It’s hard not to love Barneys. From Simon Doonan’s infamous Madison Ave. windows to the snarky advertising and retail displays, this department store is one step ahead when it comes to forward fashion business practices. Once again, their warehouse sale has descended upon us and if you live in NY or LA, it’s not a bad idea to check it out. Everything from Thakoon dresses to Marni shorts to Vena Cava shirts are considerably discounted from Feb 11th – Feb 28th. Click here to find out more!
Over the next few days we’ll be rolling out various gift guides from a pattern point of view. Today we’re focusing on the little ones. Whether you’re in the market for your own kids, your friends kids or your beloved pets, we’ve got crafty ideas to inspire creative giving at every price point. Take a look and let us know what’s on your list this holiday season!
1. ShapeMaker by Miller Goodman, $54
2. Organic Fun Dough, $15 and up
3. Doodles: A Really Giant Coloring and Doodling Book, $18.95
4. Bla Bla Tiger Doll, $36
5. And to Name but Just a Few, Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, $12
6. Cheyenne Collar + Leash Set, $65 and up
7. Baby Jungle Dish Box Set, $34
8. Books to Bed: “Corduroy” PJ + Book Set, $46
9. Doggie Houndstooth Sweater, $15 and up
10. Kid Robot Pascagoula Alien, $120
11. Make Your Own Monster Kit, $24
12. Corella Clutching Rattle, $14
Over the past few months, we’ve jumped on the online sample bandwagon. Though many of the wares from Gilt Group, Rue la la and One Kings Lane don’t necessarily bring us to hit the “purchase” button, today’s KUMA collection of teddy bears from Areaware, via One Kings Lane, have us in a buyer’s conundrum. This collection, designed by Ross Menuez, a Pattern Pulp favorite, is chock full of whimsically modern cuddly accessories. Additionally, the collection is comprised of organic cotton and printed with soy-based ink. Aside from the markdown, ease of purchase, and environmentally friendly ethos, we’re certain these bears will put a smile on anyone’s face, young or old.
In our continued advocacy of helmet wearing, we’re spotlighting an age appropriate option for the young rider today. This 5Boro Pigeon League helmet incorporates iconic New York imagery, specifically highlighting urban street life. While this two color pattern translates perfectly for headgear, we strongly believe it could be used on other branded items if Triple Eight were open to expanding their product line. We first noticed this helmet while waiting for a tune up at Metro Bikes, but it can also be found on Triple Eight’s website.
The creative work flowing from Beci Orpin’s Melbourne studio is incredible. Just click on Orpin’s site and you’ll understand that her world of graphic design is more magical than most. A menagerie of colorful mushrooms and fantasy-inspired silhouettes march across the screen with unabashed purpose, preparing the user for a unique mix of commercially friendly, widely applicable artwork. While many are familiar with Orpin through her women’s clothing line, Princess Tina, she has recently closed the doors on this decade long endeavor in an effort to focus on other creative pursuits. Check out our Q+A for a glimpse at Orpin’s creative process in addition to where you can find her creations in the coming season.
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PP: What websites do you generally start your day with-do you have a daily routine for news/blog/information consumption?
BO: I don’t usually have time to check blogs on a daily basis, I would says it is probably more of a weekly occurrence but when I do, the some ones I like are:
reference library
stork bites man
lena corwin
loobylu
meet me at mikes
fine little day
design sponge
the design files
PP: How did you discover your talent and how has it evolved over your career?
BO: I am not sure I discovered it – I had some sort of weird tunnel vision – there was nothing else. Drawing and creating is all I ever wanted to do. I remember 2 defining moments – one when i was 6 and drawing a picture of a wedding, and one when I was about 14 and drawing a cat. I cant remember exactly what happened, but while doing those 2 drawings something clicked and it confirmed that being creative was what I loved, and wanted to do with my life.
PP: Do you discuss your work with other designers? If so, how does that impact your creation process?
BO: Most of my friends are in creative industries, so I guess as part of our general conversation we talk about work. If I am stuck on something and need advice, I know I can always get honest and useful opinions from my partner/husband Raph and my assistant Leah. I think its a very valuable thing to get others opinions, especially when you work for yourself – its easy to get trapped in your own world.
PP: Where do you usually work on your patterns and what is your preferred method of creation + execution?
BO: I work with patterns in many forms, although a lot of my pattern work is for textiles. I have also created patterns for wallpaper, murals, stationery and packaging. As far as method, it depends on what the pattern is for. I don’t have a preferred method and will just do whatever is appropriate for the job. I am really liking hand-collaged paper mixed with computer lately.
PP: When is the last time you took a professional/creative risk?
BO: Last November I decided to stop creating the women’s clothing line, Princess Tina. After 8 years I had just had enough and felt it wasn’t relevant to my life anymore and decided to put all my energy into freelancing, my kids line (tiny mammoth), and a new line I am doing under my own name. It was a risk because Princess Tina was still generating income for us and giving it up meant that income was no longer going to be there. Though from the beginning, Raph and I decided that we don’t run our own business just to make money, we have to love all the projects we work on 100%. I have never regretted leaving for one second and think by dedicating more time to other things, they will in turn replace some of the income Princess Tina brought in…. or maybe i will have to get real job instead!
PP: Do you incorporate commercial trends into your work and if so, is this a factor that drives your design?
BO: I try not to follow trends as such, but I think it does happen sub-consciously sometimes. Obviously when you are following a brief from a client, sometimes you have to follow trends. If I do, I at least try and interpret them in new ways.
So you’re talented and terrified of not staying relevant in the ever-evolving digital marketplace. For the patternmakers out there working strictly by hand, you’re in luck if willing to expand upon your skill set. Orli Sharaby, the fashion editor for PSFK, recently forwarded us some uplifting news which she spotted on the blog, Fashion Biz Inc. FBI just announced the launch of a brand new free program for unemployed patternmakers set to start at the end of April. Courtesy of a grant provided by Microsoft Corporation, this special program offers free training to unemployed patternmakers who need to improve or enhance their computer skills in order to obtain full time employment. Alternatively, if you’re a graphic designer looking to hop the fence onto the crafty side, the Etsy Labs in Brooklyn offer periodic patternmaking classes. Sounds like a great opportunity to see if the grass is actually greener on the other side.