Sotto le Lune Sample Sale

After visiting the gift show last week, it seems safe to say that we’ll be seeing a lot more of bohemian lux in the year to come. Restoration Hardware has already picked up on this trend, as has Jonathan Adler, and of course John Derian and Anthropologie are partially responsible for our modernized rustic desires. These pillows, by Sotto le Lune embody this trend to a T with the use of linen, subtly intricate beading and soft natural tones. Luckily, for the pillow hunters out there, this collection, designed by Wendy Hall and her interior-designer daughter, Gemeli Hager, just went on sale on One Kings Lane. These pillows are beautiful, so if you’re looking to be inspired, or just see what’s brewing in New Zealand home goods, check it out!

February 8, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Kenzo Takada's Illustrative Influence

It’s that time of year again and the trade shows are in full swing! A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to absorb 2011’s Spring/Summer fashion predictions at the Premiere Vision and Supima Cotton trade shows. In addition to viewing the fabric displays, I attended David Wolfe’s presentation. Wolfe is the Creative Director at The Doneger Group and always an enlightening voice in the world of trend forecasting.

The most compelling part of Wolfe’s presentation focused on Designer and Illustrator, Kenzo Takada. Takada is best known for his global brand, Kenzo, however his early days in Tokyo and Paris were defined by his runway illustrations. After each show, he would distribute printed copies of his hand made sketches, broadcasting all of high society’s fashion trends. Just as today’s generation of live runway bloggers are altering the industry playing field, Takada’s drawings similarly exposed each clothing concept, allowing other designers to copy and reinterpret for their own clients. With just a few markers, a sharp memory, the local printing press and impeccable drawings, Takada single-handedly altered fashion consumption forever- an impressive feat, considering the internet played no role in distribution.

February 8, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Friday Quick Links

1. An alley that’s certainly up our alley, via Oh Joy!

2. Modern detailing on this ivory necklace by Monique Péan, via Refinery29

3. Mesmerizing animations in the “Polygene” video for Efterklang, via Kitsune Noir

4. Creepy but beautiful photos of old mental institutions, via A Time to Get

5. Layered works by public space artist Eltono, via Dear Ada

6. A flexible lamp made from paint chips held together by rivets, via Design Milk

7. DIY doily tutorial by Rachel Denbow, via Rachel Denbow

8. Eric Daigh’s push pin portraits, via BOOOOOOOM

9. Delicate illustrations by Morteza Zahedi, via All the Mountains

10. Remed’s carefully chosen color schemes make his paintings pop, via Grain Edit

11. Match and Munch’s puzzle sandwich cutters, via Nerd Approved

12. A geometric art puzzle you can make yourself, via Mer Mag

Coverage by: Emily Gup

February 5, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Hayden-Harnett’s Spring Cleaning Sale!

Hayden-Harnett has always been a personal favorite. Their modern styles and retro color palettes always merge the best of both worlds- from handbags to swim suits to your basic everyday skirt. In recent years, the Greenpoint headquartered company has expanded their line to include clothing and accessories in addition to a full line of patterns! This weekend, they’re hosting their bi-annual KAPOW! spring cleaning sale, where they’ll be offering samples and warehouse oddities along with past season merchandise at up to 80% off. Head over to one their two NYC locations to see what treasures you can dig up.

Brooklyn: 211 Franklin St (& Freeman)

Nolita: 253 Elizabeth St. (& Houston)

February 5, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Birds of a Feather…

Recently, the rush chair for the Cornell chapter of Pi Phi issued a seven-page memo regulating what sisters can and can’t wear during recruitment. While it’s not new for distinct groups to align themselves with certain brands, what is interesting are which labels the rush chair uses to signify just how “casually chic” Pi Phi is in hopes of gaining campus-wide acceptance. Anthropologist, Grant McCracken theorizes that distinct groups of people, or flocks, adopt trends based on a risk-safety ratio. Trends trickle down from small chaotic pockets and grow based on their commercial appeal for the masses.

In Pi Phi’s case, their choice of Tory Burch flats, skinny jeans and meticulously groomed hair signifies a specific tribe of dressers indicative of Flock 3. While this portion of the consumer market enjoys nice things, risky items (ripped boyfriend jeans!) aren’t part of the repertoire. Just as Oprah’s influence to move trends is substantial, so is the voice of mini leaders like this sorority. Hilarious read aside, when it comes down to it, taking the manifesto at face value overlooks the anthropological value in understanding major buying forces in today’s market.

Coverage By: Nikki Ogunnaike

February 4, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Meet the Newest Member of the Team!

Our team just keeps getting better and better! Meet Nikki Ogunnaike. Born and raised in the Washington, DC area, Ogunnaike began her career in the fashion closet of Glamour magazine. After subsequent internships at Harper’s Bazaar and Elle.com, Ogunnaike moved on to become a fashion assistant at Vanity Fair. Realizing it was words, not ready-to-wear, that she wanted to pursue, Ogunnaike landed a gig as an Editorial Assistant at InStyle magazine. There, she’s had the opportunity to interview prominent stylists, photographers, and writers for the pages of “Inside InStyle.” Follow along as Ogunnaike dissects pop culture and helps make sense of how trends affect our desire to consume and what that means for the future of the business.