Every few months we share a new take on the all-over-patterned look. It’s forever getting a facelift and finding it’s way through various cultures and set designs. Remember this, this and this? Well today we’re sharing Max Gazzè‘s album art which we found on Luz Photo, a Milan-based photo agency. Shot by Barbara Oizmud, this blue and white classical theme rings true to Gazzè’s Italian roots, presenting textured shapes representative of a grand bedroom and library.
Forever graphic aficionados, when we stumbled across Danielle Wright and Sandi Falconer’s leather purse and accessory line, Falconwright, and were completely smitten. They’ve appropriately done a collaboration with Urban Outfitters, though the best selection of goods can be found on their website. In addition to the playful pouches, it’s worth noting that their photography and set design are as fun as the product. Fantastic branding all around.
If you haven’t paid a recent visit to the Gap, we highly recommend it. Their latest collaboration with DVF is as bright and cheerful as the billboards suggest. The palettes have a playful sophistication and the clothing’s a mini replica of Furstenberg’s signature looks. In addition to the oversized giraffes and textured elephants, you’ll find dresses, onesies, stretch pants, raincoats, swimsuits, beach balls and footwear. The collection includes 50 items that are toddler to few year appropriate.
In another life, I would have moved to Manhattan, followed in my grandfather’s footsteps and become a window dresser. As a teenager, I was one of the rare birds who put the profession on a pedestal, as two of my favorite men killed it in the field- Jim Shocket, Hiriam Walker’s merchandiser extraordinaire, and well, Simon Doonan, the man who revived and rebranded Barney’s after their financial crash of the 80’s. I remember reading his book in college, promising myself that I, too, would combine small things in mass and craft witty displays that hit high and low culture.
Fast forward, and the picture’s a bit different today. I’m designing, writing and connecting, not prop styling, though still very much obsessed with the commercial art form. I’ve always believed it’s a way to expose the public to creative commentary- so the task should be taken seriously.
As serendipity would have it, during my first week of paid work in New York, I rode the elevator up with Mr. Doonan. I was in lime green new balances and polka dotted slacks (a la Lena Dunham). He was wearing a floral shirt, lavender tie and tinted glasses and had a serious, focused presence. All I could hear was my heart racing, as the numbers inched their way to our floor. Those were my shyer days when all I wanted to do was speak up- give him a compliment, talk about papier mache, the New York Observer, or just ask if he needed a hand in the office…but before I knew it, the ride was over, he took a left, and I a right. Of course I later learned that Barney’s visual workshop was on our floor…pretty cool, but what a tease.
So back to today’s post…Bergdorfs. Last week I had errands uptown, and when I’m near Central Park, I try to hit the nearby department stores. The Spring displays were in full swing, and as I was exiting the women’s ready-to-wear floor, I happened to catch the magic in the making in the homegoods department by the escalator. I got permission to snap a few shots. Here we have the Greek Islands going up, and while it felt a bit intrusive, I was really excited to document the work in progress. Expressive and mediterranean, just like the plates.
Walking along the Hudson last weekend, something seemed off. The birds weren’t the typical bunch. My husband, who’s somewhat of an aviary guy, started to stare in fascination- he was certain these weren’t ‘New York’ birds. As we stared at the ever-growing flock in Battery Park City, we realized that these circlers were in migration. They were making a weekend pit-stop (insert amusing NYC joke here), much like my McDonald coffee breaks along I95. Coincidentally (or perhaps not), the next day I stumbled across this fantastic mural by Kai and Sunny, measuring 20 x 26ft, entitled Migration East. It’s lively and energetic, much like the real thing.
In anticipation of the blustery snow I’ll be shoveling on my visit to Rhode Island this weekend, I have snowflakes on the mind. This origami display shines sharp in it’s perfect precision. Paper always has the ability to convey multiple moods when well lit and properly prepared. The Miwa Alex Salon of New York hit it on the nail, wouldn’t you say?