Follow-up: Taping Spaces

It’s always a treat when you can post a follow-up to a topic you’ve covered in another market. Back in July, then later in August, the topic of bondage, the recession and DIY styling came about. Perhaps the most literal translation of this trend appeared in the pages of Dazed and Confused where a male model was wrapped in a t-shirt and pink duct tape. Today it’s exciting to see bloggers reinterpreting this trend, commercializing it for the masses. Above you’ll see Jane Aldridge’s styled photoshoot, merging a Martin Margiela blazer with a black belt and a long line of duct tape. Certainly the most feminine and classy angle we’ve seen to date.

January 28, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Salt Box Bag Sale

While I’m not currently in the market for a new bag, I stumbled upon these totes from Salt Box today while perusing One Kings Lane. They are apparently also for sale on Pop Deluxe. Reminiscent of Kate Spade’s signature look, they differentiate with their use of material and colorful plaid. It’s hard to go wrong when pairing classic geometrics with poppy color, a staple many home goods and fashion designers swear by.

January 28, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Body Stories for the Inner Escapist

After viewing Tim Burton’s show at the MoMA, it’s hard not to draw parallels to Roberto Kusterle’s fantastical photography. Each piece is truly a show-stopper and a window into a world that challenges literal meaning. Here at Pattern Pulp, we all believe that moods can be defined in countless ways. It’s the inspirational element of a story that sticks, and if it’s done well, it will further resonate within society. Avatar is a perfect example of this. Brands continue to tackle this challenge on a daily basis, and Coca Cola provides perhaps some of the best examples in the market. When you invite your viewer into a world they’ve only dreamed of then give them a pair of wings, you have to trust that they will fly. Kusterle’s ability to convey affection and human emotion is remarkable, and sets the escapist bar just a little bit higher.

By: Shayna Kulik and Emily Gup

January 27, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Brands Burning

As 2010 rolls on ahead, artists, writers, designers are all pondering the future, and it seems that burning the past (esp. 2009) might be a way to move forward. Burning, a cathartic ritual for many religions, releases the energy of the past to spark new beginnings.

The New York Times Magazine recently featured a stunning cover with the “T” scorched and engulfed in flames. Pyromaniacs set designer, Gary Card and the photographer, Jacob Sutton, were inspired by the “Wicker Man” 1973 horror movie and commissioned a welder to fabricate a 10-foot-tall steel T. After layering it with sugar cane and soaking it in alcohol, they lit it with a blowtorch and “ran for their lives”. Although the T was intended for an Anglomania themed issue, you couldn’t help but feel it symbolized the current demise of the great newspaper in crisis to its internet nemesis.

Paralleling this theme, artist Karmelo Bermejo recently presented “The Grand Finale” at Art Basel Miami in December. The fireworks show ignited the word “Recession,” commemorating the failure caused by the worldwide economic crisis. Though controversial, this celebratory event emphasized art’s fleeting, yet explosive nature.

Using burn marks as a design element with a more lasting effect, the designers at LOVE Magazine recently styled Coco Sumner, incorporating past, present and future themes into the shoot, spread and article.

Art that isn’t so fleeting is best exemplified by Olivier Kosta Thefaine, who uses a cigarette lighter to burn his graffiti-inspired patterns into the ceilings of galleries. Inspired by Paris street culture, his illustrative strokes transform bare white rooms with complex smoke mosaics. Rather than desecrating to create the desired effect, the flame’s byproduct is in fact the “paintbrush.”

And lastly, burning has emerged as a tangible art in the fashion world. Balmain’s Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear collection presents an array of tattered clothing with visible signs of distress. From beaded jackets to bullet strewn tees to ripped jeans. A tough sexy trend is already resonating with the fashion glitterati. Be ready to rock this look for major bucks or get inspired go DIY with your bleach, scissors and lighters. Layer up with skinny pants, embellished tops and jackets to complete the look. Tough girl attitude optional.

By: Angela Chen

January 26, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Meet the Newest Member of the Team!

The timing couldn’t be better to introduce the newest member of the Pattern Pulp team! Angela Chen is Head of Prints and Textiles at Calvin Klein Jeans, in Midtown, Manhattan and spends a good majority of her waking hours researching and designing prints. Interesting though, she rarely wears anything more colorful than black, white and gray! Chen hails from Canada, where she acquired her Fashion Degree and currently resides in Williamsburg, the source for all of her hipster news and trends. Chen’s first PP piece will focus on the overarching trend of burning and renewal. Follow along as Chen provides insight on how various creative and print industries are interpreting this topic and what it means for the year ahead.

January 26, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Welcome to the New Pattern Pulp!

I’m thrilled to announce a new and improved version of a concept that’s been brewing for the past four years. I can finally say that Pattern Pulp looks the way I envisioned it to look way back when – when my brother and I were tossing around domain names in my east village apartment, talking about my goals for the future.

When I finally put “pen to paper” a year ago, my intent was to create a forum for new ideas and inspiration; a place where creative professionals could brush up on a niche pocket of the visual design industry. Along the way, I’ve been unbelievably lucky, as I’ve had a chance to work with some incredible minds. From my generous contributors, to my all-important clients, to my opinionated friends, everyone’s feedback has helped shape the direction of this ever-evolving site.

In addition to the daily blog feed, here are a few new features to look out for:

1. Artist Profiles: A database of the most exciting pattern designers from across the globe.
2. Events: Relevant events to satisfy professionally, culturally and socially.
3. Jobs: Where the creative dots connect and people can find their next gig.
4. Bookstore: A place to acquire recommended reads.

Additionally, a few special shout outs!

1. Dan Woodward, my talented developer has been a patient, problem-solving wonder.
2. Jennifer Machiaverna, my good friend with a serious knack for content strategy has been on hand to nip and tuck along the way.
3. Elizabeth Sigal, the best business cheerleader a friend could have.
4. And last but not least, my boyfriend Justin, who has been a true support and source of inspiration for my creative musings from day one.

And without further adieu, take a look, leave a comment, sign up and let the crew here know what you think!

-Shayna Kulik

January 25, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik