Book Review: Kenzo

Kenzo Takada arrived in Paris from Japan in 1965 and in 1970 he launched his own fashion house. Breathing new life in print and pattern, Kenzo rode the countercultural wave, proving fashion could be wild, colorful and innovative while simultaneously appealing to mass markets. With an innate skill for merging print influences from the East and West, Kenzo broke away from Parisian haute couture rules by creating a unique vocabulary all his own.

For 40 years Kenzo directed the house and in 2003 turned the artistic direction over to Antonio Marras. Kenzo’s first book is a true collectable, filled with romantic illustrations, lush textiles and playful pop-ups. For purchasing info, click here.

November 18, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Print & Pattern

Pattern guru, Marie Perkins (aka Bowie Style) is surface designer who started a blog on the subject in 2006. Her site, Print & Pattern documents the riot of color and shape that has flourished over minimalism in the past few years. With a dedication that eclipses so many in the blogging world, Bowie’s blog has evolved into a cult favorite among design and pattern enthusiasts. In 2008, she put a call out for submissions from pattern designers to compile a book based off her blog. The results are a stunning compilation that mirrors today’s creators. Whether used as a means of gleaning inspiration, appreciating design or giving creative novices a look at the people behind the work, Print & Pattern belongs on every designer’s shelf.

November 9, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Letterpress Love

Letterpress printing has been a comeback king in recent years. More and more stationary companies, design companies and designers have appropriated the old school technique and given it new life. In Reinventing Letterpress, or its American counterpart, The Little Book of Letterpress, Charlotte Rivers pays tribute to the designers of this resurgence by showcasing their lovely creations and telling the story behind each piece. The book also dishes the history of the craft and a background on different types of presses and techniques. A truly great find, brimming with color, crisp design and beautiful letterpress. Whether you’re a letterpress aficionado, curious about the art, or looking for some inspiration, it’s worth checking out this book.

October 27, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Marian Bantjes, I Wonder

Marian Bantjes is a star in the design world. As an artist, designer, illustrator, typographer and writer, there’s few things she doesn’t excel at creatively. In making her unique hand-lettering, strange and compelling patterns, intense vector art and thoughtful prose, she’s always pushing the boundaries of what’s expected. You may have read about her recent quandary with Puff Daddy’s rip off of her distinctive hand lettered works.

Bantjes’ new book, I Wonder, is filled with old and new artwork created solely for this publication. The black and gold cover is as compelling as the inside contents. The writings and artwork are interdependent and flow together to create a narrative that’s a delectable feast for the eyes, mind and heart. Click here to buy.

October 21, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: The Exquisite Book

It’s sometimes assumed that once you’re an adult, you should stop playing games. However, when 100 contemporary artists join together in a modern version of the Surrealist game, The Exquisite Corpse, that notion is shot down with a single glance. Conceived by the ever-talented members of the design company, ALSO, aka, Julia Rothman, Jenny Volvovski and Matt Lamothe, the book consists of ten chapters of whimsy from ten amazing artists.

The Exquisite Book was conceived as an experiment in collaboration and book-making. Each piece of art was created specifically for the project. Two years and 100 artists later, each of the ten chapters unfold like an accordion for a truly vivid, inspiring viewing experience and serves, on the whole, as a wonderful, unique collection of work from so many of today’s most talented artists and designers. To purchase, click here.

September 22, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Nick Cave's Latest

Not too long ago, we were strolling through The Strand bookstore and happened upon Nick Cave’s book, Meet Me at the Center of the Earth. We flipped through a few pages, smiling as we remembered when we first discovered his work, and were once again amazed by his talent. The pages literally pop with all of the wonderful colors and textures resplendent in his creations. Then the September issue of Vogue came out with some of Cave’s latest movable sculptures, surely garnering him a few more fans and, as we’ve noted, seemingly inspiring a legion of monster-esque, highly texturized and transformed models. If you’re interested in his work and have never made it to one of his exhibitions – or even if you have – this book is a wonderful catalogue of his work and a stunning piece to own as its content is a feast for the eyes.

September 16, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik