Accessories: Merging Fashion & Interiors

You know when you’re amped about something and your significant other doesn’t necessarily share your excitement? I wouldn’t go so far as to say that’s’ the case with patterns and textures, but when my husband sends me a link, I take note, as he normally goes about his day finding joy and interest in complete opposite stratospheres.

This morning he shared a link to Ten & Co‘s recent line of Oxfords from Cool Hunting. We both have a personal interest in Turkish and Moroccan rugs- as we’ve recently purchased several Kilims off of ebay. They’re vintage, varied and colorful, just like these shoes. While I’m not sure if the referral was a direct correlation to our interior travails or that he just really like them, the line’s a beautiful and unisex translation of an interior style that’s been popular for a while. Enjoy!

October 16, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Color Forecasting for SS15

Back in May, I met with fellow board members on the CAUS team to hash out, discuss and explore Spring/Summer15 color palettes. Fast forward, and our work just arrived in them mail (which is always kind of thrilling!) in the form of silk swatches, dyed threads and theorized write-ups. If you’d like to learn more, or possibly buy a card, click here to get in touch.

October 14, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Kapitza, Kickstarter & Pattern Inspo

Lately, I’ve been a bit of a serial Kickstarter supporter. It’s very inspiring to poke around the platform and see who’s doing what and which crazy new concept is coming to life.

This morning, I backed Nicole and Petra Kapitza‘s latest book project, Geometric Two. These sisters are talented. They also share a serious love of pattern, design and geometry and run a multi-disciplinary design studio in London.

They’re experts in their field and have an impressive track record with their previous pattern publications, Geometric and Organic.

Their artworks are bright, colourful and minimalist, featuring abstract graphic art and flower illustrations in bold colour compositions and compelling arrangements.

Kapitza have gained a global following in the design world for their inspirational pattern art books and picture fonts, which are available from their beautifully designed online shop. They also published the critically acclaimed book Geometric in 2008.

Their deep love of nature is an ongoing concern, as can be seen in the ever growing Font and illustration collection, ‘We Love Nature’ and in their new project, Organic, which has been nominated for the Designs of the Year 2013 Award by the Design Museum London.

October 8, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Illustrations, Note Cards & Mara-Mi

Abstract watercolors have been in the illustration spotlight since geometrics took a back seat. Proving their weight in gold in the female homegoods market, the notion of luxury, individuality and beautiful imperfection has been a refreshing turn from the preppy rigidness of gridded patterns. Mara-Mi is a line of stationary, table decor and desk accessories that gets this. Their surface patterns are made in-house and speak to the creative, high-spending, free-spirit (hello ABC Carpet, Rifle Paper Co, and Ampersand Design Studio). Their foil-stamped envelope inserts add an interesting accent of luxury to mirror the time investment of writing a note. We’re big fans.

September 30, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Transcending Seasons: Woodgrain

Pop quiz: can you figure out which woodgrain print is FW13 and which is SS14?

While you try to figure it out, I’ll give you a little insight into the top shot- which I took last month while visiting Port Washington, NY. Just beside the train station, there’s a pizza shop with a decaying wall and a fabulous slice. I added it to my instagram reel, then gave a good think about what a beautiful translation it would be to silk slacks or winter outerwear.

Fast forward, and as we all know with trends, nature, inspiration and instagram, the designers are constantly digesting. Raquel Allegra’s recent Fall release includes a collection of woodgrain prints. They’re beautiful, and present a relaxed, luxurious execution. To the right is 3.1 Phillip Lim’s recent runway collection for Fashion Week- representing SS14 themes.

What’s the point of this compare/contrast? That everything’s cyclical. Woodgrain has as much staying power as florals- it all depends on the creative filter, the market, the color palette and the fabric. Would love to hear your thoughts- how often to you reinterpret and reapply staple themes?

September 23, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Artist Profile: Yao Cheng

Today, I keep coming across beautiful watercolors. Buy Some Damn Art, a favorite art buying site of mine run by Kate Singleton, just launched this week’s sale, and it’s a special one. You can purchase Yao Cheng‘s original works for $375 a piece, or if you’re a company, perhaps you can reach out for a branded collaboration. Cheng’s roots are in textile design (quite obviously) and her layouts are uniquely detailed, delicate and special.

September 19, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik