Nijntje Man Yee ToAlumnusIs Nijntje a fashion icon for adult? WHY did I choose this theme for my project? The artist who is a source of inspiration to me is Dick Bruna. I’m always fascinated by his works because of his unique and 'simple' works that leave space for imagination. I can recognize his work easily. His most iconic design is Nijntje (“Miffy” in English). I can say I am enthusiastic about the Netherlands because of this icon. I have been in love with Nijntje for more than 10 years now because of her cuteness. She has a great impact on me. Although Nijntje is a character with a very simple outline and there is not much facial expression, she tells a lot by her little movements/small changes of her body together with her surroundings and background images. In Asian countries, the products of Nijntje are not only for children, but also for the grown-ups. However, Nijntje is only for small children in Western countries. Why is there is such a big difference? This arouses my curiosity to find out the answers. Questions I ask myself for this project: - 1/ There are Nijntje products particularly for adults in Asian countries. I can see the potential for the expansion of the target group, but WHY is Nijntje only for children in Europe and not for adult like in Asian countries? - 2/ Competitors like Disney characters and Hello Kitty have wider target groups. They even cooperate with H&M, Anteprima, Nike etc. I wonder why Nijntje can’t be the same? - 3/ How can Nijntje be a fashionable icon? - 4/ What are the connections between these cartoon icons and self-identification? - 5/ How are people affected by the cartoon icons in fashion? - 6/ How did merchandise influence the role of Nijntje in fashion? What /how does it communicate? HOW I would like to do the research? - 1/ Interviews with the general public to find out the image of Nijntje in their mind and to find possibilities for the expansion of Nijntje to a high end fashion image - 2/ Find out the successful secrets of the competitors in terms of fashion business - 3/ Interview with Dick Bruna, Mercis bv. and Centraal Museum - 4/ Explore the relationship between these icons and subculture - 5/ Examine the history of the icons and their meaning to the public in fashion field - 6/ Find out the target group(s) of the existing products from Nijntje and the message behind them In summary, I will identify the position of Nijntje through the history of the cartoon icons, subculture issues, media, branding, merchandising, in order to blend it into a new fashion icon. | |
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