Spontaneous Skunk.

A new Marc Jacobs store opened recently here in Chicago.

There's a lot that's interesting about the store experience they've created. 

Like for example, how they mix high-end ($600 cotton spring coat) with the uber-cheap ($6 plastic rings).  Or how some of their displays seem to be inspired by an old vintage shop, as if to encourage a treasure hunt for a one-of-a-kind treat (think a black dress hanging next to two orange sweaters next to a purple tank).  Whereas other merchandise feels more like an Old Navy display of every single color (think fifteen color variations of men's t-shirts).

It's their blend of conventions that makes for a retail experience that is spontaneous and spastic, in a simply delightful way.

Speaking of spontaneous, you can imagine how surprised we were to find this skunk perched in the store front window last weekend.

Sporting some serious attitude (especially for a skunk), this furry guy was busting a few break-dancing moves and mugging for pictures with the neighborhood shoppers.  The pictures featuring Skunk and his new friends were posted in another window for folks to peruse.  Not a bad way to win over the neighborhood.

Naturally, we detoured from our lunch plans to go take a few pics with Skunk ourselves.  And then we couldn't stop talking about how brilliant and funny and fun the whole interchange was. 

(Then again, we are easily entertained.)

The point is: like we've said before, we LOVE brands who don't take themselves too seriously.  Who engage us emotionally and not just rationally.  Who find ways for us, their community, to engage with them in light-hearted and silly ways.  Yep.  We LOVE brands who bring the fun.