Trend: Shredding Paper

During the recession, paper displays were everywhere, from window storefronts to ironic advertising campaigns. Unsurprisingly, they’re continuing to make the rounds, however this time with great energy and the help of a shredder. Using a basic white palette, Kensie texturizes white paper bushels behind their model. Simulating movement on a 2D surface, this canvas at the Hirshhorn (artist unknown) uses mixed media to create similar chaos. Implementing the wildly popular terrarium for a preserved effect, Liberty of London recently proved a budget can force boundless creativity.

February 16, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Blue Nostalgic Ladders

Advertisers and marketers are always trying to pull at our nostalgia strings as it’s been proven that the most successful campaigns nearly always bring us back to childhood. This Oreo ad entitled, Milk’s Favorite Cookie, is an delightful attempt at just that, as is this Slide Heel by Israeli footwear designer, Kobi Levi.

January 26, 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

Merchandising: Matt & Natt

Gilt Groupe loves patterns just as much as we do. It’s evident nearly every time they style an accessories shoot. Last week’s Matt & Natt handbag sale took an instagr.am meets pattern approach with their merchandising hero shot. This gridded layout is fun and functional and nearly always the quick fix when displaying smaller objects.

December 21, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Street Finds: Marc Jacobs Balloons

While this pic isn’t the freshest (it’s from Fashion’s Night Out), it’s a magnificent shot that’s been sitting on my desktop for a while now. Taken by the wonderful Kate Williams of PistolPR at the Marc Jacobs street party this past Fall, patterned balloons abundantly fill the air. What I wouldn’t do for a little taste of summer right now…

December 16, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Typography: San Serif Florals

The popularity of san serif fonts has snowballed since Obama’s branding team put Gotham on the map. Thick letters with modern messages have donned everything from food advertising to tech start up logos to creative retail displays to educational publications. In an attempt to personalize this trend, we’re seeing brands infuse flavor into otherwise neutral letters. Beautiful patterns, textures and effects are a part of Milton Glaser’s latest design for NYU’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Similarly, Ikea’s Garderob site reveals pattern fills incorporating 3D textures. The textured motifs bring these campaigns to life, proving color and pattern nearly always set the mood of the message.

November 30, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik