Pattern Pulp

Accessorizing Your Still Lifes




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Still life photography is having it’s hay day. Whether the backdrops are bright and vivacious, or witty, weird and muted, this 2D effect is playing out all over fashion realm – in print, digital and retail. It feels like a natural progression from the fused and flattened geometry planes we’ve been seeing for a while.

Some of my favorite still life artists at the moment are Arthur Woodcroft, Charlie Schuck, Armin Zogbaum and Jamie Julien Brown and today’s discover of The Collecteur by Giulia Scalese is the newest to the bunch. Her witty combinations and visual layouts are crisp, fun and metaphoric. Her use of pareidolia makes a huge impact – making each image a personality to react to.

In her words, “My love of quirky, colorful items – combined with a background in photography, digital manipulation, and visual merchandising — is essentially what lead me here. I’m highly inspired by bold characters and funky personalities, which I try to convey in each image.”

 

Trends in Espadrilles




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As temperatures start to drop, it’s hard to think of espadrilles here in the North East. That said, this market report from the New York Times Style section is a good one and shouldn’t be overlooked. We’re seeing fringe, color blocking, stripes, straps, lacing and a good deal of pattern for resort and the Spring season ahead. Any favorites in the bunch? I personally love styles 1, 2 & 6.

1. Proenza Schouler2. Catalana 3. Trademark 4. M Missoni 5. Chloe 6. Etro 7. Thomas Maier 8. Valentino Garavani

Kickstarter & Jacques-Elliott




We’ve long been fans of Elliot Aronow and all that he creates and curates. Elliot’s latest venture is on Kickstarter, where he’s looking to raise some funds to expand his brand offerings. His ties are sharp and on point. They have quirk and wit and understated flair. They’re the perfect addition to zest up a suit.

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I love all elements of this brand- the tongue and cheek editorial, the music roots, the creative vision and the entrepreneurial spirit driving the product. Support and buy a tie if you’re so inclined!

 

Branding: Examining Trunk Club




3trunk club1trunk club2trunk clubIn New York, you move a lot. I’ve packed my bags eight times in the past 12 years. It’s sort of funny, every time I look at my credit report, I oddly get nostalgic. The list of addresses laid out ever so clearly, mark the timeline of my personal and professional evolution. With moving, comes mail. Lots of mail. Your mail, past tenant’s packages, your neighbor’s coupons… I’m actually amazed that everything important (except for a tax return or two) has found it’s way to me over the years.

Yesterday, I got a mailer from Trunk Club – which was addressed to the previous tenant. Before tossing it into recycling, as I don’t typically don’t shop for men’s clothing, I was drawn to the pattern, and, to the velvet-smooth paper stock.

Trunk Club as a brand is an interesting concept, one that a few players are experimenting with these days. I listened to a bit about it on NPR two weeks ago, and was amused by the feedback from the male office reporters. Women have softened to the concept of clothing showing up weekly through Rent the Runway and same day shipping from Net-a-Porter and M.M. Lafleur, but this idea of a stylist sending you items that will most likely fit is a cool time saver.

The heritage look and feel of the pattern is great- the imperfect dotted line drew me in. It’s also an innovative way to play up the box’s strengths. I’m down with this packaging and curious who’s behind it- does anyone know?

 

DuPenny's Burlesque Silhouettes




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The first time I saw DuPenny‘s catalog of work was at the New York Gift Fair a few years back. The installation reminded me of the repeats I used to work on when I was full-time corporate designer at Playboy. The pin-up as art, regardless of style, taste or preference has a timeless component to it and Emily Dupen, the founder, has found a good deal of success in it’s reinvention. Her latest exploration into furniture design has given the mainstay theme new life. Dupenny’s use of line is a refreshing take, and a reinvention of sorts, of the classic sailor tattoo. Imagine having this lounge chair amidst your lawn furniture- it’s definitely a conversation starter.

 

Tracking Repetitive + Awesome.
On Instagram.