Brand Collaboration: CB2 x The Hill-Side

During a recent perusal of CB2 on a hunt for wall shelving, I came across an interesting brand collaboration. The Hill-Side, a menswear company founded by Emil and Sandy Corillo recently teamed up with the home goods store to infuse pattern and masculine urban themes into bedding and living accessories.

Made locally in New York City, the brand specializes in unique patterns and selvage-themed fabric. Founded initially as a tie and handkerchief company, they’ve since expanded to mens fashion and most recently, into home goods -as evident by this commercial partnership. The floral theme is enlarged, minimized and deconstructed in ways that feel neutral and complimentary to warm woods, leathers and stripes. I’m a big fan of the line and the varied application of pattern. Kudos to both creative teams.

January 20, 2016 | By: Shayna Kulik

The Women of Al Kawtar Marrakech

I’ve been sitting on the post for a while, but wanted to finally get it out into the world. While traveling through Marrakesh earlier this Spring, my good friend Lisa and I made a stop to an incredible non-profit for women with disabilities, called Al Kawtar. Al Kawtar was founded in 2006 and has evolved into a full-service center that includes meals, transportation, physical rehab, technical training and medical support. The women are taught how to sew and embroider and are given an opportunity to be independent and earn a salary in a safe and dignified environment.

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The visit was incredible – in that the women were extremely kind, supportive of each other and skilled at their craft. The head woman in charge walked us through the center and showed us how everything worked and what the products looked like from concept through production. She also ran us through the itemized pricing and how she managed the work flow and international orders.

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It was obvious there was a lot of pride in the pieces that were being made. It’s also worth noting that everything was very unique and extremely commercial. I remember seeing a stack of handbags on one of the tables – where the body of the bag was a converted Moroccan pillow case with florescent embroidered clasps and embellishments. I wanted to buy one, but was told they were part of a big order for a boutique in Paris.

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I discovered on the last leg of my trip through France that this specific collection went to Bensimon’s home shop. The mark up was expectedly significant, though in all honesty, the prices seemed fair and reasonable along the production food chain. It almost seemed expensive for wholesale pricing – which was refreshing to see the collective getting a fair rate for their handmade goods.

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I ended up designing two bags on the fly, which surprisingly only took 24hrs to assemble. I was able to pick them up the next day before heading out and was elated with how they came out. In addition to these incredible clutches, there were embroidered friendship bracelets, pot holders, baby clothing, robes, tunics, blankets and napkins. Everything had a hint of French flair with beautifully embroidered accents. Here’s a video that shares a window into their world. If you can support Al Kawtar by visiting when you’re in Marrakesh or placing a custom order for your shop, definitely do it, you won’t be disappointed.

August 17, 2015 | By: Shayna Kulik

Illustrate Patterns with Julia Rothman

Julia Rothman is always creating something magical- be it wallpaper with hand drawn motifs, books to guide you as you roam about observing life, or environments for creation, where up-and-comers and experienced colleagues can share tips and tools to push each other forward. It’s inspiring to watch her build, nourish and support the illustration community.

Rothman’s latest collaboration runs along the same lines and is an exciting opportunity for anyone looking to dip their toes in the world of surface design. Together with Skillshare, she’s created an online course to teach the technical ins and outs of pattern making. I highly recommend it for artists at any level who want to jump right in and start making again. Click here to sign up and keep learning!

July 23, 2015 | By: Shayna Kulik

Textiles at the Brooklyn Art Museum

If you’re looking for a bit of textile inspiration, check out the Brooklyn Art Museum. They have some wonderful pieces to inspect – like this Ted Hallman wall hanging from 1965. Hillman is an American artist who was a true vanguard in mixed media and textile development in the late 1950’s. He would combine natural fibers with acrylic, then experiment weaving them together.

This elevator door was designed by the American artist, Louis Henry Sullivan and is from the Chicago Stock Exchange in 1893. It’s thought that Sullivan’s work was simplified by his most famous disciple, Frank Lloyd Wright – as his other wrought iron works were more intricate. It’s pretty remarkable who relevant and almost current this pattern is today.

If you head up to the fifth floor, you’ll find a robust library of African textiles. While these patterns may seem similar, they represent varied political, social, religious and personal beliefs. Each repeat conveys wealth, power, ideas and artistic styles from across the continent. This section was complimented by a large series of videos, sculptures and cultural paintings.

June 29, 2015 | By: Shayna Kulik

Homegoods at Autour Du Monde

People often ask which stores are an important barometer of what’s fresh in and around Paris. There are the obvious spots (Merci Merci, Colette, Tom Greyhound)…and Le Marais and Pigalle at large, but I never go without paying a visit to Bensimon’s home and lifestyle store, Autour Du Monde.

Here are a few snapshots from my most recent visit. Things were quite modern and geometric. As usual, there were pink and yellow florescent accents to compliment linen homewear. It’s also worth noting the clever ceramic, lighting and bedding items that were a reminder that we’re still in a color-blocked trend cycle. One of my favorite collections was the all-over print tennis sneakers – a collaboration with Corso Como, Milan’s best known concept store. They almost look like something Shantell Martin would draw.

June 22, 2015 | By: Shayna Kulik

Doors Throughout Morocco

I was recently telling a friend about my travels throughout Morocco, and she said that her father used to buy old Moroccan doors and ship them to America. The endeavor sounded equally arduous and enterprising.

All throughout the country, multicolored patterned doors fill the streets. There are engravings, paintings and metal work that nod to the rich cultural roots.

Here are a few snaps from Fez, Essaouira and Marrakesh. Compared to their textiles, the designs are tame, but on their own, they stand as incredible works of functional art.

May 27, 2015 | By: Shayna Kulik