has 3 representatives in one agency?   Then there are actors with just 1 agent for the same things but in different markets, maybe that's why Jared has 1 agent that we know of.

[redundant2]

Tidying up the tea bags

This is pretty enjoyable. From SMM at Reddit. Allegedly.

"This is all ALLEGEDLY. I have a friend who cleans house for very well-known, established, female actress/producer/director in “Hollywood”. (Not exactly Hollywood, butI don’t want to name the exact area. My friend has worked for “Actress” for years, and they have developed a rapport, as “actress” is a generally nice person who happened to hit it big, and has not forgotten her roots. She’s one of the good ones.

ALLEGEDLY: “Actress” has met TOW, and said TOW fawned over her like a serious fan girl. She literally followed her around an event trying to get a photo with “Actress”. Finally, “Actress” had to pretend to receive a very important call, so she could get away. TOW is literally a joke in the real A-list set. “Actress” says she is constantly made fun of, and has her assistant of the week call local boutiques begging for samples! Some actually say yes. Also, this is why TOW sometimes looks like she’s wearing a paper bag, or pants that are 3” too long. She gets the sample, and will wear it regardless of how it fits. Oh, and get this! She’s trying to create her own “style” with the super long pants. “Actress” allegedly told my friend that TOW is trying to start a new FASH-SHON trend with the long, dragging, pant legs! “Actress” and friends know this is BS, and that she simply hasn’t had the pants hemmed!

Oh, and all those fake “body shaming” Hollywood types? They call her The Box. No shape, no waist, no curves. Just a box. Nobody wants to dress her, nobody wants to be associated, and she pays full price for her “designer” accessories… which, according to “Actress” could be knock offs or fetched by her assistant from resale shops.

Also, “Actress” has been told through the grapevine that TOW and her poodle may have a former employee ready to spill the beans on the fights, the kids, the horrible treatment of staff and the all-around horrible working conditions inside the Sussex Mental Asylum. Oh, and TOW and poodle don’t sleep in the same bed. They rarely reside at their Montecito house… if they do at all. It may have silently been sold. Not 100% sure on that part. TOW is poison, she’s ruined any chance of ever being anything but Z list, and her agency is fed up.

“Actress” knows a lot of people, and has no reason to lie to my friend. “Actress” and friends have their daily laugh at the fake Princess and her poodle. The only people who will agree to work with them are no-name brands, z-list actors and failed show-biz types. The joke is that soon people will start seeing them hawking used cars in late night local TV! Oprah is also a joke. She’s only invited to things because people want her money, NOT her. She’s repugnant, classist and rude. She has forgotten where she came from. Nobody likes Oprah. Nobody. They only like her money. ALLEGEDY. Again… this is just chatter from the grapevine."

[pocketvenuslux]

I'm doing another lingerie history throwback post, this time about the short lived diffusion line, L'Agent by Agent Provocateur.

L'Agent launched in 2013, when diffusion lines for luxury labels had become the norm in the fashion industry. These younger sibling brands offered goods at more accessible - though still expensive! -price points that allowed luxury brands to court aspirational shoppers without damaging the perception of exclusivity for their main lines. L'Agent followed this same strategy, with prices that were roughly 50% cheaper than AP.

Although many diffusion lines were eventually phased out, I think there were other reasons for L'Agent's doomed history, including the fact that it was such a latecomer to the diffusion game. Most popular diffusion lines at the time had launched more than a decade earlier and at this point, were considering shuttering operations. D&G closed in 2011, Marc by Marc Jacobs in 2015, Burberry Brit in 2016. While diffusion lines allowed luxury brands to build a larger, younger customer base, they also demanded more administrative and marketing resources and for many brands, they failed to differentiate themselves enough from main lines, dragging down that perceived luxury prestige.

Which brings me to my next point. A number of L'Agent's designs were clearly reworked versions of AP's designs. Obviously they were not exactly the same and the materials were different - but the latter is not something you can really appreciate when you're shopping online. Although AP digitally isolated L'Agent into an entirely different website, which it did not do with Soirée*, I feel its own designs were so distinctive, that didn't matter. At certain angles, I can't even tell the difference between L'Agent's Danita and AP's classic, Nikita.

While L'Agent was meant to be more youthful than AP, its early collections, especially the sets that did not crib from beloved AP designs, lacked a strong, cohesive voice. Despite this, L'Agent expanded rapidly, opening its own stores with what must have been a considerable outlay of capital. Here's an image of L'Agent's fourth store, which opened in Montreal in 2015.

Honestly, this Victoria's Secret-esque retail environment, nothing like the lush, boudoir-vibes of AP boutiques and their shop girls in their pink Westwood uniforms, strikes me as less fun and cheeky and more cheap and tacky - which is a shame because their lingerie was much better than what you could pick up at a VS.

While I didn't feel compelled to purchase a L'Agent set, I did pick up a pair of Idalia knickers for prosperity's sake. You can see the top photo of this post for the whole set. The panty has a number of costlier details such as picot edging, hidden seams, i.e. no gusset "pocket", and a two-toned lace. The stitches on the narrow elastics are actually three-point zigzags so they're tiny. However, the materials are a huge step down from AP. The lace feels stiffer and rougher and while the picot is cute, it irritates my skin a little.

You can still see many examples of other L'Agent sets online. I'll link to a few examples below.

Screenshots of the original website provided by its design agency

2013

SS 2014

AW 2014

AW 2015

SS 2016

AW 2016

SS 2017

In contrast to L'Agent, diffusion lines that were more successful were those that meaningfully created a "conversation" with the main line while having its own distinct voice. For example, I could always recognize a McQ piece, even if it was more editorial. They often repurposed elements you'd see on the Alexander McQueen runway into more streamlined, streetwear inspired pieces such that you'd never mistake a McQ piece for an Alexander McQueen RTW piece. McQ persisted through the 2010s and it was only in 2022 that the line was "suspended."

In addition to struggling to find its own voice, financial troubles at AP, which would eventually lead to the company's bankruptcy, proved to be the final nail in L'Agent's coffin. By late 2016, AP announced that it would be downsizing both stores and staff at its headquarters by a brutal 30% and L'Agent was definitely in the cross-hairs. L'Agent bit the dust the following year - it held a final sale for the 2017 post-holiday season and by February 2018, it was all over.

Despite this, I feel like L'Agent lives on. Current AP lines like Fia, Laily, Whinette and Yara all have a L'Agent vibe to me. Which is to say, the luxurious details I associated with older AP sets have increased in price at AP while L'Agent-ish sets that have simpler designs and cheaper materials have created a lower tier to AP's lingerie without actually being cheaper than the cheapest AP sets back in the day. In this way, the inflation of AP's prices are better hidden from the consumer. Can you tell from the photos below which model is wearing L'Agent and which is wearing AP's Fia?

In 2021, AP tried its hand again at the diffusion game with its "All Hours" line. This one was much shorter lived and you can read an analysis about its failure on The Lingerie Addict. Only the Lucky line survives in an "Anytime" collection.

Interestingly enough, in 2024, we are starting to see the return of the diffusion line. Society has not emerged from the pandemic unscathed and the cost of living crisis as well as punitive measures against workers have crushed the spending power of aspirational shoppers. Meanwhile, capitalists have only gotten richer. As a result, prices in the luxury sector have rocketed skyward as brands zero in on their rosters of VICs (Very Important Clients) with specialized services and double down on exclusivity. But it seems like younger brands like Aries, that may lack the rolodex and capital of more established houses, are once again, returning to the diffusion line while older lines like Comme des Garcons' Play appear to be selling well.

Personally, I'm not sure if we'll ever see a diffusion line from AP again. Because AP's brand is already youthful, playful and cheeky and no one wants expensive basics from a brand like AP, there is nowhere for an AP diffusion line to go. But the fallout of the decimation of the middle class is still playing out. And we will see if AP has what it takes to respond to this tread of increasing income inequality and financial precarity.

* While brands were launching diffusion lines, some also launched higher-tier "demi-couture" lines like Burberry Prorsum that featured more expensive and experimental materials and fashion forward, editorial designs - AP pursued this tactic as well with its Soirée line which launched earlier than L'Agent in 2009.

[zodiacdisplays05]

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[literaticat]

Hi Jenn, this feels a bit shameful to ask, but what do you say to writers feeling FOMO about holding out for a top tier agency? I have a meeting with a solid rep boutique agency and good sales but not as flashy as others. I’m definitely being shallow here! I actually think I would fit better at a smaller agency, but I keep having that nagging “what if”. Maybe I’m getting caught up in the brand? Do you have any thoughts on this? Thanks!

Two things to bear in mind:

First, the reason why some agencies seem "flashy" or "top tier" is really about size more than anything else, IMO. Like, Andrea Brown is consistently ranked #1 in sales in Publishers Marketplace for children's books. OK. But... of course we are. We have more children's book agents under one roof than any other agency. There are plenty of other agencies who do just as well as we do, or maybe better, they just aren't as big.

(Like, let's say for a random example that each agent at Andrea Brown sold 50 children's books last year. There are 15 of us. That's 750! That's a lotta books! Boutique Agency with three agents sold 50 books each, but that's only 150. Obviously it looks like that agency sold dramatically less, but actually, each agent sold the exact same amount.)

The second part is, that it's really about THE AGENT.

Whether you are at a "big fancy agency" or a small boutique agency or anything in between, you are probably pretty unlikely to ever work or interact with anyone at the agency besides your own agent (and maybe their assistant or something). So the most important part is that THAT AGENT loves your work, you feel like you can communicate with them well, they "get you" -- and the agent who "gets you" the most might be at a big agency or a small agency. Either way, your personal day-to-day experience would probably not be wildly different.

So obviously, only query agents and agencies you think are good and reputable and you'd be proud to tell people you are repped by and all that jazz -- but ultimately, the size or "label" of the agency is not that important.

Think about it this way -- you could buy a fancy designer handbag at a big fancy shop. You could buy a unique vintage handbag in some small boutique in Paris. Both will look chic. Both are made of fine materials. Both will hold your stuff. Neither is "better than" the other, at the end of the day, and though some folks will always love to flash a label, the case could easily be made that the vintage one is MUCH better than the flashy one. (Money shouts - wealth whispers.)

But either way: What counts is that you get your stuff from point A to point B in a pleasant manner -- a true style maven could pull either off with élan.

[webdeveloper4all]

Create a Strategic and Aesthetic Website for the lifestyle brand

Expert in:

Book Design

Brand Style Guides

Business Cards & Stationery

Design Advice

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About me:

Hi, I am Evelina, • I work with passionate entrepreneurs who strive to build meaningful businesses and provide exceptional, premium experiences for their customers. I help them to create a brand image that evokes trust and truly reflects the high value of what they do. •• My design style tends to be clean and minimalistic yet elevated by intentionally crafted detail. ••• Originally from Poland, my design sense and branding knowledge were shaped in London where I first worked full-time with boutique branding agencies and contracted as an independent designer for established global brands.

[societalsg]

Great to see our work at the Singapore Motorshow. The Infinicube. A full 360 experience of the new Toyota Supra.

Visit Us https://www.societal.com.sg/ to explore our services and diverse portfolio. Together, let's a Unique and Memorable Brand with Societal.

[jemeryas]

Having the opportunity to explore this year’s Met Costume Exhibit ‘Women Dressing Women’ gave me the chance to learn just how big of a role that women had in helping shape the fashion industry into what it is today. Presented in what I would call a four act play, act I titled ‘Anonymity’ begins with the entrance of women in the fashion world. Dressmaking was first seen as an extension of domestic work in the 16th century done by women, but as the growing vocation made its way to the United States women would begin embroidering their work as to have it be rightfully credited to them, but also helping fashion historians keep track of who designed what.

Act II is what I could only cheekily refer to as “old maiden clothes.” Or the birthplace of female autonomy in creating pieces such as lingerie and evening gowns. As I was walking through this part of the exhibit I couldn’t help but chuckle at the idea of some of these pieces being considered lingerie. For example, when staring at Marie Gerber’s ‘Evening Ensemble’ I kept thinking how conservative it is when I compare it to big lingerie brands such as Victoria’s Secret and Savage Fenty. Having grown up on those brands it’s not that strange to see why I would think Gerber was being a bit too modest with her design. Another of my favorite look from this act included Jeanne Lanvin’s ‘Cyclone’ evening gown who would create her own boutique with no financial backing.

Act III titled ‘Agency’ and could be compared to the third wave of feminism, saw a more revealing woman break into the scene. With the rise of the British Punk scene and popular rock bands like The Rolling Stones, Sex Pistols and Black Sabbath, it inspired British designers like Betsey Johnson and Vivienne Westwood to help create a new, edgy look that could match this subversive culture. Fashion was no longer just for the elite, it became an important symbol in cultural revolution and rebellion. Something that women designers could understand and relate to as they continued to push into the mainstream and make their collections not just works of art but a loud disruption to a corrupt and stiff society. Some of my favorite looks from this act include Betsey Johnson’s ‘Paraphernalia’ that I consider paying homage to the rise of hippie culture and the Beatles smash hit ‘Yellow Submarine.’ It was made most famous by model Baby Jane Holzer. Vivienne Westwood’s ‘On Liberty’ recognizes the British High Class and fun fact Vivienne Westwood’s second husband Malcolm McLaren was the manager of the Sex Pistols and Vivienne would often times design their wardrobes growing popularity for both her and the band. I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention the work of Ann Lowe, an African American designer who would go on to make, and then remake the day before due to a flood in her basement, Jackie Kennedy’s wedding dress which she would receive no credit for.

Act IV titled ‘Absence/Omission’ would introduce the “modern woman” created to feature and examine the inclusion of women with different body types as well as showcasing designs made for women who live with disabilities such as Aaron Philips who would have a mannequin modeled after her wearing peices designed by Collina Strada. Aaron Philips is most notable for her debut in the Moschino Fall ‘22 show. This act will also feature pieces from Danish designer Jasmin Søe who creates ensembles for those who live with achondroplasia(little person syndrome) as well as Ester Manas who is known for championing plus size women with her creations.

Though my favorite pieces would in this exhibit would come from Marie Grazia Chiuri ensemble for Dior. Marie captures everything I love about Dior, the combining of high luxury activities with haute couture to match in this fencing inspired ensemble. Tory Burch’s 2024 resort white dress is simplistic in nature but reminds me of something out of the classical Swan Lake ballet show(or if you’re a bit edgy the 2010 cult film ‘Black Swan’). Along with Simone Rocha’s couture dress that I can absolutely give no notes on, these would be my favorite pieces that I found myself coming back to often. Donna Karen’s ‘93 evening dress is honorably mentioned too due to Hillary Clinton wearing it (very distastefully in my opinion) at the 1993 State Dinner. However the gown itself was beautiful and reminded me of a longer version of Maddie Perez’s New Years dress in season 2 of ‘Euphoria.’

Overall these collection was both inspiring to see. I have only had the opportunity to visit the Met costume exhibit twice. The previous time focusing on works of Karl Lagerfeld. This exhibit however taught me more about women’s role in fashion and their struggle to breakthrough than any fashion course I could potentially take. The importance of preserving this history is obvious. Without the knowledge of Ann Lowe, Jackie Kennedy’s famous wedding dress would have continued to go uncredited and a Black woman would have been forgotten to history. These are the types of exhibits that matter. In preserving and showcasing our history, we are able to teach and inspire a new generation of fashion critics, designers and models to see what is possible in this amazing industry and if you find yourself in New York I would highly recommend making time to check out the exhibit.

[innanetthug]

*inspired by bro @bysisandamgedezi who had me reflecting on what has gone on in my own life & how far i’ve come.

for the lesser part of the last 4-years I’ve spent time recovering from something brutally destructive & soul crushing that I’ll never completely be whole from. there is no justice that will ever "restore" what I lost. I can never be made whole, by therapy or anyone for that matter. shit, a nigga just had to pick up the pieces and rebuild.

It’s been an emotional rollercoaster, juggling the ebbs & flows of it all.

I think approaching 30 the outlook leans towards no points to prove to anyone anymore. being misunderstood, underestimated etc it's shit you gotta charge to the game, more important to be present & thankful in the things you're able to do while working to be & do more.

the next few goals I’d like to knock down:

* get Run & Gun Studios (my consultancy agency) into the crossroads of art, sport, technology and culture - as a leading voice to strategically consult in.

* get to push the PSL as a top 10 league globally by way of production quality & broadcasting which snowballs into work with Serie A/La Liga/Ligue 1 regaining a greater share of the competitive market held in a vice grip by Premier League.

* exercise my writing skills in scriptwriting an hour a day with the goal of having espionage/thriller/political dramas in SA tv being picked up.

* stack my bread, travel Africa (Ghana/Nigeria/Kenya/Congo/Morocco) as my first destinations to then go to Europe & Asia.

* work on my “Branded Anarchy” photo series documenting street style/night life/black businesses of all the black and brown talent that exists in the city to then exhibit my work at 16 on Lerotholi for years and years to come.

* learn to build things with my hands, furniture specially.

* do dope and fly shit with the people whom I think exists in that realm.

* further build my career in digital with the goal of being an insights/cultural analyst for my favourite boutique e-comm hubs.

* build a budding car collection of my favourite 70s & 80s models starting with the ‘87 E30 & ‘87 911 Cabriolet.

*see the sporting & creative talents of my son shine abundantly with me his dad through the continued blessing of Allah to be his springboard to greatness.

*try not to give him a baby sister until he’s at least 10 (after that it’s triple vasectomy gang)

in the illustrious words of YZY *Jay’s favourite line: dawg, in due time*

[pardonmydelays]

"i just don't want to feel so stressed every time i go there & so far i really feel like i want to throw up when i wake up in the morning & i barely even sleep at night. it sucks. i'm just really tired & i want to cry."

That was literally me when I was working at a startup makeup + skincare company. Great company, great brands, and great team (there was only one person I'm convinced genuinely hated me and was clearly super fake to my face but all of that is a story in itself); however, I realized quickly that that industry was not for me, so that's why I went back to the boutique. I, too, was not born for customer service jobs--apparently, lol. I'm an extrovert and I love talking to people as well as helping them (as odd and hypocritical as that sounds to say), and I also love collaborative projects and teamwork, but I now know that I would enjoy all of those "features" in a creative setting for a fashion public relations agency or even for a retail clothing group (ex: URBN is a global consumer brand that includes Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie). Not retail clothing. I'd love to be a creative (or art) director even, and I'm sure I have the potential, but you need an extensive portfolio and at least 5 years of experience for that kind of job title. So that's why I'm just trying to land a(n entry level) job as an event designer in the fashion industry for a PR agency. That job is my #1 choice at least. I'm also interested in anything involving photography, so anything like an on-set photoshoot stylist or coordinator would be great too. I was actually going to suggest a book store, omg! I totally understand why you left, though. I just want to love what I do for a living and wake up looking forward to going to work, not dreading it. I'm done with retail. 🙃

I hope you have a great rest of your day!!

~🌼

yeah, this is the worst, cause i'm sure it's a great job & some people atually love working there, but not everything is made for you, right? & sometimes money is also not everything, you have to think about your mental health too (the reason i left my last job).

on the other hand, makeup + skin care company sounds like something i could try 🤭 well, cause that's the point, right? to try as many things as you can before you make your final decision, or something like that.

i don't know, i guess i just have to keep looking, i don't wanna be miserable again, i really need to find something i like or at least tolerate.

also, i'm a totally different kind of person - i'm a huuuge introvert, i can be loud on the internet but in reality i'm not like that, but i do love talking to people - but it has to be something i'm truly interested in (just like that bookstore i mentioned before, i met a lot of amazing people there & i could talk to my customers for hours cause we liked the same things & they were actually listening to my recommendations & all... that was quite awesome).

thank you so much, it's actually the next day now & i didn't even go there today cause i woke up sick (i have fever & i'm currently dying in my bed). i hope your day is better at least!