Fall accessories are in full swing and we’re particularly smitten with Freda Salvador‘s animal print adaptation. Pattern-blocked boots, smoking shoes and oxfords are part of the latest collection and add a playful twist to sophisticated swagger.
Some Thoughts on Pattern vs Form
Who else read Colin McDowell’s column this morning on BOF? It was a critical synopsis of London Fashion Week. As I made my way through it, I was somewhat annoyed at the cynic tone, though nodding in agreement for most of it.
It’s true, pattern shines when innovation is applied through interesting material, illustration, technique and color. Though that’s the top tier, no? When you have a merging of texture and form, you have the ultimate product.
This is true not only in fashion, but for home, beauty, digital and anywhere else we consume and interact. While form sets the tone, pattern emits a mood. People are attracted to one product over another based on this dressing, and it’s the designer’s responsibility to create with purpose to navigate us through the experience.
For example, a few years ago I worked on Panasonic’s redesign. I created about 30-40 subtle patterns that were a bit more female friendly. They were inviting and a stark contrast to the cold lines and minimalist gradients technology represented 6-7 years ago. As you can tell, this trend picked up and nearly every financial and technology site that’s updated it’s look in recent years has moved in a similar direction.
Pattern can be a crutch, so can a template. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Understandably, McDowell wants to be wowed, as do we all, though holding such a negative tone towards printed pattern cop-outs isn’t so productive in my mind. I believe it all serves a purpose, so long as it’s original and moves the needle forward. – SK
Trends in Embellishment
Whenever I see interesting embellishments, I immediately return to my bedding roots. After leaving my full time job, eons ago, I did a good deal of freelancing in the the home sector. After every duvet was made, we’d come up with accompanying pillows to round out the package.
When they say that fashion influences home, it’s often true and today’s round up, collected from Bergdorf Goodman‘s Fall Catalog, reveals monochromatic metallic circles, pacman-like mazes and reptilian spots. The hazy 3.1 Phillip Lim spread was shot by the talented duo, Luciana Val and Franco Musso.
Black & White Textile Techniques
Patterns bedecked with Scandinavian-friendly shapes are covering the runway this season. Above is a personal favorite, Thakoon’s SS13 diamond stripe, a piece that’s currently for sale at Moda Opperandi.
These tanagramed dresses from Eley Kishimoto and Marc Jacobs are static and youthful and fully optic. When layered, the textures nearly seem fluid, giving way to movement by way of blurring.
Friday Quick Links!
1. Loving Alexandra Valenti’s painted photographs via The Jealous Curator
2. To color or not to color this DIY lamp via Poppytalk
3. Jon Shireman’s shattered flowers via Colossal
4. Mara Hoffman’s Spring collection & folk artist Maria Primachenko via Miss Moss
5. Tamara Maynes’ Quilt Lamp Kit via The Design Files
6. Fun fashion cartoon by Konstantin Kakania for LA-based brand Co via Trendland
7. Digging the pattern play in this intriguing cabinet system via design-milk
8. How rad is this patterned bike? via Honestly WTF
9. Striking wine packaging from Stranger & Stranger for Safeway via Jeannie Jeannie
10. Super sweet illustrated matchbooks via Design for Mankind
11. Can you guess what this DIY lamp is made out of? via design*sponge
12. Quite loving this patterned stair makeover in Beirut via Plenty of Colour
Contributed by Emily Gup
Wanna Collaborate?
Hi guys. So the latest in my court. I’m working on something exciting- something that will hopefully be launching in the near future. I’ve realized that with my current work/life schedule, I need an extra hand and can’t do it all myself. Hopefully those hands are talented, reliable and fun to work with! This is a part-time gig, so if you’re already semi-committed to something, it shouldn’t be a problem. If interested in either of these roles, please get in touch- also feel free to pass these descriptions along to anyone who may be a good fit. Thanks a million! -Shayna
Freelance Graphic Designer
I’m looking for a sharp graphic designer- someone’s who’s willing to embrace and execute on colorful shapes, youthful vectors and interesting typography. Having a handle on Illustrator is very important. I’d also love to see a balance of masculine and feminine looking styles in your portfolio. Please don’t send corporate projects you’ve put finishing touches on- I’d like to see your personal design style- the kind of work that you do for fun once the clients have been taken care of.
This is a shortish term project (4-8 weeks), and ideally the candidate will be New York area based. You’ll need to be an Illustrator and Photoshop whiz- as you’ll be developing graphics and working on website layouts. Having an understanding of user experience is a plus.
The rate will be commiserate with experience. I’m looking for someone that gets the Pattern Pulp aesthetic- we’re bold, bright and to the point. That said, this project will be a different entity and separate of the site.
Freelance Product Manager
This person has worked with product design that’s tangible (not only web-based), setting and adhering to timelines as well as production both locally and abroad. It’d also be great if you have a bit of experience handling the particulars of live events. You’ll also be working on strategies related to production rollout, partnership collaborations and keeping track of all that’s incoming and outgoing.
This is a shortish term project (4-8 weeks), and ideally the candidate will be New York area based. If you come from the agency world, we’ll probably speak the same language, though someone with smaller shop experience is also great.
The rate will be commiserate with experience. I’m looking for someone that gets the Pattern Pulp aesthetic- we’re bold, bright and to the point. That said, this project will be a different entity and separate of the site.
To Apply:
Please email editor@patternpulp.com
The email header should include your first and last name as well as the role you’re applying for.
Please include anything relevant that would make you an ideal person to meet with: ie portfolio links, linkedin url, a project or two that you’ve personally seen through and a few words about the designers, thinkers and websites you’re most inspired by.
I’ll try to respond to everyone, though relevant resumes will get top priority. Also, I’ll happily discuss the project in detail, it’s goals and expectations in person.