Playful vector graphics have timeless appeal. They apply to the youth market and are widely adaptable across multiple platforms. I probably churned out 10 a day when I worked as a children’s footwear designer at my first job in Manhattan. Today, Social Couture‘s vibrant and geometric line is for sale on One Kings Lane. While several of these styles have already sold out, some are still some available. Check them out, as they’re as inspirational as they are gift-worthy!
A little over a year ago, windows graphics were popping up all over the place. Everything from bird feeders to typographic letter treatments to literary picture books where revealing hints of city living. Thirteen months and several trade shows later, the urban landscape continues to flourish. These matchboxes which were reviewed on the popular packaging blog, The Dieline, exemplify the 2D version of the exceedingly popular 3D city in a bag, sold at Muji. Whether we’re celebrating landmarks or brownstone charm, the unique character of city architecture continues to play an inspirational role in product and pattern design.
In another world I’d cover every inch of my hardwood floors with Kyle Bunting rugs. They’re all stunning- meticulous mosaics, pieced together in repeated perfection. Unfortunately for me though, I’m a vegetarian and the thought of stepping on fur really bothers me. Even though I wear leather at leisure and can watch my boyfriend eat pastrami corned beef sandwiches, I draw my home furnishing line here. That being said, it would be foolish to disregard these works of art, as they truly stand out from the crowd and are fitting for the right buyer. A beautiful selection of these vibrant floor coverings are on sale today at Gilt Groupe. Peruse for inspiration or for a purchase!
At first glance, last week’s New Yorker cover by Kathy Osborn seems like a cute parody on rabbits, Easter and Grant Wood’s infamous 1930 farmer portrait. The idea of a family tree composed entirely of bunnies, captured in stylistic unison is humorous, charming and rather surreal. A year ago, Bergdorf Goodman’s window display revealed a wall of hand painted bunnies framed against a green backdrop. Fast forward and we now have framed imagery from Hunt Slonem’s Manhattan oasis showcasing his own homage to the bunny world. Joe Zee, Elle’s Creative Director, always says, two times a coincidence, 3 times a trend, so we ask, are other adorable cuddlies going to continue adorning walls around the world or will these visual stories alternate as whims change and moods shift?
When was the last time you thought to yourself, bold and simple’s the way to go? Perhaps yesterday? Dusen Dusen, a new label by Brooklyn designer, Ellen Van Dusen was featured in a Daily Candy mail out this week, adding fuel to a quickly growing fire that graphic designers are embracing triangles, squares and circles again.
Whether the patterns are primal and bold, as exhibited by Dusen Dusen and Suki Cheema, or being used to manipulate text, as evident by Urban Outfitter‘s most recent logo design, one thing’s for sure, mismatched shapes aren’t going away anytime soon. Suki Cheema’s recently launched home collection was one of the best displays at this year’s gift show, and a breath of fresh air from endless aisles of Tory Burch-like geometrics. Using just a grid and creative geometry, designers are proving that primal can be interesting, so long as the shapes convey color and movement.
At my first job out of college, I worked as a pattern designer for women’s and children’s footwear. I think I must have churned out hundreds of patterns a year, and of that total, a good majority of those were filled with animals and insects . Kids love these little guys, as do parents, so you can imagine my delight when I stumbled upon Wee Gallery‘s sample sale on One Kings Lane today. Surya Sajnani’s lino cut style is very trend forward and quite reminiscent of Hugo Guinness and Perla Anne‘s illustrations. The cards are half off, and perfect for framing or for just letting someone know they’re special.