The Colors of a Modern Identity Crisis

Identities are a funny thing. In one instance you’re one version of yourself and in another you’re an entirely different character. Alternate parts of your personality shine at varying times. Now add a digital layer. A boundary of sorts, something to protect you from the reality of what’s true and what’s false.

Today’s story hones in on the awkward line between these worlds. Photographically, it’s illustrated by Neil Barret’s latest print campaign of youth divided. Reminding us of Nick Cave’s beautiful and often confusing costumes, we have David Sim’s latest spread in LOVE Magazine and bringing an eerie surrealist interpretation to the table, there’s Dow’s Einstein-infused Solutionism campaign.

November 15, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Charlotte Taylor's Organic Kaleidoscopes

Charlotte Taylor’s been a blogsphere favorite for a while now, circulating boards on Pinterest, SVPPLY, Tumblr, WordPress and Blogger with exceedingly positive commentary. Adding more beauty, weight and elegance to the clothing, her Spring/Summer ’12 video, directed by Ben Taylor, reveals a sophistication inspired by Japanese moods. What’s your favorite pairing? I’m enamored with her red lips and green blouse.

November 15, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Retail Windows: Technically Speaking

One of these looks a lot like the other…I was rather surprised to see Coach‘s windows last month, as it seemed like they had run out of ideas. When making product and sending ideas to the factory, you nearly always create a technical CAD drawing and send it off with high hopes of returning as beautiful merchandise. They’re essentially the blueprints for the fashion world. Interestingly, while I was in London, I crossed paths the retail chain, Warehouse and spotted a similar display. Hopefully this doesn’t become a trend. Some things should stay behind closed doors. The clutter doesn’t quite translate when selling the dream. That said, when comparing the two, Coach’s life-sized handbags are a nice compliment to the drawings.

November 14, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

A Blue Story for Hexagonal Patterns

There are some interesting hexagons in the market these days. Jonathan Saunders’ Resort 2012 collection takes on a digitized honeycomb approach while Ippolita’s chandelier earrings keep the theme (and the gems) loose and organic. Bringing shading and optics into the mix, Escada Sport’s latest round of bags applies a similar palette and optic theme.

November 14, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Friday, (ahem Sunday) Quick Links!

1. Easy peasy DIY relief printmaking via Poppytalk
2. Digging these punchy polka dot pillow cases via oh joy
3. Captivated by these paintings by Lou Ros via This is Colossal
4. Lots of outrageous prints from agi&sam via Style Bubble
5. Shadow boxes and layered art by Kristen Schiele via Art Hound
6. Gorgeous mural by Supakitch and Koralie via Honestly WTF
7. DIY geometric garlands to dress your place up for the holidays via blowing-up
8. Loving the colors in Maggie Taylor’s dreamlike artworks via Artsy Forager
9 Smitten over this embroidered collar by Lorena Maranon via design for mankind
10. Eric Frommelt’s compositions are informed by data visualizations & info graphics via designworklife
11. Lovely paintings on intricately cut panels by Resa Blatman via booooooom
12. The Cell rug by Lama is pretty rad, especially the LED version via design-milk

Coverage by Emily Gup

November 13, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Twitter Influencer: Kate Forrester

Artist and illustrator Kate Forester has developed a unique and striking style of hand lettering that has earned her a bevy of work creating book jackets, packaging and advertisements in addition to a variety of other commercial applications. Her lovely hand drawn lettering is abundantly dynamic as Kate’s process has her “manipulating typefaces and intertwining words with illustrations to create a flowing, organic image.“

With no intention of sticking to one style, Kate constantly experiments and explores techniques, pushing her work into new areas including chocolates, jewelry, tattoos and gorgeous laser-cut paper illustrations. The multi-talented artist has a zeal for traveling, exploring and learning as well, themes that most definitely show up in her delightful twitter feed in addition to her artistic adventures.