The gift was actually for my graduation from Babson last year when I earned my MBA.  It just took a little while to get to me.  What makes this hoody really cool is that at Hannah’s request I picked out some imagery from my life and she used that for the hoody.

First we have Bredren, my cat who is somewhat famous, (hall of fame on icanhaz) and has a Facebook page with 100+ fans.

The hoody customization. Quite good, no?

Second, Dave Matthews Band’s Fire Dancer

And the customization. (Cool red fabric!)

Third we have my software development company, Neutrinos.

The logo is an atom-like shape (a neutrinos is a sub-atomic particle) called internally “the space ball.”  This one may be my favorite.

Finally we have a lightening bolt, which signifies the exciting work I did in Cleantechnology throughout my MBA program.

Finally a few shots of me in my new gear:

What a handsome fellow.

Thank you sister, for the wonderful gift, it was worth the wait!

Inside was a nice box with a leather luggage tag and a series of postcards. The bag containing the postcards had a silver sticker designating the package as number 41 of 500 limited “copies.”

All of the items including the box were debossed with “Soir Noir,” (French for dark night / black evening / etc.) the name of the yet to debut Spring/Summer Diesel line. There aren’t many references to the new theme on the web, a party in Japan and another limited edition belt up on Germany’s ebay. The font on a belt for sale hints at an art nouveau theme.

I was trying to figure out why Diesel selected me to recieve their little promotional box. I have a few Diesel items, but I don’t buy it very often. Most recently I picked up a pair of their new Zathan style embroidered pants that are part of “The Future,” their current line. I’m also on the waiting list for the Zathan 708 brand jeans which are supposed to show up in early June.

Clearly this marketing sendout wasn’t simply a splash campaign like the latest Coke commercial. I’m supposed to get these items, feel special, continue to shop Diesel and sell/promote/influence my friends on buying Deisel clothing as well.

Did Diesel’s marketing machine simply notice that I had made a rather expensive purchase recently and is trying to cultivate our merchant/customer relationship into a more regular affair? Was my account hand picked by the local staff, who I banter with about fashion when I walk by–or was it simply random?

Either way, recieving special attention in the form of a nifty box and leather luggage tag does make me excited about the brand. Also, I’m blogging it, so I’ve influnced you too. I guess you could say “la mission a accompli.”

View all photos from this entry on flickr.