Karen Mainenti has one of those jobs many of us crafty people dream about- she designs for Martha Stewart Living’s holiday department. Her delightfully patterned textiles and accessories have been instrumental in keeping the season fresh for over ten years, evading the tired clichés this particular season can be known for. In addition to today’s Q+A, we’re delighted to welcome Mainenti on-board as Pattern Pulp’s newest contributor. We’re excited to see what she comes up with as well as expand our content offerings. Check out today’s interview for insight into how a nontraditional path paired with talent and determination can lead to creative (and professional) success.
Valeria Pesqueira
A brand that makes you smile. In 2001, Argentine designer, Valeria Pesqueira, founded her fashion label, PESQUEIRA, with that simple philosophy. She has certainly succeeded. Her innovative use of high-quality materials, bright, fresh colors and exclusive kawaii prints would make anyone happy. Pesqueira sells her classically modern clothing from her flagship store in Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires, in addition to distributing to worldwide retailers such as Bird in New York, Le Bon Marche in Paris, the MoMA Stores worldwide, as well as Nano Universe in Tokyo. Check out our Q&A for a bit of insight into Valeria’s world of pattern and inspiration.
Emil Kozak
Influenced by skateboarding culture, his homebase of Barcelona and a healthy dose of creative irony, Emil Kozak has become a leader of what’s relevant in today’s graphic market. Devising obscure references through words, objects and codes, Kozak has produced artwork for clients ranging from Vans, Element, and Burton, to Nike, Lab Skateboards and Uniqlo. “I hope that my work can remind us that imagination can defy gravity and bend time.” Kozak’s mantra is yet another example of trends in design bridging both space and time. Check out our Q+A for a glimpse into the world of this vector wunderkind.
Nasa* We Love You!
Street art, album covers, clothing, logo treatments, paintings, sneakers– what doesn’t Nasa* do? Nasa*, aka Hernan Mariano Lombardo, lives and works as a designer, store owner and creative collaborator in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Like so many of our favorites, Nasa*’s vast breadth of work is heavily influenced by street, skate and architecture. Pattern Pulp recently had the pleasure of catching up with this talented artist in his Palermo Hollywood boutique, Love You. The store, which doubles as an art gallery, was founded by both Nasa* and his partner Soma, and features work by several local artists. Check out our Q&A and get inspired by his endless energy!
Pattern Bakery
Patterns are on the rise in Helsinki, as four very talented women have recently joined forces to found the design studio, Pattern Bakery. Beyond having a wonderful company name, Maria, Salla, Miia and Minttu all compliment each other quite strategically with a unified goal and varying creative backgrounds. After first discovering this studio on Bloesem, we decided to throw a few questions their way to further understand their design process. Check out our Q+A for a glimpse into the world of this pattern-minded printing studio. We’re expecting big things from this creative quad.
Lucila Lotti
Sexy, unexpected, and attention getting. It’s everything you could want in a high heel, and it’s everything that Lucila Iotti delivers. Iotti started the eponymous label in her hometown of Buenos Aires where her father, Jorge Iotti, began his tailoring shop in 1920. In a city obsessed with shoes, her creations stand out with their eye-popping colors and mix of unexpected textures, including vinyl, patent leather, suede and leather. It’s certainly no surprise that her bold designs caught the attention of Patricia Field, Sex and the City’s infamous costume designer. We love Iotti’s latest collection, inspired by Brazil’s Carnival, and can’t wait to see what this innovator comes up with next. Check out our Q&A with this passionate Latina who is just as colorful as her shoes (even the electric orange and blue pair)!