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Naya Traveler Colombia Trip

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Naya Traveler is known for their one-of-a-kind travel experiences that cultivate rich experiences with beloved family and friends. Each trip is created to optimize travel time, and to ensure that guests have an unforgettable time at their fabulous destination.

Naya Traveler recently announced their latest Colombia trip that takes off this March.

Rich in biodiversity and full of the world’s most beautiful landmarks, Colombia is a travel destination like no other. Embodied by breathtaking ocean views to hills of green accompanied by Colombia-grown coffee to the snow-encompassed Andean summits, Colombia has everything that you could want out of a vacation and more.

The trip curated by Naya Traveler guarantees guests learn extensive background regarding Colombia’s roots from local experts. Unique and rare experiences are created and always aim to honor the heritage, tradition and culture of each space.

Luxurious levels of relaxation and assistance are certified through your trip with spectacular itineraries sure to cover all the landmarks Colombia has to offer. Whether you’re exploring through the mountains in the Sierra del Cocuy or setting out towards the Pacific Coast to enjoy some whale watching, each Naya Traveler trip will have you stunned.

Starting at $1,000USD per guest per day, rates consist of accommodations, domestic airfare, transportation, host and expert guides, daily activities and excursions, limited meals and services with an on-call team that safeguards your trip 24/7. International airfare not included in pricing. For more information visit HERE.

To celebrate this years upcoming International Women’s Day, Naya Traveler had the chance to chat with Blanca Londono. Blanca runs Colombia’s Finca Silletera – a female-owned business that puts tradition, culture and female empowerment at the forefront of their principles.

Born and raised in Santa Elena, Blanca works with her family on making silletas for decades. The business is something so sacred to her family, something passed down throughout their family history.

Q: Blanca, what are the traditional types of silletas?

A: The silletas can be presented in different types: the monumental, where the arrangement is made flower by flower, emblematic (flat), artistic (in three dimensions) and traditional. They are built using dozens of types of flowers.

Q: How many women in the family are dedicated to this?

A: Six sisters and three daughters. My three daughters and I plant and pick the flowers, we sell them and parade.

Q: What is it about Santa Elena that makes it such a special ideal area for flower-growing?

A: Santa Elena has very good, generous land. We are located 8,500 ft above sea level: we could plant anything in this soil. We don’t use greenhouses, everything is open air land, and we only use organic fertilizers.

Q: What are your childhood memories, growing up in the silleteros tradition?

A: I treasure the most beautiful memories being absolute winners in all 4 versions of silletas. The greatest pride is to be recognized among many artisans. It means that our teamwork is shared and celebrated as an entire family.

Q: How do people live their daily lives in Santa Elena?

A: Here people are wonderful, chatty, we love gathering among neighbors, cousins, siblings… people are so very kind.

Q: Blanca, how would you define Colombians and being Colombian?

A: Colombians are hardworking, honest, straight-forward. We value peace, tranquility and have much respect for visitors, wanting them to have a great experience when traveling around our Country. To me, being Colombian is the greatest thing in life. And living in Santa Elena is something I take immense pride in.

Naya Traveler Colombia press images courtesy of Naya Traveler for use by 360 MAGAZINE

Groundbreaking Sky-High Ocean Catwalk

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This week fashion blended with sustainability on a fully reimagined scale with Jessica Minh Anh’s groundbreaking J Spring Fashion Show 2022. The show was set amongst the Italian Rivera and took place atop the Costa Toscano, the latest LNG-powered cruise ship.

Breathtaking views paired with the most luxurious haute couture, ready-to-wear, accessory and swimwear collections swarmed the deck of the Costa Toscano. An environment in which fashion blends seamlessly with sustainability was the scene of the J Spring Fashion Show 2022.

Taking place atop deck 18 of the Costa Toscano, the fashion extravaganza was set amongst stunning views of the Italian Rivera. The ship aims to set sail on its first cruise after the final show on March 5.

The show kicked off with supermodel Jessica Minh Anh sporting a classic high-fashion red fishtail dress. The piece of art was produced by the Malaysian brand Emmanuel Haute Couture, accompanied with Jessica Minh Anh’s pioneering seashell-inspired hairdo.

The show continued with a remarkable array of embellished gowns with accentuated waistlines. Showcased in the colors of white and pink, each dress imitated the essence of the ocean.

Decorated with impeccable adornments with not one piece looking alike, Emmanuel Haute Couture maintained to raise the standard of pure excellence. The J Spring Fashion Show 2022 marks the third moment of the two fashion entities working together.

Then after Ngali showcased their ready-to-wear “Nginha” collection. The Australian brand took reference from serene, open areas to create a series compiled with flowing, moving pieces. Australian indigenous artist Lindsay Malay’s designs were printed onto silk adding for an added textured feel throughout the series.

US designer Elizabeth Southwood’s Sauvage brand showed off their latest collection full of daring yet constructive swimwear. The collection was motivated by the “year of the tiger,” sporting an assortment of unique prints, Swarovski crystals and innovative features.

The elaborate, couture collection “ORO” was dominated by gold accents and meticulously constructed pieces. Pakistani innovator Syeda Amera’s pieces emulated feminine styles embraced with hand-woven embroideries. “ORO” provided a unique interpretation and level of elevation needed within the space of couture.

Consisting of pieces that looked as if they were walking amongst the clouds is the South American designer La Paix from Paraguay. The couture, high-end aura from the collection took inspiration from all the pristine parts of life including nature, architecture, culture, art and life. Each piece had a dramatic yet contemporary flare.

GLAUDI from the California designer Johana Hernandez commemorated life after the pandemic with their collection. Standouts were comprised of eye-catching details, satin shimmering dresses and elegant gowns that filled the collection.

Jessica Minh Anh closed the GLAUDI show as a picture-perfect modern fairy-tale princess. The elaborate yet chic hand-beaded haute couture gown showcased intricate beading of crystals that caught every inch of sunlight shone upon them. Highlighting Jessica Minh Anh’s petite waistline with an A-line silhouette, the finale piece was truly mesmerizing.

Having worked with Jessica Minh Anh on other elaborate projects at distinctive venues, African designer Kine Dion had the perfect recipe to showcase everything we admire about modern femininity. Placing emphasis on individuality and diversity, the collection was encompassed by garments full of distinct weaving and embroidery tactics.

The finale showing of the J Spring Fashion Show 2022 was held by Vietnamese celebrity designer Hoang Hai. The “East meets West’ inspiration point created a unique haute couture collection full of White, blue, gold and red idiosyncratic pieces.

Jessica Minh Anh closed out the show in an impeccably designed silver dress full of Swarovski crystals. The final piece of art referenced the profile of a swan as Jessica Minh Anh glided down the catwalk. The gown itself took over a thousand hours to make and revealed a high cut slit with a deep trail. Jessica Minh Anh headed the array of models through the ocean catwalk pictured amongst the deep oceans.

Another previous partner with Jessica Minh Anh, the Parisian hair accessory brand Alexandre de Paris created pieces the array of collections. They contributed flowered hairbands, butterfly/dragonfly hairpins and jeweled headbands, bringing an esteemed sense of charm.

Acting as Jessica Minh Anh’s fourth cooperation piece with the Italian cruise brand, Costa Crociere, she spoke to her decision of the Costa Toscana for the superior ocean fashion show. Jessica Minh Anh stated, “This particular moment in history provides an opportunity for a sustainable “restart” of our society. Costa Toscana aligns perfectly with my mission of highlighting sustainability in a visually attractive way. It was an honour to celebrate the resurgence of business and style on the world’s newest LNG-powered cruise ship.”

Mario Zanettic, President of Costa Cruises, spoke to the influence of the show, stating, “It was a great pleasure to have Jessica Minh Anh on board transforming our new LNG flagship into a phenomenal catwalk. She is a pioneer in marrying fashion with sustainability, just like Costa in offering the most advanced sustainable ships. It was a perfect event to celebrate such an innovative ship like Costa Toscana, which in a few days will leave for her first cruise, starting the full resumption of the Costa fleet in the next summer.”

This next-level fashion show amongst the sea holds the place for Jessica Minh Anh’s 26th imaginative venture since her initial catwalk atop England’s London’s Tower Bridge. Holding shows in some landmark destinations, she has plans to only continue to elevate the space of fashion x sustainability, and they’ll take us out of this world, quite literally. For more information, on Jessica Minh Anh and her inventive shows, visit the JMA Website

J Spring Fashion Show 2022 press photos via JMA Global Media for use by 360 MAGAZINE

Additional information on Jessica Minh Anh:

Born: 19 June 1988 in Hanoi, Vietnam

Height: 175cm (5’9)

Guy Fieri Exclusive Preview

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The beloved Guy Fieri teamed up with Chef Lorena Garcia to cultivate a rich night full of top-quality food and company at the exclusive preview of Santo Blanco 110 and Knuckle Sandwich Cigars at CHICA Miami.

The event was held in celebration for Fieri’s brand-new edition to his line of tequilas known as Santo Spirits. The announcement of the upcoming Spring Launch of Santo Blanco 110 joins as the newest expression to the slick, daring line.

The night kicked off with rounds of classic and signature versions of Latin American dishes. Guests were served with Fieri’s signature cocktails that sported tequila Santo Spirits, consisting of drinks like the Santo Smoky Paloma, the Coconut Margarita and even the Classic Caliente Margarita.

Ending the night off strong, Fieri declared his additional new project Knuckle Sandwich Cigars in partnership with Fieri’s dear friend Erik Espinosa. Guests were given new samples of the cigars to enjoy.

Guy Fieri Santo Blanco 110 x Knuckle Sandwich Cigars event images via Alejandro Chavarria & Leah Johnhell for use by 360 MAGAZINE

South Beach Festival

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The 21st annual Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival was held Thursday, February 24, as produced by Capital One (SOBEWFF®). Hosted at the Continuum’s The Patio restaurant, guests indulged the highest quality cuisine with breathtaking oceanfront views.

The event saw the likes of The Food Network’s ‘Chopped’ judges Amanda Freitag and Marc Murphy. Collaborating with The Patio’s Executive Chef Claudio Lobina, the chefs worked together to contribute to the official Intimate Dinner Series. Guests were treated to a prestigious four-course dinner menu sporting international delights made by some of the most renowned chefs in the business.

While in attendance, the festival sported live music from the Frost School of Music during the pre-dinner reception before the extravagant dinner began. ‘Chopped’ co-stars Amanda Freitag and Marc Murphy greeted guests with a speech and detailing on their menu for the night. Valentina Abbona from Marchesi di Barolo winery, too, explained the rich history of wines that were served on the night of the festival. The Patio’s Chef Claudio Lobina topped off the night by serving the final course.

Managing Director of the Continuum Rishi Idnani spoke about the esteemed event, stating, “Our third year of participation during this year’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival proved to be an extraordinary evening of culinary brilliance for guests at The Patio. This sensational collaboration between Amanda Freitag, Marc Murphy and our very own Chef Claudio Lobina, gave our residents and attendees a world class experience in gastronomic indulgence.

“It was tremendous to see the highlight on our property’s social calendar mark the beginning of life resuming back to its normal splendor here in South Florida. On behalf of the entire Continuum management team, I would like to thank the festival’s organizing committee, together with the sponsors and our patrons for helping to make this third dinner installment a resounding success.”

Amongst the divine menu that was curated in collaboration with all three chefs was: Mini Lamb Meatballs with Pistachio Pesto and Labne; Prosciutto, Gruyere and Basil Pinwheels; Sicilian Risotto Acquarello; Baked Feta with Shredded Phyllo and Apricot-lime Coulis, Za’atar Honey and Chili Oil; Seared Sea scallops served over Leek and Parmesan Risotto, and Milano Roasted Duck served with a Saffron Cream and Orange Coulis. Chocolate Mousse Parfait was presented as dessert for guests. Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits provided various international wines throughout the course of the night as well.

South Beach Wine & Food Festival event photos via World Red Eye for use by 360 MAGAZINE

L.A. Tourism × OBEY × House Industries

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Bouncing back from the prolonging COVID-19 pandemic, Los Angeles Tourism announced their brand-new partnership with OBEY Clothing and House Industries on an exclusive, limited-time-only collection that captures the SoCal essence enthralled by the city of Los Angeles.

The collection dropped on February 11 and sports Los Angeles Tourism’s latest logo with a set of three other designs on a selection of tees and sweatshirts. Los Angeles Tourism, OBEY Clothing and House Industries have pledged to contribute all funds from the project to The Midnight Mission, a non-profit that aims to fight the problem of homelessness in L.A.

The energy that encapsulates the city of L.A. is like no other, often chased throughout differing locations across the nation. The distinctive cities that encompass the area are rich in culture, experience and opportunity, entailing everything that L.A. is notorious for.

For this upcoming collection, the collaboration sees this celebration of four differing locations in the L.A. area. Designs range from the price points of $34 – $77, honoring the distinguished cities of Venice, Griffith Park, Echo Park and the city of Los Angeles in total.

The collection is available for purchase at obeyclothing.com NOW!

Don Skeoch, Chief Marketing Officer for Los Angeles Tourism spoke to the new collection, stating, “When we launched our new brand identity, we received so many awesome messages from fans who wanted to see it on a shirt they could buy. We’re thrilled to partner with House Industries and hometown-based OBEY Clothing to create a special LA-themed line that also contributes to the higher good. It was important to us that 100% of Los Angeles Tourism’s proceeds go towards a cause so critical in Los Angeles –homelessness.”

CEO of OBEY Clothing, Steve Ternosky, expressed the excitement behind the collaboration, stating, “It’s exciting to get to work on a project based on your own backyard and the icing on the cake is getting to work on it with your friends. In this case, having the opportunity to represent the city we love and co-design a collection with House Industries, of which we have so much respect and history, is a perfect scenario for us. We would like to thank Los Angeles Tourism for solidifying the opportunity and their generosity to ensure the project gives back to the community in its support of The Midnight Mission.”

Andy Cruz with House Industries elaborated on the power of the collection, stating, “The fact that our artwork can help support people that are struggling makes the L.A. Tourism/HOUSE/OBEY collaboration even more impactful than just designing a defining logo for an iconic city.”

G. Michael Arnold, President and CEO of The Midnight Mission, detailed what the profits would be supporting, stating, “The Midnight Mission is delighted to be a beneficiary of this limited-edition capsule collection. Our goal is to restore people to self-sufficiency and combat the issues surrounding homelessness, and the proceeds from this project will help us provide individuals and families experiencing homelessness with a secure place to sleep and three nutritious meals a day.”

To find out more, visit @discoverla on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. If you plan on visiting soon, travel carefully and adhere to guidance from Los Angeles County Public Health.

L.A. Tourism/HOUSE/OBEY press image via Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board for use by 360 MAGAZINE

HBCU Cultural Heritage Stewardship

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Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been an integral part of our educational system in the United States. Originally being founded in the 1830s, HBCUs cultivate an environment that was long sought after to ensure educational equality. This nations HBCUs are full of the rich history of African American activism, and their campuses also stand as pioneering pieces of landscaping and architecture.

This is precisely why on February 28, the National Trust’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund declared they would be awarding over $650,000 in grant awards to five HBCUs across the country in part with their HBCU Cultural Heritage Stewardship Initiative.

While each HBCU embodies symbolisms of African American brilliance and triumph, the programming guarantees that each campus will collect resources to protect and sustain the historical campuses. These grants aim to preserve and revitalize landmark pieces that grace each HBCU, and to promote leadership on each respective campus.

Two differing forms of grants entail the initiative; the first being a $150,000 grant aiming to expand campus-wide cultural stewardship plans, and the second as a $60,000 developmental grant that will conserve a specific milestone building on or associated with an HBCU campus.

Each grant has the intention to enhance plans to improve and sustain varying architectural campus facilities. Launched through the National Trust’s Action Fund in 2020, the program allies with The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, National Endowment for Humanities, Ford Foundation, The JPB Foundation, J.M. Kaplan Fund and The Executive Leadership Council.

The initiative set in place today entails $3.2 million set forth to the HBCUs grants, seeking influence from the Trust’s extensive years of practice to generate proposals of refurbishment and maintenance at each college or university. The National Trust’s Action Fund links with 13 HBCUs and has financed 6 campus and 7 singular-developing projects modern day.

Brent Leggs, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund at the National Trust spoke on the impact that these grants would permit, stating, “These grants are significant in light of the recent threat to HBCU campuses. Preservation is the strategic counterpoint to centuries of erasure, and it underscores the critical nature of the African American contribution to our nation.

“Without the doctors, lawyers, engineers and other professionals HCBUs have produced, the American story would not be the same. The Action Fund’s work to preserve the legacies of intellect, activism, and enlightenment on these campuses will inspire future generations of all Americans to believe that, despite the challenge, they too can overcome.”

The following HBCU recipients include:

Florida A&M University (Tallahassee, Florida) aiming to produce stewardship projects across their 422-acre campus (1887)
Johnson C. Smith University (Charlotte, North Carolina) to create a conservation strategy for its Historic Quad (1867)
Rust College (Holly Springs, Mississippi) aiming to produce stewardship projects across their campus (1866)
Shaw University (Raleigh, North Carolina) aiming to produce stewardship projects across their 65-acre campus (1865); and
Voorhees College (Denmark, South Carolina) aiming to produce stewardship projects across their 380-acre campus (1897).

Shaw University President Dr. Paulette Dillard spoke on their excitement to be apart of the Trust’s recipients this year, stating, “The Shaw University community expresses its sincerest appreciation to the National Trust for Historic Preservation for awarding the campus a $150,000 planning grant to assist our efforts in preserving African American history.

“From educating the former enslaved to graduating some of the first African American doctors to helping ignite the civil rights movement, the legacy of Shaw University is woven into the fabric of American history. Preserving the treasures of our historic buildings extends the powerful narrative that describes the indelible contributions of this university.”

The planning grant, too, entails that all HBCU beneficiaries gain access to a paid student professional growing opportunity; one student from each individual campus will work with a team of architects, engineers and consultants to grow their campus. This funding comes from the Initiative and grows the field of African American preservationists.

Florida A&M President Dr. Larry Robinson spoke on the behalf of their campus, stating, “Florida A&M University is the third oldest campus in the State University System of Florida. We appreciate the support of the National Trust for Historic Preservation to assist the University in furthering preservation of landmark buildings on our campus.

The planning grant will allow the faculty, staff, and students across the disciplines of architecture, engineering and the humanities to collaborate in ways that highlight the national impact of Johnathan C. Gibbs, Lucy Moten and Andrew Carnegie and the buildings named in their honor. They also will help preserve the history of the Civil Rights Movement on our campus where iconic figures like Booker T. Washington, Mary McLeod Bethune, Marian Anderson and others changed American history.”

Bastille Performs ‘Shut Off The Lights’

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Following the debut of their #1 album on the official UK charts Give Me The Future, Bastille took to the stage of The Late Late Show With James Corden to perform ‘Shut Off The Lights.’ You can watch their phenomenal live showing of ‘Shut Off The Lights’ HERE.

The stunning Give Me The Future becomes the third number one album for Bastille yet. Acquiring even more acclaim, the album, too, landed amongst Top 10 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales Chart, Top 15 on the Alternative Albums Chart, and Top 20 on the Rock Albums Chart. Catch the full track list below.

Everyone’s been raving about the album, with Grammy.com naming it “the British pop-rock group’s most thought-provoking album to date.” Billboard gushed about Bastille, stating, “Bastille has not-so-quietly developed into one of the most consistent mainstream pop-rock acts working today,” and Rolling Stone UK even pronounced them “one of Britain’s brightest bands.”

Bastille brings their unique and pioneering sound on tour this summer, seeing the US leg beginning on May 14 in Memphis, TN, hitting both Los Angeles and New York City throughout the course of the tour. See official list of tour dates below! Tickets are available at https://www.bastillebastille.com/.

About Bastille

Known for their modern yet elevating sound of alternative/pop/rock music, Bastille has been captivating the music industry since their debut hit ‘Pompeii’ released to the world in 2013. The mass success of this song set them up for a stunning career, allowing their first album Bad Blood sell in surplus. From this point on, Bastille continued to experiment with their sound, even delving into the genres of dance/R&B. Modernly, Bastille has pushed their music into an ethereal state with projects such as Give Me The Future. Amassing a total of 11 million records purchased, 6 UK Top 40 singles and 1.5 billion video views, Bastille continues to uplift their presence in the music industry.

GIVE ME THE FUTURE TRACKLISTING:
1. “Distorted Light Beam”
2. “Thelma + Louise”
3. “No Bad Days”
4. “Brave New World” (Interlude)
5. “Back To The Future”
6. “Plug In…”
7. “Promises” (by Riz Ahmed)
8. “Shut Off The Lights”
9. “Stay Awake?”
10. “Give Me The Future”
11. “Club 57”
12. “Total Dissociation” (Interlude)
13. “Future Holds” (feat. BIM)

“GIVE ME THE FUTURE” 2022 US TOUR DATES:
May 14, 2022                            Memphis, TN
May 15, 2022                            Oklahoma City, OK
May 17, 2022                            Mesa, AZ
May 18, 2022                            Las Vegas, NV
May 20, 2022                            Los Angeles, CA
May 21, 2022                            Paso Robles, CA
May 23, 2022                            Portland, OR
May 24, 2022                            Seattle, WA
May 25, 2022                            Bonner, MT
May 28, 2022                            St. Paul, MN
May 29, 2022                            Kansas City, MO
May 31, 2022                            St. Louis, MO
June 1, 2022                             Madison, WI
June 3, 2022                             Toronto, ON
June 5, 2022                             Washington, DC
June 7, 2022                             New York, NY
June 8, 2022                             Boston, MA
June 10, 2022                           Detroit, MI
June 11, 2022                           Pittsburgh, PA
June 12, 2022                           Indianapolis, IN
June 14, 2022                           New Haven, CT
June 15, 2022                          Philadelphia, PA
June 17, 2022                           Columbus, OH

Bastille press photo via Sarah Louise Bennett for use by 360 MAGAZINE

Anne Klein SS22 f/ Joan Smalls

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“Clothes won’t change the world. The women who wear them will.” – Anne Klein

The established American fashion brand Anne Klein joins forces with supermodel, actress and activist Joan Smalls, naming her the face of their Spring 2022 campaign.

After debuting their Spring campaign on February 11 during New York Fashion Week, Smalls is highlighted in a See It Now, Buy It Now look book/video exhibition available on the CFDA’s Runway 360 virtual stage Runway360.cfda.com.

Anne Klein’s Spring ‘22 collection can be found for purchase on AnneKlein.com.

Smalls has been named the first showcase in a multiyear campaign that is set to platform an impeccable woman and celebrity each season.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Smalls is not only a renowned supermodel. She, too, serves as an advocate, having donated 50 percent of her income to generous foundations during the second half of 2020. During 2021, she supported the #ChangeFashion program set to eliminate racism in the fashion industry.

While joining Anne Klein on their Spring ’22 collection, Smalls has another upcoming charitable project that will be revealed soon.

Effy Zinkin, Chief Operating Officer at WHP Global, owner of the Anne Klein brand, spoke on the excitement of adding Smalls to their brand, stating, “We are excited to have Joan Smalls showcase the brand this season as she exemplifies the multifaceted empowered woman Anne Klein serves. Joan’s work in the fashion community and beyond exemplifies Anne Klein’s mission and we look forward to working with her to further support charitable endeavors.”

The brand-new buyer campaign from Anne Klein showcases a series of portraits and profiles from prominent woman that use their platforms to advocate for change. Each woman uplifted through the campaign will receive commemoration in print, video and virtually, offering a wide range of marketing tactics to highlight the ways that they increase awareness for differing missions and foundations.

Upcoming for the Fall ’22 campaign is Actress Gina Rodriguez, while Anne Klein has been named for Spring and Fall ’23.

To know more about ANNE KLEIN and to browse the new collection, including Handbags, Jewelry, Shoes, Sunglasses and Watches, visit www.AnneKlein.com.

About Anne Klein

Operating as a distinguished women’s fashion brand since 1968, Anne Klein’s objective is to deliver timeless American style to women across the globe. Anne Klein herself created the brand to produce classic sportswear for women, elevating the way in which women imagine and consume clothing.

Modernly maintained presently by WHP Global, the Anne Klein brand dresses women who influence causes around the world. Anne Klein is sold throughout North America, Chine, Korea, Philippines, Mexico and additional countries. For more information, visit www.anneklein.com, @AnneKlein on Facebook or @AnneKleinOfficial on Instagram.

The Spring 2022 Collection campaign was photographed by photographer Daniel Jackson in New York City.

Edmond Huot Interview

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The market of airline liveries is ever-growing and is a topic that has captivated the modern design world. What exactly is airline livery, and what do their designers do?

Well, we sat down with Edmond Huot, a Creative Director and Airline Livery Designer, to answer all our burning questions about his work field. Huot’s latest project was with Northern Pacific Airways, designing their brand-new livery in San Bernardino.

Let’s hear from Huot on his creativity, and how he got into such a niche workspace.

Q: How do you find inspiration as a creative director?

A: Being in the business for more than thirty years exposes you to a lot. I remain curious and open to the world—traveling, meeting people, and always framing and curating my experiences.

Growing up on a rural farm in Canada, devoid of cable TV and city-living, I was extremely bored and, hence, was forced to use my imagination. As an early av-geek and disaster movie fan, I would lose myself in thought—creating entire story plots and visual scenes with model airplanes that I’d build, play with outside, and ultimately crash in some snow bank! I spent countless hours drawing planes on discarded paper bags and would act out scenes from Arthur Hailey’s Airport in my bedroom.

For me, creativity started with storytelling and creating entire fantasy worlds in my head. Years later, my talent for drawing and sense of theatrics led me to advertising, where those same core passions drive my professional pursuits to this day.

Q: Tell us your favorite part about having a career in such a creative filed.

A: Beyond the initial conceptual phase, where my team and I get to stretch our imaginations and aspirations, there’s nothing—and I mean NOTHING—that compares to walking into an aircraft hangar to see (for the first time) my design applied to a 137,000lb 155 ft long Boeing 757-200 series. The sheer scale of this aircraft in all of its aerodynamic and technological beauty is beyond extraordinary. It’s truly life-affirming!

Q: Can you explain exactly what an airline livery is?

A: A livery is synonymous with a ‘uniform.’ An airplane’s livery refers to the painted decal on the exterior of the plane. A plane wears a uniform the same way a chef or a doorman wears a uniform.

Folks within the aviation and travel industry are fascinated with plane liveries because not only a feat to paint such a large canvas but liveries are only changed once every 10-15 years.

Q: Did you encounter struggles while working on the Northern Pacific Airway livery?

A: A hurdle early on for me was understanding who the customer would be. Unlike larger, full-service multinational firms with the ability to cover more ground in terms of research and analysis, our agency is a smaller, more boutique company. We had to move fast, be resourceful, and quickly prioritize the core issues.

I worked closely with the client to better understand Asian cultural significance and hot points. At the same time, I was also speaking with the local team in Anchorage to highlight any concerns around misrepresenting their local indigenous communities.

Additionally, I developed a range of target profiling decks broken down into general categories such as leisure, business, and regulatory audiences. From there, I weaved all of those gathered quantitative insights into more contextualized thematic storytelling that gave a greater, more compelling meaning and purpose to the customer.

I titled the story: “We Are All Navigators.” So much of the subsequent design, including colors, typography, and positioning came from these valuable insights. By turning those data points into a greater story, I was able to elevate the brand in a more consumer-centric manner.

Another challenge that is often faced by start-up airlines involves maximizing relatively small resources. How do I make the most out of a budget? Both the investors as well as the operators are extremely sensitive to how we go about spending time and money. You’ve got to get it right the first time.

Q: What was the best part about creating for North Pacific Airways?

A: Northern Pacific will be the first airline that I fly on featuring my work. And for the record, when I say ‘my work,’ I really mean my team’s work. I could never do this without the help and dedication of some truly talented and inspired individuals. That is what’s really worth bragging about!

Q: What can we expect from Edmond Huot in the future?

A: I am looking forward to showcasing some new project work for another start-up airline based in Canada. Unfortunately, because of its sensitive nature, I can’t share any details at this point. I also want to expand my creative and design repertoire with travel and transportation-related assignments including private jet travel and environmental design application.

Northern Pacific Aircraft via Claire Kivior (Forward Media) for use by 360 MAGAZINE

Harley-Davidson Museum

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The Harley-Davidson Museum has extravagant plans for several renovations of its campus as we continue into 2022. Reinforcing its placement as an integral tourism spot in Milwaukee, they continue to live up to their esteem of being known as one of the top motorcycle magnets.

Opening their doors in 2008, the Harley-Davidson Museum has continued to remain as a staple experience for those enthralled with the world of Harley Davidson and all things auto. From their many hosted rallies to their beloved anniversary celebrations, the H-D Museum has been a hub for celebration and has been beloved by many. With their recent advancements, we’re sure that the Harley-Davidson Museum will have even more reasons for you to add it to your bucket list this year.

The first development stems from the makeover of the museums event space. The space began its remodel last summer and is set to open again this spring. Sporting a brand-new Garage, the space now encompasses over 8,000-square-feet of space accompanied by 14’ floor-to-ceiling glass doors. The view sits over Downtown Milwaukee, giving guests the view of the Menomonee River.

Booking is open now for all your exclusive events.

We, too, see the museum expanding its retail presence into the former Garage space. Transforming The Shop retail experience in what used to the beloved Garage allows for growth of the retail space where you can still snatch up your favorite Harley-Davidson gifts. 150 brand new goods never seen before will be available for purchase, including personalized products that you can even make yourself at The Shop!

You may be wondering, what will happen with the old Harley-Davidson Shop once the latest one arrives? Not to worry, the old space will reopen as Harley-Davidson’s Factory Shop, marketing Motorclothes products that are no longer on the market. The Factory Shop will have limited sizes and numbers of your favorite discontinued helmets, gloves and jackets.

Last, but certainly not least, we see the revamp of the Experience Gallery. Highlighting a vast collection of riders that have utilized their Harley-Davidson® motorcycles over the years, the compilation in the Experience Gallery aims to show visitors how United We Ride!

Bill Davidson, Vice President of the Harley-Davidson Museum, spoke on the expansions to the museum, stating, “For nearly 15 years, we have been thrilled to welcome guests from around the globe. This investment signifies our commitment to Milwaukee and the Menomonee Valley. With Milwaukee making its mark on the global stage, we’re excited to unveil these new additions to campus later this spring and welcome everyone to check them out in person.”

For more info on the museum, visit H-DMuseum.com.