Budget Friendly Prints from Europe

I recently returned from eight days in London and Spain…which were a dream…after combatting the jet lag, of course. These patterns are just a few of many that I snapped while in Marylebone, Mallorca, Ibiza and Barcelona…the top left is of a door in Ibiza that shares a striking resemblance to a moire pattern. The second “wind and energy” print is from the Swedish store, And Other Stories (a personal favorite). There’s a simplicity to it that I just love. The bottom left is a new release from Zara, but I swear it looks like a Marni duplicate…can anyone confirm? The last print is from Monki, another Swedish store geared towards the young at heart with a few sophisticated basics (think Aritzia). I love the neon.

August 18, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Budget Buys: Rachel Comey Sale

For those of you in New York, looking to score a few more beautiful discounted pieces, Rachel Comey is hosting a sample sale today and tomorrow. Styles will be 50-80% off clothing, shoes and accessories. I have my eye on this beautiful marble print…it looks like a paint/water/mineral mashup.

July 11, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Color, Collage & Chad Wys

There’s a seriousness to Chad Wys’ work that feels very fresh in it’s storytelling. While some elements are familiar, like the color blocking and dripped coats, the ever-evolving collection has a point of view that’s purposeful and original in it’s familiarity.

A major strand throughout much of my artwork, beyond the broader inquirers into what art means socially, is the notion of object: object ownership, objectification of history, objectification of people, objectification of artwork and its many mediums; objectification of aesthetic pleasure; etc. I often explore/exploit the idea of objecthood: how we decorate our lives with arbitrary, as well as meaningful, things; how we objectify the ones we love and the strangers we see; how we objectify pain and death; how we objectify complex and sensitive cultural histories. I’m also deeply interested in understanding the reception of art, the reception of objects, and how extrinsic and intrinsic influences affect individuals’ reception of the visuality they experience.

At the core, Wys’ work is a development of composition, color and form, pairing materials and gestural strokes in brilliant simplicity. if you’re a fan, check out his shop on Society6.

May 19, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

A Kleenex & Mizrahi Collaboration

When’s the last time you were sick, and at the drugstore buying tissues? Did you opt for design over softness…or both? Whenever I’m restocking, I’m always annoyed at how loud the patterns are and entirely unsuited for my apartment. Then, I realize I’ve been standing in the aisle for an embarrassingly long time and just choose whatever’s softest and cheapest and dash for the cashier. I have to believe I’m not alone.

Here’s where Kleenex has amped up their visibility. They’ve partnered with Isaac Mizrahi in the hopes of adding a fashion touch to a clinical product. I’ll admit it’s a valiant attempt. While the patterns are still rather loud, (I’d love to see a subtler textured collection), the marketing video’s fun- a street Q&A, asking regular people if the patterns are from fashion or tissues. Have a watch– what do you think?

February 27, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Japanese Giving & British Illustration

A few years ago, I visited Kyoto and completely lost myself in a Furoshiki store. I learned that the art of gift giving goes far beyond the actual object, and that the care and intricacy of the wrapping holds nearly the same weight as the present. Today’s post features the beautiful illustration work of british designer, Hannah Waldron of The Hilda Express. This cotton satin wrapping cloth doubles as a scarf and is a collaboration of East meets West, as the art was devised in London and printed in Tokyo. It features a menagerie of fine lines, loops and geometric shapes and at $48, seems like quite a bargin. If you’re interested in seeing more, check out The Link Collective’s other Etsy items, you won’t be disappointed.

November 19, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Budget Buy: Geometric Menagerie

1MARGO SELBY

If you’re a fan of mosaic collages, it’s your lucky day, as Margo Selby‘s intricate pillows are for sale on One Kings Lane. Selby’s textiles play with alternating shapes, using color to convey depth and sophistication. If you’d like to learn more about her woven technique, sign up for a Whitstable Workshop, as she offers lessons for beginners and experienced weavers. There are a few spots available for June 22 and 23rd, grab em while you can (if you’re a London local)!

May 21, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik