In anticipation of the blustery snow I’ll be shoveling on my visit to Rhode Island this weekend, I have snowflakes on the mind. This origami display shines sharp in it’s perfect precision. Paper always has the ability to convey multiple moods when well lit and properly prepared. The Miwa Alex Salon of New York hit it on the nail, wouldn’t you say?
Finding a connection between the digital and physical spheres is a never-ending hunt for today’s forecasters. Whether you’re comparing the symbolic differences between RGB or CMYK or simply finding inspiration in either execution, important observations can be made when considering how one medium influences the other.
Here we have a pixelated display at the Red Dot Design Museum in Singapore. A blurry screen becomes textured art and the type conjures up early 90’s atari. If you follow our line of thinking and view Benjamin Moore’s paint chips immediately after, it’s easy to make a connection- they’re strikingly similar, but hold opposing conversations (and purposes).
Now let’s move to the commercial realm. This is window display from the GAP on Fifth Avenue. It’s extremely economical- paper’s been folded and arranged in a grid. The gradient is the storyline and compliments the clothing.
Moving along to packaging, this method was recently the result of Sephora’s beauty collaboration with Pantone Universe. Pixels are again the focus. Mimicking the diversity within skin tones, the packaging amplifies the face and focuses on color, making us wonder if CMYK really wishes it were RGB.
How many of you get the art of public relations? Katie Welch is an expert with a heart of gold. When we first met, I knew nothing about the world of PR nor did I have any kind of skin routine. Two years later, I can happily say I do Rubberizing Bliss masks every Sunday night and have stopped “maintenancing” my own blemishes. As VP of Global Marketing at Bliss (dream job, right?), Katie transfers her enthusiasm for beauty to all of those around her- both physically and mentally. It’s no surprise her picks are literally pick-me-ups.
What Welch Would Love to Give: A fabulous gift to give is a subscription to H.Bloom, the flower service. With this, Valentine’s Day can happen every month. I’d love to send this to my mother – she’s sent me a Valentine’s Day gift for 30-um-something years, so it’s the very least I can do.
What Welch Would Love to Get: I’m a huge fan of the artist Rob Ryan – if someone gave me this print, I would just be thrilled. Every year, Ryan creates a special Valentine’s Day print “for the hopeless romantics out there” (his words, not mine … but I won’t disagree). It just doesn’t get much sweeter than this!
(ALSO) This is also quite nice (and perhaps a gift to myself?). Krigler is a formerly-famous perfumer from 1904 with the most decadent fragrances. This now available at The Plaza. Number 12 was Grace Kelly’s fragrance – a lovely lily of the valley scent.
Patterns are having a truly commercial moment. From Kate Spade’s year of pattern to Banana Republic’s dotted window displays to Diane Von Furstenberg’s latest product collaboration with Coke, it’s clear that Sally Hansen’s salon effects strips are extremely on trend. While they’re a bit time-consuming to apply, the results last for about two weeks and are truly fun finger experiments.
This brings me to the unique wonderment that is Chelsa Skees‘ homemade mani-pedi. She’s added teal tips to her houndstooth strips for an individualistic spin. Chlesa is an East Village based stylist with a fantastic eye for fashion and a unique take on color and pattern. Having recently launched her new new venture, follow along as she curates and pins, you’ll probably find the streams as inspiring as we do.
Patterns through romance, fashion and rock & roll- acquaint yourself with the latest product collaboration from Benefit and Diet Coke (by way of PSFK). In an effort to reach a fashion customer base, these limited edition cans have “gotten glam” using basic textures and silhouettes.
If tasked with this project, I know I’d be more experimental, like this campaign. What patterns would you suggest?
Before you pack your bags, dust off that keyboard and eat the leftover chocolate on the conference room table, consider getting something thoughtful for your in-office family. Your co-workers see you at your best and worst, through the break-ups, hang-overs and 70 hour pitch weeks. Let them know you care.
* * *
1. Honest Boy Sharpener | 2. Mani-Pedimergency Kit | 3. Raunchy Wrapping Paper | 4. Tattly You’re Late Watch Tattoo | 5. City Line Poster | 6. La Liberacion Dance Mix | 7. Holstee Upcycle Wallet