Street Finds: Urban Palettes

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For all of the reasons people hate the city, we’re continually inspired by the eye sores. Be it dilapidated yards, pollutant run-offs or stale trash, each sign of neglect can be idealized through artistic eyes. Today we’re focusing on grunge and graffiti- two aspects of New York that are in full abundance. These images capture the streets of Brooklyn and Manhattan and tell a blue, green and red story.

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Adding texture to the mix, these tire tracks and oil stains provide intricate details, reminding us of the environmental imprints our actions leave behind. Colors layered upon one another with dirt and grime reveal the rust of age.

Photos by: Emily Gup

September 15, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Fashion: Technically Speaking

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The moment technical drawings began popping up in the mainstream, we knew back to school season was in full swing again. What’s most interesting about the above imagery is that regardless of the subject matter, both themes remind us of chalkboard drawings. J. Crew’s architectural lettering is comprised of strings and nails and has us saying our ABC’s, while the Gap has tapped the New Vintage Edison light bulb craze with black and white illustrated pajama pants. Regardless of the subject matter, these thin-lined contrasts conclusively define the western notion of education, and it’s refreshing to see more than just books ringing in the fall season.

September 14, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Quick Links: Weekly Notables

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1. Psychedelic styling, via Cyana Trend Land.

2. Vector exuberance in coffee packaging, via The Dieline.

3. Poetic music video by Sydney illustrator, Greedy Hen for The Middle East, via Inside Out.

4. Interview with Pattern Pulp favorite, Jeremy Scott, via High Snobette.

5. Cute baby cocoons, via The Trendy Girl.

6. Turntable bedding from Diesel, via Analog Apartment.

7. A table with layers you can peel by Aurélie Mossé,via Moco Loco.

8. Fresh yet familiar crochet work from Emma Lamb, via Decor 8.

9. Stunning string installation that juxtaposes the clear, clean straight line with the unpredictability of nature, via You Might Like This.

10. The world’s most branded object, via World Famous Design Junkies.

11. Zippers put to interesting use by Hurricane Boutique, via Design Milk.

12. Brilliant type-inspired video by Brigham Young’s students and faculty for the 5th Typophile Film Festival, via Design Boom.

Compiled by: Emily Gup

September 12, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: The Scale Standard

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Scales represent the outer most layer of our skin and are therefore a significant part of our daily lives. Until we start aging, require additional protection, are injured, or are simply inspired by various layering techniques, most of us spend our time thinking about other things. Today we’re tying this theme together across several platforms in an effort to follow a visual timeline. This scale armor vest was a necessity during wartime as protection against bludgeoning. It appears as though Iceberg, a well-known fashion label has pulled inspiration from this exposed layering technique for their fall09 collection. Replacing traditional fish scales with shiny records, this graffiti collage from the Wooster Collective reveals pop culture at it’s finest, mixing things up.

September 12, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Follow-up: Diamonds are Forever Changing

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Diamonds in their purest form have remained desirable for centuries. From King Louis XIV of France to today’s modern bride, this gem signifies wealth, status and emotional commitment– three things that drive fashion and marketing teams crazy. Back in June, we covered global diamond patterns, as they were surfacing, and are now adding a few more to the bunch. Phillip Lim uses photo-realism in his bejeweled tank top while Rachel Roy simulates sparkle with cross-hatched slots on a quilted purse. Mimicking this concept with glass, Michael Kors references Hollywood glam with his new fragrance, Very Hollywood.

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Additionally, many designers seem to be moving away from the traditional pyramid silhouette that we’re all accustomed to seeing. From Clé De Peau‘s eye shadow to Marc Jacob’s earrings on the cover of the New York Times’ Style Magazine, to Diane Von Furstenburg and H.Stern’s latest watch collaboration, we’re curious to see where else these minimalist shapes will surface.

September 11, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Artist Profile: Michiel Schuurman

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Printed 3D optics are a tricky feat for any designer to master. Add color, texture, type and a degree of unpredictability and you’ve arrived at the blogosphere’s latest darling, Michiel Schuurman. Schuurman’s ability to weave mathematical precision into beautiful, maze-like graphics sets him apart from his peers, as each design looks like a modern day M.C. Escher illustration. Aside from his obvious creative merits, it’s a trendy time to be a kaleidoscopic connoisseur, as evident from the geometric work of Alexander McQueen and Simon Page. We’re eager to see what’s next for Schuurman, as his recent marketing experience will certainly prove useful once his Grafimediatechnologie internship ends.

September 9, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik