Social Enterprise & Bespoke Clutches

If I lived in London, I’d be a regular at The Darkroom. We feature them from time to time on Pattern Pulp, as their pieces are beautifully curated and their ethos aligns very closely to ours. Today we’re all about these clutches– a fair trade bespoke collaboration made in Madagascar and managed by the incredible social enterprise, Madwa.

The bags are made by a group of highly skilled craftswomen living in extreme poverty along Lake Alaotra. Madwa’s gone to great lengths to lay the foundation and provide infrastructure so this community can have economic independence. If you’re a fan, support the cause and the store and spread the word.

September 5, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Textiles: When Knoll met Suno

When I see partnerships like this, I get really excited. The product’s excellent, the vision makes sense, and the transition between mediums and industries is seamless…it almost makes me want to push more phenomenal fashion designers into the homegoods realm and champion brands to take a chance beyond their comfort zone.

Dorothy Cosonas of Knoll recently teamed up with Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty of SUNO, to produce a line of literal and abstract patterns for Knoll’s Luxe line. The patterns are sophisticated, delicate, literal, unique and rich with voice and global perspective. I’d love to outfit my apartment in the Piper, Arber and Beso fabrics. Which ones speak to you?

September 4, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Bags, Patterns & Global Innovation

You know who’s up their game? The folks at Baggu and the creative team at Herschel Supply. It almost looks as though they’ve taken a visit to Tokyo and have absorbed the product design and innovation abroad, as both brands have incorporated serious technical upgrades this coming season. Last year we did a Japanese bag round up, highlighting our finds at Tokyu Hands, Beams and Porter, and the latest bags seem like a merging of decorative worlds- in terms of zippers, pouches, patterns and collage. If J.Crew’s version wasn’t so small (aka, built for kids), I’d be wearing it all winter long.

August 22, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Marni: Brooches, Bags & Merchandising

I was in Singapore last month visiting my in-laws and their beautiful new baby, and during some down time, I popped into a few malls to check out the merchandising. Surprisingly, Takashimaya wasn’t as posh or put together as I was expecting. The care and perfection that’s adhered to in Japan seemed a bit lost on Orchard Road. After wandering across the street, attempting to avoid the ice cream vendors, I ended up at the Paragon Shopping Center, which was a sleek alternative, and an interesting window into the world of manicured luxury shopping in the east.

Though I did most of my browsing and purchasing at Muji, I gushed over every last accessory at Marni. Personally, it’s one of my favorite brands. There’s a sophisticated quirkiness to every collection that really resonates. The shopgirl wore her insect brooch in a very clever tomboyish way. It was so fabulous and unexpected, I asked her to pose for me. Also, Brian Rea’s collaborative pieces looked great in person and the space-age vibe of the overall layout felt somewhat modular in a web template kind of way.

August 20, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Upcycling, Kickstarter & Holstee

Have you heard of Holstee? I’ve been following this creative crew since their inception, as two the three founders, Michael and David Radparvar, are fellow Rhode Islanders (and brothers of a dear friend of mine from childhood). You always want a new company to succeed, but these guys have truly forged ahead and it’s been exciting to watch their progress over the past few years. Their ethos is one I stand behind- it’s all about transparency with a valiant mission to make the world a better place.

Which brings me to Reframe– their latest product initiative that’s coming to a close on Kickstarter. Upcycling salvaged wood from Detroit, the Holstee team is collaborating with the folks at Urban Ashes to make reclaimed frames to house beautiful letterpress art. Depending on the amount you pledge, you can get a frame, and an accompanying subscription of illustrative cards. Have a look and support before it ends!

August 16, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Functional Creativity with MWM Studio

Matt W Moore’s a master at his craft and today we’re sharing one of our favorite MWM projects: DIY Ceramic Tile Sets. This collaboration with Core Deco’s an interesting example of functional creativity.

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Walking us through the creative process, Moore invites us into his studio, sharing the mechanics behind the work. We particularly love this, as it lives beyond the customer purchase- once you buy a set, you become the designer, organizing, collaging and assembling the patterns to suit your particular taste. What do you think?

August 15, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik