Book Review: Fashion Futures

Nowadays, the fashion engine is moving forward at a faster pace than ever before, with advancing technologies and new materials reinventing clothing as we know it. You may not realize, but the technology that goes into the design process – from textiles to construction – has been steadily evolving at impressive rates so that the “future” we envisioned has arrived – and it’s only getting more inventive.

Fashion Futures explores the surprising sources that inspire futuristic garment design such as: biological science, climate change, space suits, artificial intelligence, genetic engineering and nanotechnology. Offering up a fascinating survey of these new directions, Fashion Futures charts the transformational products, design processes, maverick materials and groundbreaking practitioners that are revolutionizing the industry.

Design expert and author Bradley Quinn also explores radical retail operations, forecasting and its relationship with other disciplines. Featuring inspirational interviews, design illustrations and prototypes, this read’s educational and thought-provoking for any fashion enthusiast.

Cover image via Colette

March 29, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Digital: Vectors & Stereo Systems

While reading PSFK this week, The Guardian banner caught my eye. The color was vibrant, the lines crisp and the theme, playful. With the design direction and ad buy, it appears as though the newspaper’s aiming for a younger audience.

Interestingly, the stereo graphics mimic Aimee Wilder’s analog nights wallpaper. So much so it makes me wonder if the two collaborated on the latest execution. What do you think- do you like the home to digital translation?

March 28, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Media for your Children: The Idea Channel

PBS recently launched the Idea Channel, a biweekly web series featuring host, Mike Rugnetta that ties popular icons, products and trends to established art movements. The first episode is quirky and informative and just the type of tv content I’d want my child to watch (if I had child).

This episode explores the iconic Nintendo game Super Mario Bros, comparing it to surrealist art. Rugnetta – a composer, programmer and performer, as well as one third of MemeFactory offers a fun, kid-friendly perspective, with lively graphic accompaniment and interesting comparisons. What do you think?

March 28, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Mens Fashion: Folk Spring Prints

We all have those stores we look forward to visiting when we go to a familiar place. For me, that’s Lambs Conduit Street in London and more specifically, Folk Clothing.

The vibe reminds me of Steven Alan for the British set. Masculine, with hints of color and stylish yet not overdone. The detailing’s always unique and the footwear’s a staple in my husband’s closet. I’m a huge fan of their prints, knits and leather goods. It also looks like they’ll be getting a nice cameo in Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, looking forward to seeing the product collaboration.

What are some of your favorite repeat locals?

March 27, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Textile Inspiration & Dolls

I find when I’m searching for inspiration for patterns or textiles I often start by looking at objects rather than the actual patterns on things. I love to find a collection of objects with a similar purpose or hand that I can group together to discover a new shape or texture. Here’s one of my recent inspirational collections:

Dolls:

I like these images because all of the dolls are in the same head-facing position and it allows me to focus on the the color and texture each brings to the group. It makes me think about a red and purple print or a crosshatched design in black on a clean white ground or maybe something with a lot of movement inspired by all those limbs….

Coverage by Kimberly Hall

March 26, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Meet the Newest Member of the Team!

I’m super excited to introduce the newest member of the Pattern Pulp team. Kimberly Hall and I met at the design mecca of conferences, Alt, where we connected at Erin Loechner ‘s famed resource party.

Hall’s a master in textile design, receiving her MA from Central Saint Martins after receiving a BFA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. She’s also studied draping and millinery at FIT in New York. Currently a Senior Designer for Womenswear at Coach, Hall is best known for her baking, not cooking, drawing, not painting and French, not Spanish.

Her weekly PP column will focus on the inspiration process and the role it plays in design. From inspiration to execution, follow along as she shares her visual stories.