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.
There’s a beautiful simplicity to the Custhom collection from Thorsten Van Elten. Using thin overlapping vectors, each design is reminiscent of knit patterns and digital gray matter. 
Catering to minimalist Scandinavian tastes, this is the first of a series of disjointed pixelated repeats I’ll be posting.
In line with the graphic styles we’ve all been seeing over the past six months, Hammocks and High Tea, a Brooklyn-based textile and design studio presents a vector-friendly collection of pillows. The patterns are beautiful, unexpected and might I say, European inspired.
My wallet’s on it’s last legs. It’s been a spectacular run of five years and I’m once again in the market for a new house for my license, business cards, bobby pins and cash. As a result, Emily and I have combed the market for some textured beauties. In our pursuit, we figured we’d share our best finds- which one’s your favorite?
- 1. Porte Monnaie’s Spot Wallet, $118, The Dark Room
- 2.Vera Bradley’s Travel Wallet, $42, Zappos
- 3. Kate Spade’s Daycation Wallet, $155, Nordstroms
- 4. Clare Vivier’s La Pochette, $104, Clare Vivier
- 5. Comme Des Garcons Embossed Leather Wallet, $295, Net-A-Porter
- 6. Tory Burch’s De La Vega Continental Wallet, $185, Tory Burch
- 7. L.A.M.B. Zip Around Wallet, $70, Shop Style
- 8. Friends with You Wallet, $20, My Plastic Heart
- 9. Planetary Depths Wallet in Triangulum, $30, Mod Cloth
- 10. ACME Fingerprints Wallet by James Wines, $105, Airline International
- 11. Jack Spade Anchor Bill Holder, $125, Barneys
- 12. Diane Von Furstenberg Bricks Wallet, $160, DVF
- 13. Vintage Floral Wallet, $18, Need Supply Co.
I recently gave a talk on color in the digital sphere and it’s influence on tangible design. The audience was a mix of color-obsessed industry folks and continuing education creatives. Though this particular mood board didn’t make it’s way into my slideshow, it’s an interesting compilation of pixelated pastels. Taking a nod from computer themes, these Pokemon characters, Missoni pillows, Preen dresses and Repetto flats all tell a broader pink and magenta story.
Tying the theme together nicely, the Intro Now and Recco screen grabs from Mobile Patterns remind us to cross reference our influences for a an accurate depiction of what’s current and what’s to come.
If you’re familiar with the east village of Manhattan, you’re no stranger to the optimistic and wit-filled graffiti of James De La Vega. Words of advice and encouragement translated through adorable fish are painted on mattresses, walls and garbage cans throughout the city. In one of my favorite collaborations this year, Tory Burch and De La Vega have teamed up to design an exclusive collection featuring positive messages and original artwork.
The laptop case is my favorite (probably because my powerbook’s been covered in his stickers for years now), but check out the entire collection for yourself. All profits from the purchase of this collection benefit the Tory Burch Foundation, committed to providing economic opportunities to women and their families in the United States.