Renovating with the Pattern Foundry

Last night, I got an note from my friend Laurie titled, Patterny Things. It’s not so uncommon, you know, getting emails like this, as everyone from friends, to past teachers, to coworkers and press people share links along on a near-daily-basis. When Laurie gets excited about something though, I listen up.

The Pattern Foundry‘s doing something cool. They’re not encouraging you to buy textured accessories, they want a greater commitment- they want you installing patterned motifs within the architecture of your home.

From tiling and carpeting to ceramics and woodworking, this collective of UK craftspeople share a common interest in all-things decorative. Have a look at their site, as it might inspire you to refresh and revisit your home basics.

April 15, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Frankie's Homage to Pattern

Happy Monday! With temperatures swinging from 34 to 55 today, it’s another confusing day for the east coasters. Many of us still have Fall fashion on the mind, but with imminent Spring on the horizon, we’re all on the cusp. Frankie’s latest issue hits a nice balance between the seasons- complimenting this sentiment.

Focusing on pattern through design, art, photography and fashion, the latest edition pays homage to texture. Showcasing work from Dinara Mirtalipova (the cover art), Elizabeth Olwen, Kendra Dandy and plates from Crown Lynn, Mikasa, Johnson of Australia and Casual Cream, the layouts are eclectic and the DIY activities, useful. It’s fun to see how various mediums showcase and celebrate the art of pattern. Pick up a copy, I personally think this issue’s a collector’s item.

March 10, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Where Art, Fashion & Retail Meet

How magnificent are these window displays? Bergdorf Goodman’s hit it again, with a truly spectacular collection to beckon the Spring season. Following my personal mantra, that inspiration is rooted in the world of art and politics (and is eventually translated for the masses), the luxury department store has tapped 10 artists, creating one of it’s most successful collaborations to date.

It’s exciting to turn a new generation of artists loose in our windows. We like the idea of using our windows as an evolving gallery to reflect the synergy of art and fashion, says Linda Fargo, Bergdorf’s SVP. If you live in New York and haven’t been by to see the spectacle, put it on your to-do list, and if you live beyond Manhattan, check out these talented artists, they’re making waves today.

Christopher Astley * Mattia Biagi * Kristin Cammermeyer * Sebastian Errazuriz * Lionel Esteve * Peter D. Gerakaris * Andrea Mary Marshall * Adam Parker Smith * Kasper Sonne * WXYZ x Laura Wass

PS, the candy constructed wallpaper seems like the feminine compliment to Leonardo Ulian’s work, just as the all-over pom poms reminds us of the dotted chaos trend from two years ago. Right?

February 12, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Textile Trends & Moon Phases

Moon phases have been a mechanism for counting from the beginning of time. The ability to track progress through shadows and light is magnificent concept, and artists from all over the globe have been harnessing this as inspiration for their work.

At the top (1), we have art printed on textiles from the Bulan Project. Bulan means “moon” in Indonesian, and is the guiding light for Elle Luna, the artist behind the series. (2) is a peasant blouse by HD in Paris, that’s a new arrival on Anthopologie’s website and (3) is one of twelve unique calendar pages by the print studio, Clementine and Pickle. To purchase, click here.

January 29, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Fashion Tech & DIY: Print All Over Me

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Over the past two weeks, several guy friends have emailed me about a new pattern-centric site. I’ve taken note. Who else has heard of Print All Over Me?

The concept behind this company’s a playful and inviting one, offering clothing templates, printing, and web storefront services to designers and fashion enthusiasts alike. The shapes are simple, yet interesting, in an American Apparel kind of way. We love the idea of simplifying the design process, where all you need to do is upload an image or a pattern to get started. Hopefully there will be quality control and a curatorial eye to keep the merchandise as fresh as the shapes.

Kudos and congrats to co-founders Jesse and Meredith Finkelstein on the launch. Excited to see how and where it evolves.

December 4, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Two Brains and a Work of Art

We have our left brain and we have our right brain and then we have this. Who here’s heard of Mwat Mwat? It’s a lovely and simple illustration/coloring book for kids that encourages two trains of thought. Designed and sold in Paris, I stumbled upon it through the Nelly Rodi newsletter and am a huge fan. For those of you with kids, what do you think, are you into it?

November 21, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik