Retail: Pulling Strings

Over the past few weeks we’ve been noticing a new trend in the the retail sector. Everyone from Custo Barcelona, Anthropologie and Isabel Marant has been experimenting with string. From florescent sharp edges to crafty corks and quirky block heads, each display reveals a precise and economical take on the brand. Using linear paths to lead the eye, these installations remind us of a recent feature in Theme Magazine. The artist uses electrical tape to construct optical vanishing points, a throw back to the basics and a reminder of what we all learned in art class.

March 22, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Budget Buys: Shopping at Howkapow

Creative people are forever on the hunt to consume. When things start looking the same, which happens whenever a trend takes off, it’s always refreshing to have your trusty go-to spot where the ideas and items are fresh and affordable. Howkapow is the UK’s latest commercial solution to innovation and underground talent. Opened in December 2010 by the husband-and-wife team, Rog and Cat How, it supports and promotes emerging designers with a stand-out, smile-inducing style. We’re fans, have a look for yourself!

1. Pi Pouffe by Fun Makes Good, $175
2. Legs Card by Stone & Spear, $4.63
3. Hand Shadow Dino Ring by Inca Starzinsky, $21.93
4. Harlequin 10-Panel Necklace by Lucy Peacock, $324.93
5. Pha Pha Cushion by Fun Makes Good, $80.42
6. Brian Computer Tweet by Tweed Tom, $178.71

March 3, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Monocromatic Parts

When you follow retail design, it’s hard not to love small things in mass. Today’s feature covers the monochromatic side of commercial clutter. Using texture and shape to create depth, each of these installations keeps the eye roving.

This black sculpture by Louise Nevelson is part of the permanent collection at the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C. Each shadow box tells a story, inviting the viewer to get lost behind each shape. Using molding to fill their most recent window display in Chelsea Market, Anthropologie has created a white linear collage.

Simulating ropes using ceramic, the refurbished Westfield Shopping Center in Sydney, Australia tricks the eye with it’s fantastically intricate exterior.

March 2, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Evening Projections

After returning from the Alt Design Summit, it was fairly evident that incorporating ‘surprising’ touches into your party planning is a very big deal. I’m no stranger to this concept, as I’m often hired to design content for branded activities, however the DIY spirit was in full effect, reminding me to keep a few things off the adobe punch list.

Using digital technology, projections and a starry night theme, all of the imagery above overlaps in one way or another. Casting gem-like projections on back-lit silhouettes, this party, from the pages of Elle Decor proves that subtlety can be elegant and luxurious. Keeping with the color scheme of blue and white, Sofitel, the luxury hotel chain evokes a Peter Pan-like mood with floating pillows. Applying this concept to an enormous symphony hall ceiling, Departures Magazine shares a the stunning results of a concert fueled video projection.

February 1, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Homegoods: Red & White

Red always packs a punch. From the infamous NARS Jungle Red lipstick to the Daily Beast’s signature hex color, FF0000, this hue is best used for urgency or as a decorative accent. In the two cases above, red is woven into each pattern, proving two specific points. For the Fragonard pillow to the left, the floral vine emulates the British flag. The Manuel Canovas advertisement on the right reveals a neutral layout with flat, textured tenacity. Both examples exhibit three things designers should always consider when creating: purpose, intent and a vivid goal.

January 17, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Retail: The White Chair Jumble

Beautiful, busy and budget continues to win when it comes to retail styling. Interestingly, we’ve watched the white chair phenomenon spread around the globe. From the LA fashion boutique, TenOverSix, to the Tokyo concept store, Franc Franc, to London’s Top Shop, to the wine shop, Le Vigne, located in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, jumbled white chairs have become the no-brainer of retail design.

Using a truckload of chairs from a Salvation Army in Newark, NJ, Carlo Orrica, the owner of the NY wine shop, in collaboration with MadLab, was able to achieve creative perfection on a low budget by painting everything glossy white. It’s easy to see how this DIY process has been appealing to many, not to mention the neutral seasonless palette is the perfect backdrop for any display product.

December 16, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik