Trend: Deteriorated Renewal

Whenever I’m traversing a new city, it’s always interesting to see what’s been left behind on the street and what’s coveted indoors. While in London a few months ago, I wandered into the Pure Evil Gallery in Shoreditch. The space is well curated and reeks of urban art. The surrendering robot is the work of Presto and reveals layers of loose splatters aside thick color strokes. Mimicking this use of delicate color splashes, the packaging on this Pacifica triple milled soap from New Zealand evokes similar environmentalist sentiments. Reminding us that the discarded items in our lives can inspire new creation, this burnt foam mattress in Darlinghurst was so captivating, it distracted me from my bedbug phobia long enough to snap a quick shot.

January 24, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Color, Texture & Yellow

Optics, contrasts and color are always on the tip of our tongue and today we’re focusing on black, white and yellow. Weaving in movement and fluid lines, this floor cushion from Expose aux arts Decoratifs reminds us how French designers are often playful with their details, blurring the line between youth and adult. Keeping with the bold palettes he’s known for, Angelo Marani‘s fluid textiles use cut and material to simulate movement. Rounding out the grouping, this Vera scarf has timeless appeal and parallels quite closely to L’Oréal’s latest covergirl campaign starring Drew Barrymore.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R02X4jYqaU4&feature=related]

November 12, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Smokey Moods & Horizontal Textures

It’s always interesting when paralleling textures can be compared in different markets. Today we’re comparing the beauty and makeup design from Gaultier’s most recent runway show to Ma Maison Textile‘s home accessories line. The makeup is smokey and graphic, emitting dark mysterious moods. Interpreting this horizontal style for vivid bedding and pillows, these poppies offer a lighter alternative.

October 21, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Color: Neutral Palettes

Color inspiration can come from anywhere and today’s palette is inspired by basic nudes and shiny textures. From shells to jewelry to makeup, each surface is outstanding, and configured in interesting ways to inspire. Dana Rebecca’s jewelry reminds us of the beautiful formations found in nature, just as Target’s new Pixi makeup line softens our pixelated skin tones. This shell clutch from Louis Vuitton ties the package together, combining both concepts, color blocking, texture and shine.

October 19, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Metallic Marketing

Remember when Bang debuted? Marc Jacobs and tin foil goodness covered the back cover of every fashion mag. As ostentatious, metallic and inviting as the campaign’s been, it couldn’t be more literal in terms of messaging. Metals are the best heat conductors and the the Marc Jacobs team knows that. Interestingly, Schneider Electric, the top energy management company in France has taken a similar approach to their recent print campaign. Regardless of who’s been inspired by whom, metallics are making their mark. They’re cheap and eye catching, a winning combination for today’s market.

October 18, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Follow-up: The Latest Checks in Town

bloomingdales-beauty

It’s been but two weeks since Bloomingdales in New York City opened their doors to a remodeled beauty department. Now, $55M dollars later, we have glossy checkers to compliment six new brands: Bare Essentials, Jo Malone, Shu Uemura, Sisley, Bumble and Bumble and Giorgio Armani. This rendering highlights the perfume area, just one section of the cosmetics floor. As we’ve noted over the past few months, Alexander McQueen, Amy Winehouse, Vivienne Tam and Kandinsky are all artists that have found inspiration in this timeless staple, so too will the customers, the retail financiers are hoping.

By: Shayna Kulik

October 29, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik