EVAN

An advert released by relatives of those passed away in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting uses story and misdirection to make an all too real point: You can stop gun violence, if you know what to look for. 

Evan engrosses viewers over a love story with a chilling twist. Since releasing on YouTube, it's gained 2.5million views and countless floored reactions. 

Using selective framing and focus, the advert shows the subtle signals that potential shooters often reveal and casts viewers as those close to them who can easily miss such red flags. A sentimental fold song sets the tone for a budding romance that unfolds with expert pacing. Then it all comes to a shattering halt. 

The advert, made by BBDO New York, comes from the Sandy Hook Promise, a non partisan non profit launched by families who lost loved ones at the attack in Newtown, Connecticut four years ago. The advert promotes 'Know The Signs,' a campaign raising awareness about the warning signs that can precede gun violence. 

I watched the advert possibly 10 times over and over again, I told my family and friends to watch it and post it on their social media because this advert is so powerful. The gun violence in America has become ridiculous and you can only hope for it to stop!

I have linked all social media relating to this advert for anybody wanting more information. 

Sandy Hook Promise website - http://www.sandyhookpromise.org/

BBDO New York - https://bbdo.com/

What are you thoughts on gun violence in America? Does it affect you? Do you know anybody who has been affected by the massacre? Comment below.

Brandi Kristine

Video Credit: YouTube

New Brand Alert: HA Designs

Since I've freshly purchased the new iPhone 7 Plus, I have been super obsessed with phone cases! I hate my phone without a case and I just feel completely naked without one (weird? I know). I haven't been in a great mood - I just keep thinking to myself.. I could be in New York right now?!

When checking my mail on a whim I was instantly put in a good mood when I realised my custom iPhone case had arrived from the lovely people at HA Designs.

At first, I wasn't too fond of the initial trend but I quite frankly couldn't be any happier! I chose the Personalised Natural Marble Phone Case (which I'll link below), they're are affordable and I adore the packaging! 

The quality of the print is second to none especially for the price, as well as the case itself being very durable - I can tell I'll be using this baby for a very long time.

I couldn't recommend HA Designs' products enough - not only do they offer cases for a variety of different phones, but laptop cases, homeware and the list goes on!

Check them out - their website is https://hadesignsltd.com/

Brandi Kristine

Photo Credit: Myself, HA Designs

Diesel: About You Campaign

A new campaign from Diesel and the German brand About You have collaborated together to give us visuals for Diesel F/W16. Despite efforts by many individuals and companies within the fashion industry to become more diverse and inclusive, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done in order for transgender models to have the mainstream visibility they deserve. 

Transgender visibility is what popular Italian retailer Diesel is hoping to achieve with their latest collaboration "About You," starring trans models Loiza Lamers and Benjamin Melzer. 

Loiza, who was the first transgender winner of Holland's Next Top Model, and Benjamin, who was the first European transgender man to be featured on the cover of Men's Health Magazine, have run into some difficulties before breaking out into the modelling world, but they're not going to let that stop them from realising their potential and reaching for their dreams!

Loiza Lamers posing for the new Diesel F/W16 campaign

Loiza Lamars and Benjamin Melzer

Bejamin Melzer for Diesel F/W16

Both models working hard for the new campaign

The modelling world has been challenging gender roles for a while with androgynous clothes and has been gaining more visibility for transgender people over the past few years. There's now a modelling agency and show dedicated to transgender models. 

 http://www.refinery29.uk/2016/09/123943/strut-new-reality-tv-show-transgender-models

Hopefully, these changes in the fashion world will also help transform people's attitudes in everyday life. It so brave and motivational seeing transgender people reach for what they want without caring about what others say or think! 

I love this campaign, I love the story behind it and what it will bring for the future! 

I'll link the Diesel F/W16 campaign below for those who haven't seen it yet:

https://vimeo.com/188991606

Enjoy!

Brandi Kristine

Photo Credit: Loiza Lamer and Ben Melzer Instagram