The Dutch duo that is Stefan Scholten and Carole Baijings have been working together since they founded their design studio, Scholten & Baijings in 2000. Dedicated to an aesthetic of minimalism and intricate detail, this design force has become most famous for their keen arrangement of grids, gradients and patterns. Their catalog of work consists of home goods and fashion accessories and is quite inspirational, regardless what medium you’re accustomed to working in. Check them out!
Skulls are everywhere. From J.Crew ties to baby carriage canopies to Stubbs and Wootton slippers, it’s clear that the punk iconography of the 80’s rock band era has earned a place in mainstream fashion today. As artists continue to reinterpret skull and bones every which way, it appears as though the trend continues to plow forward. Alexander McQueen’s most recent advertising campaign blends a slick skull into a floral background to sell women’s accessories. Sporting a similar (but more masculine) look, Pete Tong’s recent feature in Billboard Magazine proves any pattern can be applied, so long as the focal shape is acknowledged.
Keds have been an American classic since 1916. “The Champion,” has graced the feet of such style legends as Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Jackie O and has continuously been a favorite among designers, stylists, and editors. In truly modern fashion, Keds has been taking it to the streets with their Keds Collective Collection which brings “top designers, cutting-edge artists, musicians and pop culture icons to see how these creative minds can transform” the blank canvas of the classic Ked.
We’re currently digging Portland-based artist, Betsy Walton’s beachy patterned kicks, which look perfect for warm weather wandering. A few of her favorite influences are evident in the final product and include Byzantine Icon Paintings, American Folk Art and geometric abstraction. At $60, they’re a pretty swell deal.
About two years ago, I was out dining at Gusto Organics with a few friends when I came across this multi-colored tip jar. It was an incredibly clever use of paperclips and I snapped a pic without giving it a second thought. Fast forward to the International Gift Fair from this past January. With the fabulous home goods editor, Amy Preiser by my side, we traversed aisle after aisle of decorative tchotchkes, taking note of what to expect for the coming year. When we hit the British gift booth, NPW, we stopped in our tracks at these number clips. Amy thought they were the cutest things she’d ever seen and I couldn’t believe the tip jar from years back was seeing a corporate revival. Fast forward five more months and we now have Barney’s spring catalog. The cover graphics showcase metallic type, reminiscent of unfolded paperclips. Be it hipster chic or kid-approved, it’s safe to say we’ll be seeing a lot more of this trusty office accessory over the coming year.
Summer-time is upon us, and with it comes the inevitable summer adventures: picnics in the park, trips to the beach, road trips, etc. And if you’re like us, you prefer to tote around your necessary items in something durable and different. Pixelated landscapes have been hot in the design world for some time now, but we’re pleased as punch that the ever trusty LeSportsac has appropriated the theme to their namesake travel gear. At $78 for the mini-weekender and $68 for the tote, it’s a great deal for something stylish that you don’t have to be afraid to toss around.
It’s rather exciting when brands tastefully execute graphic pattern trends. Be it pixelated pillows or outlined animal print plates, Missoni Home always seems to get it right, remaining at the forefront of creative home accessory production. After seeing so many half hazard attempts at the digital trend, it’s refreshing to see the correct fusion of materials, creative direction and finish, and it’s particularly refreshing to see a brand push trends that aren’t necessarily ‘market-safe.’ Tomorrow, a vast array of their home goods will be for sale on Gilt Groupe. Even if you don’t buy, it’s worth perusing- just for inspiration’s sake.