John Baldessari’s iPhone app for his interactive In Still Life painting begs the question: could this be the future of art? Plus: L’Oréal Paris lets you scan its products in-store.
John Baldessari: In Still Life 2001-2010
In this pioneering iPhone (and iPad) app from a contemporary artist, Baldessari has released a tool that lets you interact with Abraham van Beyeren’s Banquet Still Life. With the 17th-century Dutch painting as your starting point, you can arrange the 38 objects on-screen to create your own still life and share it with your friends. The launch follows a 2001 exhibition in LA, for which the artist created the original In Still Life, allowing visitors to digitally rearrange the same painting. "When someone completes their own still life using In Still Life 2001-2010 it becomes their own artwork," says artist John Baldessari. "It’s not mine. It’s theirs."
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/john-baldessari-in-still-life/id376644996?mt=8
L’Oréal Paris
This new app brings you beauty tutorials, look inspirations, and even gives you all the information you need to know about L’Oréal products — simply use your iPhone in store in order to "scan" them.
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/loreal-paris/id327080157?mt=8
Tiffany & Co. Engagement Ring Finder
Browse styles, view actual carat weights, and determine your ring size by placing one of your own rings on the screen. Romance and surprise might not be part of Tiffany’s equation, but this new tool has got raving user reviews for simplicity and efficiency.
http://itunes.apple.com/app/tiffany-co-engagement-ring/id375427126?mt=8
Row Nine
Get real-time alerts when the boutiques open, preview upcoming boutiques, browse and shop sales, and buy the products directly via this new sample sale app.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rownine/id370091107?mt=8
Mango
The Spanish retailer’s new iPhone app gives you everything from store locator to the collections, sharing your favorites with friends, virtually combining your own wardrobe with Mango items, and exclusive discounts for users. You will also find styling tutorials from whatshouldiwearbymango.com and a feed from the chain’s blog, keepthebeat.mango.com. The app is available in four languages.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mango-mng/id372216941?mt=8
Rue La La
The sample sale site has launched apps for the iPhone and iPad to go with its mobile website, m.ruelala.com.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/rue-la-la/id373179556
MAC
The cosmetics brand has launched a mobile website, accessible on the mobile device of your choice, allowing you to shop products and watch how-to videos on the go. A store locator is also part of the offering.
http://m.maccosmetics.com/mt/www.maccosmetics.com
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iPad apps:
A|X Stylepad
Not an actual app but inspired by the iPad, this online portfolio of the Armani Exchange swimwear campaign makes the most of the gadget: flip through pictures, watch videos with the models (including Armani model and soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend Irina Shayk), explore the shoot locations Turks and Caicos, and of course, shop the collection. There’s even a category for pictures you can only access if you’re 18 or older, so brave yourself for imagery even hotter than the new Ronaldo underwear campaign.
http://www.armaniexchange.com/stylepad/summer2010.do#/p1
Yoox
With the shopping site’s new app, you can shop all over the world, buy presents and have them delivered, create a wish list of your favorite products, and share your choices with your friends.
http://www.yoox.com/US/iphoneapp/department/tskay/3FD17CD7/dept/iphoneapp/toll/P
eBay
Many reviewers are claiming that the shopping experience is more graphical, seamless, and all in all more enjoyable than on the auctioner’s website. Comes with integrated access to your personal eBay account.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ebay-for-ipad/id364203371?mt=8
