Gift Fair: Jonathan Adler

Every optic sweater needs a matching headpiece! In a playful attempt to engage their customers and fans, the Jonathan Adler team has devoted a portion of their site to user generated content, titling it, “Show Us Your JA Style.” The lovely Starrett Zenko convinced me to get in on the action and model my rust and navy colors. It’s safe to say that the new products and patterns are in line with what we’ve come to expect from the Jonathan Adler brand. They’re playful, sophisticated and easy accents that’ll add zing to any room. From overlapping colors to optic Hollywood metallics to geometrics and a clever candy dish, there’s something for everyone in the new Fall/Holiday line.

August 20, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Gift Fair: Mud Puppy Magnets

Patterns and magnets- what could be a better combo? Everyone’s seen the alphabet fridge letters and the magnetic poetry kits by now, so it was quite exciting to see a departure from the norm at Mud Puppy’s booth this week. With a bit of styling help from my ShelterPop buddy, Amy Preiser, we were able to craft a new playful logo for Pattern Pulp. One of the best parts of the gift show is getting to touch and play with new product, and luckily for us, the ladies at Mud Puppy were more than generous when we hijacked their display. Be on the lookout for these decorative kits this Fall!

August 19, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Gift Show: Gallery 91 + Wasara

Nearly every design-minded gift giver’s crossed paths with a cute vase from Gallery 91 at least once last year. These lovely Japanese vases are functional, minimalist and highly transportable. Their latest collection at this week’s gift fair takes a pattern leap of faith, presenting an array of candy colored textures paired alongside organic metallic shapes. The line is sophisticated and light, proving you don’t have to break the bank to have a classy centerpiece.

Walking past the booth, you immediately know the paper pieces are from WASARA, a Japanese company, as the subtle detail and intricate messaging forces the viewer to stop and contemplate. Everything from the angular lighting to the asymmetrical curves to the minuscule paper cuts reminds you that these paper goods are special. Everything is single-use and fully compostable. The exclusive importer and distributor, Branch has been selling these table items since 2009. I not so secretly hope the MoMA store picks them up so we can all enjoy them this holiday season.

August 17, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Gift Fair: John Robshaw

Simply put, John Robshaw is a massive force in the homegoods industry. His worldly prints and travel-inspired merchandise have driven the ethnic trend for years now. His customers are loyal and his competitors, envious. Walking by the booth, I spotted Robshaw, live in the flesh, cheerfully walking buyers through his latest collection. The newest additions carry an Egyptian theme, revealing block print hieroglyphics and nile-inspired repeats. The thematic parallels are similar to Robshaw’s previous collections, reminding us that Robshaw loves to infuse and overlap his travel adventures.

August 16, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Gift Fair: Koko Company

Over the next few days I’ll be posting Pattern Pulp’s favorites from this week’s gift show. Unsurprisingly, geometrics, french/indian-inspired prints and apothecary influences are in full swing, proving the commercial buying power these trends have in the homegoods sector. One of the most vibrant executions is on display at Koko Company’s booth. Stitched organic, geometric repeats over printed patterns make up the pillow and bedding spreads, showing differentiating color palettes. Whether the stories take the rust/navy/gold angle or the pink/mint/lime avenue, the quilted effect makes for a unique display. I was serendipitously dressed for the occasion so we snapped a shot!

August 16, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Pattern Blocked Storytelling

In the branding world, people are forever in search of mood-enhancing visuals. When it comes to print and textiles, the objective is similar, though more tactile. Today’s feature takes pattern-blocking and shows its versatility in storytelling.

Mark Allan Miller is a master at creating nostalgia through pattern and illustration. Realizing this style in home product design, this pillow from the Parisian homegoods store, Bensimon takes a similarly bold and illustrative approach. Veering away from this minimalist style, Jamal Vrno makes mixing and matching fun, proving the right patchwork can emit any message.

August 10, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik