Pattern Pulp

Trend: Casting Shadows




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Light will always be a source of inspiration. From free hand shadow puppets to mood-induced candle lighting, shadows have a way of revealing an alternate reality. Recently, we’ve been noticing an equal importance between objects and the shadows they cast.  Maiko Takeda, an ’09 graduate from Central St Martins, recently applied this concept in her final academic project entitled, Cinematography Collection. Takeda’s jewelry casts an elaborate shadow upon the body, weaving organic movement with man made metals. Using a similar theory, Peter Burning’s ceiling lights project elaborate flower-like patterns on the surrounding wall space.  Moving into the world of whimsy, Marc Philbert’s fashion photography is no stranger to light and patterns as he incorporates beautiful women with color and contrast.

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Light boxes can be easily crafted, as demonstrated on Design*Sponge this past December.  Using canvas, paint and a creative concept, conversational or decorative art can make it’s way into your home.  Taking this idea up a few notches, Jo Meesters, a Pattern Pulp favorite, has thrown a sophisticated spin on a would-be cabinet by converting it into an over sized light box.

Additional Contributions by: Emily Gup

Beauty Marketing & High-Heeled Houndstooth




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The 50th anniversary of Barbie has ushered in product upon product over the past year.  From Karl Lagerfeld’s Colette exhibition in March, to the above Stila compact that’s currently on sale at Gilt Groupe, Barbie’s impact upon the commercial design community has deeply influenced patterns over the past season.  As we pointed out in mid April, houndstooth is a staple many artists take the liberty of altering. Here we have a high heel repeat that’s a refreshing reminder of how one can merge stiff commercial marketing guidelines with creative themes and a colorful palette.

Trend: Crayon Colored Balloons




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Summer’s finally here and balloons appear to be the signifier of the season.  Be it literal or interpretive, pastel floaters have gained an inspirational edge, as it’s hard to resist a balloon’s youthful, colorful zeal.  Artists and photographers seem to be using balloons to convey messaging representative of our time, mixing hopeful optimism with realistic and momentary pleasure. Tiara Mia of Turkey has photographed an incredible layout, using a string of vibrant balloons to convey color, mood and atmosphere.  Dipping into the Vogue archives, Dolce & Gabbana have recently curated the exhibit, Extreme Beauty in Vogue, in correlation with the launch of their latest makeup campaign. This June 1949 photograph by Clifford Colin glorifies the swimming cap while reminding us of this familiar prop.

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In conveying hope and wonder, Disney Pixar, Bloomingdales and Dior have all devised their own interpretations of the familiar phrase, “up, up and away.”

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Sliding into the figurative realm, the Kyouei Design team of Japan reference balloons (as well as wine) with their “glass tank” prototype.  This light filled spectrum beautifully displays opaque and transparent qualities similar to it’s balloon counterparts, while this ampersand pattern from ffffound cleverly displays floating typography.

Additional contributions by: Emily Gup

Tracking Repetitive + Awesome.
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