citizenM is proud to collaborate with design giant Vitra. Together with Vitra, we designed the lobby not to look like a lobby. No marble fountains. No piano man. Instead, you’ll find contemporary living rooms outfitted with furniture from the iconic Vitra collection, including Charles & Ray Eames Lounge Chairs, the Hella Jongerius Polder Sofa and ‘Algae’ by the Bourellec Brothers. Enjoy relaxing moments with creations from legendary designers that collaborated with Vitra over the last 50 years.

Jacqueline Persicke (Vitra): “The collaboration with citizenM is very strong and amicable. We’re celebrating a very good teamwork  in every situation: information exchange about news, planning of the lay outs, marketing activities, deliveries, assemblies, openings and services. We’ re learning from each other and working out new ideas together. In a certain way we do have the same agenda – being a good host! That is what we also want to communicate to our customers with our products, the new VitraHaus – the home of the Vitra Home Collection – and our company mission.”

Jacqueline Persicke (Vitra): “The success of citizenM and our products within the two existing hotels confirms that we definitely have to move on with our collaboration. The project citizenM and Vitra is very exciting for us. CitizenM gives us the possibility to show our latest products at the best locations in the city and people recognize that our furniture are accessible for everybody.”

Nalden: “For me, one of the best examples of a collaboration between 2 leading brands. Both from America, sharing the same values in different industries. Combining skills and products resulting in Nike+. Announced in 2006 as a long term partnership bringing the worlds of sports and music together like never before. A wireless system that allows Nike+ footwear to talk with your iPod/iPhone to connect you to the ultimate personal running and workout experience. Boosting sales for both, but most interesting they kept innovating their products to make them better!”

Nalden: “Iʼm a HUGE fan of the TED platform, devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out as a conference bringing leading people together in 3 worlds; technology, entertainment and design becoming the most inspirational conference of the world. Their website became a library of the 21st century. To scale itʼs business and vision, TEDx Events started. A new program that enables local communities such as schools, businesses, libraries, neighborhoods or just groups of friends to organize, design and host their own independent, TED-like events.”

Nalden: “An interesting collaboration that inspired me a lot. An idea of BBH to reach a specific target group for the Cadillac brand as launching partner of the Cool Hunting iPad app. What basically happened, Cadillac covered the costs for developing the app, becoming the single-sponsor with custom integration. “When the iPad launched, the Cool Hunting app was one of the first apps, reaching massive audience via this digital publication. The Cadillac home page blends selections of the regular content with their stories. Very clever.”

Nalden: “One of my favorite websites, The Cool Hunter teamed up with MINI to create customized designer Car Wraps. The whole customization was already done, but not on this level. They asked the designers amongst their visitors who would be interested in submitting designs for the final 25 options. When developed, TCH proved to be an authority on the web, capable of creating business online and offline. MINI was the perfect car to start this collaboration with in terms of target audience and sense of style.”

Nalden: “I consider a collaboration valuable when both assets amplify each other. When two or more people or organizations work together in an intersection of common goals and complete each other like ying and yang. For example via an intellectual endeavor that is creative in nature by sharing knowledge, learning and building consensus. This becomes extra valuable when people or organizations complete each other within a collaboration in knowledge, skills or assets. I think itʼs key to look for added value in collaborations.”

Nalden: “I like to do collaborations that I find is challenging, but also extends my values and business. During the years Iʼve built a brand based on quality, positivity, being innovative with a passion for craftsmanship and loads of enthusiasm. I like to work together with brands, organizations and people to create initiatives, products or services that last. Based on my key values, extended by knowledge and skill of the collaborator. Thatʼs why I like co-creation so much. For example, creating sunglasses together with Ralph Vaessen.”

Gnarls Barkley is an American musical group collaboration between multi-instrumentalist and producer Danger Mouse (Brian Burton) from New York, and rapper/vocalist Cee-Lo Green (Thomas Callaway), from Atlanta. Both, hailing from the underground music scene reached global success with their first single Crazy. it was the first single ending on top of the charts ONLY because of digital downloads. A huge mile-stone for stores like iTunes. Musically the match between the production and vocals is just significant. Credible, and a commercial success combined. Very impressive!

independent, blogger, entrepreneur, storyteller, curator, nerd, grand cru, @wetransfer, lifestyle dandy who loves to awaken possibilities in other people.

Foto Nalden credit:
Daniel J. Ashes