The Daily Thread

The UK’s Office of Government Commerce unveiled their new logo with a major glitch. When you turn your head to the left you see a figure of a person making an undignified gesture. The government agency was so proud of their new logo they printed it on every office supply you can think of. Needless to say, they are keeping the logo.

When you think about the Lord & Taylor logo you probably see that signature brush script with “Lord &” on top and “Taylor” on the bottom. However, if you take a closer look the logo has constantly changed. The identity has been through several hands throughout the years. This Business Week article breaks down each “new” Lord & Taylor signature by artist.

When you order your grande, orange, mocha frappachino at Starbucks this week don’t be surprised when you don’t get their usual white and green cup. This week the struggling chain switches their familiar, iconic logo to a more black and white retro version. The change is not permanent and will only be around for a limited time.

Lexus teamed up with Fairmount Hotels in San Francisco to create a “Hybrid Living Suite”. The room was designed with eco-friendly and recycled materials. The centerpiece of the room was a coffee table that was constructed from the leather of reclaimed Lexus prototypes. L.A. based designer Kelly LaPlante designed the Fairmount suite.

Coca-Cola will be selling special vintage bottles called the 1906 “Diamond Label”. They will be available in four-packs that feature the early 20th century Coca-Cola Spencerian script logo and Diamond Label design.

Wal-Mart is honoring Earth Month with what they call “the most comprehensive environmental sustainability campaign”. This effort will include TV, radio, internet and print. There will also be a 16 page insert in May issues of general interest magazines.

The Morgans Hotel will be closing May 18, 2008 for a $9 million revamping of its lobby and guest rooms. French designer Andree Putnam, who designed the hotel 20 years ago, will be in charge of re-designing the space.

At the New York International Auto Show Saab unveiled two new models that they hope will create a turnaround for the premium car manufacture. Their new 9-4x, a small crossover SUV, will be available next year and also the 9-X, a Bio-Hybrid hatchback.