Hi Everyone!
For those of you heading out to PrintSource today, come by booth A4, where I will be presenting along side my good friend Kimberly Hall of Nottene.
Over the past few months I’ve been creating a new library of over 100 prints for the new seasons. Looking forward to sharing them with you guys.
If you do a compare/contrast of Singapore’s creative class over the past few years, there’s been significant leaps and bounds. My brother and sister-in-law (and now baby) moved there three years ago, and over time and yearly visits, I’ve slowly watched the pages turn. Things finally feel different, like design (beyond the brand) and the appreciation of innovation is weaving it’s way into side streets, cafes and local services.
Makes sense, right? An economic and business hub can only cater to a singular culture for so long before expats and international influences mix things up. I think my brother-in-law, Steven, would agree that creatively, Singapore’s evolving into a melting pot of new ideas, catering to more than just food. Here are few photos from Books Actually, some public housing that looks architecturally interesting, Chinese New Year preparations, my sister-in-law and I on New Years Eve, sugarcane at a Hawkers Center and the most beautiful moving drop display I’ve seen at an airport.
Yesterday we focused on hard motifs and circular themes, today’s devoted to ethereal delights. We’re highlighting the beautiful and enchanting symmetry coming out of the Eskayel Studio. Run by Shana Campanaro and Nick Chacona, this Brooklyn-based company excels in interior fabrics.
I recently spotted their couch at ABC Carpet and wished I could bring it home and make it a permanent part of my living room. There’s a freshness and a familiarity to the work that shines through the color combinations and subtle application of pattern. If you’re looking for a sophisticated gift this holiday season, I’d recommend visiting their shop, as the stationary, iPhone cases, coasters, pillows and baskets would all be stunning additions to any home.
Circular motifs never get old. When history, science and creativity are hinged upon these forces, you realize why cyclical flow is a part of our daily vernacular. Much of the branding and styling I’m attracted to incorporates this concept, and you realize, over time, that it’s actually easy to reinvision a brand, packaging or any design for that matter, if the underlying direction has a timelessness to it.
From the mechanical curves of the Sonos logo to Dan Funderburgh’s recent illustration collaboration in the Manual for Speed, to ABC Carpet’s spiritual and nature-inspired retail merchandising to the graphic styling techniques in this Dazed and Confused spread, all overlap in relatable, defined ways.
Feel free to fwd along…I’d love to start meeting people this week. Thank You!
-Shayna
Living in New York has benefits beyond the obvious. The longer you’re here, the closer you become to the overlapping communities around you. One friend introduces you to the next, and before you know it, you’re discovering talent, discussing relationships, job opportunities, tailors, dentists, apartments, and even encouraging group runs for the next half marathon. Everyday’s different, it’s fun.
Two weeks ago, I went to dinner at my friend Marissa’s new restaurant, Nourish Kitchen & Table (which is lovely, delicious and very healthy- I highly recommend). She teamed up with another friend, Kate Whitlow, for a Pumpkin cook off. Naturally, I was excited about this. While waiting in line to pay, I met Kate’s friend Amy. Before we knew it, we were introducing ourselves, eating pumpkin, drinking wine and talking life at the back table while waiting for our friends to arrive. Our conversation wove its way through music, textiles, women’s rights and the Somaly Mam Foundation’s upcoming gala, where Amy heads up partnerships and business development.
Through Amy, I discovered the talent that is Helen Dealtry. I learned about her studio, her patterns, and her latest venture into bedding. I bookmarked her site to delve into later that night and went home excited to have met someone great.
It only got better. Deltry’s seriously talented. Everything is beautiful, and her style is consistent and impressive through alternating genres. The patterns, scarves, and resulting work from her summer course at The Textile Arts Center is inspiring in a lyrical, organic kind of way. Have a look, you won’t be disappointed.