Trend: Tiger Treatments

Over the past year, I’ve felt the urge to write about tigers on numerous occasions. Oddly though, it just didn’t feel right. Well, today’s the day this story finally gets threaded together, as a few trips to Barneys, the back streets of Paris and the Lower East Side have proven that tigers continue to play muse when it comes to graphic application- be it current or a throwback to the 80’s. The above murals are an inverse of each other, and an interesting parallel of color palettes. The composition to the left is a painting by Colleen Rochette and is on display at Barney’s Department store on Madison Avenue. The mural to the right is opposite L’as Du Falafel, a popular Falafel joint in the Marais in Paris.

This Diane Von Furstenburg dress puts the stripes and eyes of the tiger on full display, creating an abstract and artistic interpretation of the animal print. Merging camouflage trends with a motif repeat approach, Sandro, a retail favorite for women in Paris, is selling tiger-bedecked dresses and shirts this season. Magnificent 7 plays homage to vintage asian themes while this white tiger painting at The Cake Shop, a popular indie music venue on the Lower East Side, is a distinct reminder that no one’s letting go of the 80’s anytime soon.

May 3, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Fashion: Spring Dots

Just as camo’s a seasonal staple, so are dots. Regardless of color, technique or shape, dots are continually getting a facelift. The above prints range from patchwork to watercolor to pictorial overlays and are easily translatable, regardless of whether you work in fashion. Here’s a quick visual round up of some of our favorites:

1. Chris Benz, Spring 2010
2. Forever 21, Polka Dot Panels, $11.99
3. Eley Kishimoto, Picnic Polka Dot, Spring 2010
4. Rachey Comey, Navigator’s Dress, $1208.00
5. Elle Tahari, Claire Dot Dress, $398.00
6. Tracey Reese, Blue Shadow Dots Draped, $330.00

April 27, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Follow-up: Window Stories

A little over a year ago, windows graphics were popping up all over the place. Everything from bird feeders to typographic letter treatments to literary picture books where revealing hints of city living. Thirteen months and several trade shows later, the urban landscape continues to flourish. These matchboxes which were reviewed on the popular packaging blog, The Dieline, exemplify the 2D version of the exceedingly popular 3D city in a bag, sold at Muji. Whether we’re celebrating landmarks or brownstone charm, the unique character of city architecture continues to play an inspirational role in product and pattern design.

April 27, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Thorns + Thickets

Thorns conjure up endless imagery. From floral to fairytale to punk, it’s impossible to ignore the dark correlations associated with this part of nature. Cui Fei, a fine artist from Jinan, China incorporates thorns into her art, using minimalism and nature to convey symbolic messaging. Be it calligraphic undertones in Read by Touch, or a disturbing, dada-like take on braille, this piece, like many of her others, forces the viewer to consider nature’s discarded elements. Commercializing the thorn, Barney’s Coop recently used unpruned rose stems to texturize their accessories spread, creating bold fresh contrasts. Whether these triangular pricks are being used to reel in summer or just transition us beyond the overplayed pyramid stud, it will be interesting to see how designers throw their own spin on this prickly ornament.

April 21, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

Color Palettes: Sea Stories

Every designer knows that the right color palette can make or break a collection. If you’re off by even the slightest shade of teal, the commercial appeal of your line can waver. So when starting a new collection, it’s important to take current events into consideration. Everything from art, politics, technology and generational attitudes can affect your palette beyond seasonal assumptions. Additionally, trusting your creative gut sometimes holds the same weight as consulting the experts (if your budget allows). This Spring/Summer 2011 palette is inspired by the boundless nature of aquatic living. Contrasting sheens, crustacean reds and cool blues dominate throughout.

The above images are from Bloom Magazine, a bi-annual staple in the trend forecasting industry. Pearls, silk and watery sheens have already trickled into graphic applications and will continue to influence embellishments and fabrics in the year to come.

Coverage by: Angela Chen & Shayna Kulik

April 20, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik

New York: Creative Textile Design

Every time there’s a print-related trade show in New York, I make every effort to go. This season’s no different and if you’re local, work in the business of prints + patterns and are curious about market influences for the coming year, I recommend popping into the Altman Building for the Direction Show by Indigo. As I weaved through the isles yesterday morning, a few things caught my eye. In no particular order, here goes:

1. Animal prints merged with lace
2. Cityscapes, windows and urban landscapes
3. Vibrant watercolors
4. Coral Coral Coral
5. Cute French conversational prints
6. Monochromatic metallics accents, gray + silver/gold + amber
7. Digital camo with stain glass effects
8. Ikat interpretations via embroidery, watercolor and embellishments

Today’s your last day to check out the floor and if you happen to swing by, do linger at the Garreau Designs, Fortier Price and Westcott Design tables, as their print libraries are wonderful.

April 14, 2010 | By: Shayna Kulik