Fashion: Surrealist Hares

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At the first sign of spring, bunnies start to emerge. This year’s been no exception, as countless prints and mediums have shared the unifying theme often associated with Easter. The 2009 trend has appeared to take a refreshing left turn away from the usual pastel cuteness. As seen in Bergdorf Goodman‘s windows last month, sophisticated gilded frames balance loose contour bunny portraits. Jäniksen Vuosi’s rabbit toss for Marimekko‘s Autumn 09/10 collection presents a playful overlay of translucent silhouettes.

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Cineplexx Picnic, a photo and design project by Pattern Pulp favorite, Alan the Gallant, collages rabbit profiles for the cover of their European music album. Combining fantasy photography with real life story telling, Tim Walker’s UK Vouge photoshoot embraces the ideas of fertility, sexuality and femininity with the use of color, layout and subject matter. Translating these surreal storylines into wearable fashion, Eley Kishimoto creates a dali-esque toss with leaping rabbits frozen in motion.

April 13, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Event: Patternpalooza

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Though Pattern Pulp typically veers away from gimmicky marketing, the creative efforts made by New York’s Housing Works, shouldn’t go unnoticed. Housing Works raises millions in yearly aid through their high-end thrift stores, selling discounted local merchandise in an effort to combat AIDS and community homelessness. The next time your couch or sweater needs a home, consider calling this wonderful organization, as weekend sales events like Patternpalooza help keep the organizational wheels oiled. Stop by the west village location this weekend for more info…and a cheetah sweater.

March 25, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Fashion: Armed with Asymmetry

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Back in the day when garments were handmade, nearly everything was asymmetrical. Sleeves were slightly off and patchwork signified frugal living. With the evolution of mass market technology and overseas production, asymmetry has taken a back seat, proving that sameness sells, particularly when the tween market is buying. As it often goes when trends become the norm, designers resurface classically ancient styles, merging them with bizarre twists. Ashish, an up and coming star in the UK, showcased a collection of fiercely vibrant designs during London Fashion week, merging ostentatious safari trends with asymmetrical sleeve details. Following suit, brilliant fashion illustrations can be found in the February edition of Citizen K Magazine, highlighting a Little Marc giraffe sweater.

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The commercialization of arm detailing is an interesting oxymoron, particularly when it bears rebellious roots. Comme des Garçons, a continual front runner in fashion trends has toned down it’s usual flair with this dip-dyed shirt from their PLAY line. Kazuo presents an extremely tame version of textile patchwork, though it should be noted that when I googled the company name, a mesmerizing film popped up, documenting the escape of a factory fabric roll. Adding a feminine twist to this trend, Luella’s one-shoulder cocktail dress incorporates varied textures to convey confident elegance.

March 19, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Fashion: User Generated Contest

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Marketing teams love to engage their clients’ customers. For loyal fans, nothing can quite compare to customizable products that are both useful and super cool. Last week, a friend and former colleague, J. Nordberg, passed along the link to Champion’s Hoodie Contest, the athletic company’s latest attempt at rebranding their 80’s style sweats. “I think the contest appeals to its core audience who are urban individuals exerting control over their lives and their style, not to mention, its fun! You can totally make mistakes and not have to pay for them and if you come up with a beautifully designed hoodie, it feels like your own creation. It also internalizes the brand,” says Nordberg. Though this concept certainly isn’t a new one, the submissions thus far are staggeringly different and quite striking. Spend your lunch hour getting creative, facebook servers could use the break!

March 18, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Fashion: Mandatory Headgear

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I’m not really an extreme sports kinda girl. Every time I take my bike out for a ride, the only thing that stops me from returning it to the bike room is the fact that a protective path leads me to Bleeker Street and a helmet is covering my head. Imagery of taxi doors opening and tourist collisions are on repeat until my destination’s been reached. Neurotic perhaps, but appropriate for an accident-prone city like New York. Finding cool headgear to match my “coffee and muffin” bike hasn’t been easy, though the designers at Nutcase, have certainly presented fashionable options. Borrowing from the snowboarding aesthetic that made companies like Burton and 686 popular, Nutcase speaks to the creative loudmouth with their bright and playful designs.

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Les Ateliers Ruby caters to the fashionable motorcyclist or vespa enthusiast. Using glossy photography and a gorgeous subject matter, this French helmet company has certainly earned it’s place in the luxury sector.

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Though this post is primarily dedicated to headgear, I’d be neglecting the purpose of Pattern Pulp if I let these two examples slide. Velorbis of Denmark is known for their beautiful (and practical) product offerings. Using an all-over Japanese floral, this Pannier makes me wish I had more to carry on my daily route. In an effort to disguise her helmet while still appearing chic, Shelly from Riding Pretty designed this Sherlock cape and hat combo, a creative adaptation to the oddly famous Snuggie.

March 13, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Spring Strollers with Åsa of Stockholm

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Spring has sprung in Manhattan and that means stroller season has once again returned. As I enjoyed a leisurely Saturday afternoon of people watching and casual reading in Hudson Park, I watched gaggles of moms pass by- each with a luxury stroller darker than the next. I found it odd that no one had decorated their hood, a prime canvas for art. At that very moment, Åsa Rodgers and her beautifully accessorized stroller walked by. Pattern Pulp was lucky enough to catch up with her for a brief chat. “As a new mom I quickly found that the stroller and diaper bag were to become my main accessories, and in my case I was not ready to give in to the dull and practical products I saw in the stores,” said Rodgers. Using her design background, Rodgers quickly solved her own dilemma by launching Åsa of Stockhom Baby Collection from her Tribeca studio.

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Over the past year sales quickly increased as mothers began approaching Rodgers on the street and resultantly became walking advertising for her. “I wanted something unique and beautiful that reflected my own personal style. My inspiration came from great fabric designers who incorporated impeccable quality with playful patterns that I knew my son would love!” In addition to dressing up strollers, Rodgers’ collection now includes matching diaper bags, nursing bibs, baby aprons and booties.

March 9, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik