Trend: Textural & Tonal Blush

It seems like a funny thing to write that blush is everywhere these days…but in all honesty, it kind of is. The color (also known to many as rose gold) has transcended gender lines and is making it’s way through the fashion, art, home and beauty worlds this summer.

Stylists are putting male models in blush colored t-shirts for insurance ads, just as beauty brands are decorating eyelids in high-end campaigns. Cut collages, ribbed packaging, shimmering surfaces and natural patterns are the markers of variation, and it’s almost fun spotting new interpretations. Here are a few examples that hop between continents and genres, proving the sophisticated seasonal staying power of this minimalist hue.

1. Maison & Object Asia Print Advertisement 2. & 3. Collage: Absence and Rediscovery by Anthony Gerace 4. Brit Rhythm Fragrance by Burberry 5. Volcano Keepsake from Ya Wen Chau’s Heirlooms Collection 6. 3D Printed Housewears by David Steiner of The Royal Academy of Art 7. Plaid floral appliqués for Carven 8. Rose gold Tattoo Eyeshadow by Maybelline for Marie Claire

June 25, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Athleticism Meets Lifestyle

Just two years ago, we noticed Blackmilk making waves throughout the legging industry. Since that summer, competitors have popped up throughout the globe, creating colorful athletic lines to support active lifestyles. This phenomenon made sportswear more colorful and fashionable, not to mention, extremely wearable as everyday attire. Here are a few pieces that reflect this trend. You’ll notice florals, pattern blocking, geometrics, camouflage, and abstract textures.

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1. Alala makes sportswear luxurious through clean and elegant design, using expressive ink-like marks to add a refined, artistic feel in their Spring/Summer 2014 Collection.

2. Nike teams up with Liberty of London to add a splash of floral neon in their Womens Quickstrike Pack sneaker collection.

3. Lucas Hugh’s combination of florals, geometric patterns and architectural lines ultimately create colorful, flattering silhouettes for workout attire in his Spring/Summer 2014 Collection.

4. The Seea Calafia Leggings made by Without Walls finds the right balance between form and function. The leggings, consisting of an abstracted graphic floral print, are also ideal for several sports activities and even covers up to UPF 50+ for max sun protection.

5. Another example of Without Walls’ ability to strike a balance between form and function: comfortable, quick-dry polyester and breathable cotton in a classic camo print for men in their Undefeated Camo Run Tight.

6. Live The Process printed leggings + bra top is an example of a more classic, feminine floral print, but through the lens of a subdued palette.

7. Without Walls Printed Drop-Inseam Pant is an example of one of their louder, brighter, geometric patterns.

8. Sweaty Betty Chandrasana Yoga Leggings – while these leggings are made with the intention of use for Downward-Facing Dog, the shades of blue placed in various geometric blocks gives an added style statement to your practice.

June 18, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Feminine Florals for Summer

Flowers are everywhere – as to be expected…we’re upon summer! What’s interesting though, is the type of flower we’re seeing. Every season, we get accustomed to new design styles, and this time around, painstaking detail and illustration is front and center.

Line work dominates, reminding us of the medical journals that started popping up when organic and artisanal packaging started filling store shelves. It almost doesn’t matter if the colors are vibrant or muted, as the illustrations tell the story.

The style transcends products both locally and abroad- as the imagery above is from Sweden, the Philippines, New York, Miami and Paris. While we’re used to seeing flowers and vines from fashion and beauty, it’s most interesting to see the application blown out of proportion and scattered throughout the home sector…that’s when we know the design is here to stay, at least for a few years.

1. Genus Chair by Pillip Estlund 2. Wallpaper from A Bakeri Grows in Greenpoint (via Design*Sponge) 3. Nature & Human Collection by Lesia Paramonova 4. Illustrative work-in-progress by Daryl Feril 5. A Beautiful oversized knit I shot while in Stockholm 2 weeks ago 6. and another photo I took while at & Other Stories

June 4, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Banner Trends & Pattern Design

Designers have a love/hate relationship with the pixel. We dislike being called pixel pushers, yet glorify the square throughout our work- whether it’s a conscious celebration (like in today’s feature), or a small part of the greater landscape.

We’ve been tracking the life cycle of this motif for a long time, as it’s a geometric staple that’s never going away. What’s interesting though, are the vectorize alterations and evolving color palettes. We started picking up on the trend from Matt W Moore’s murals a few years back, then watched the corporate giant, Chase bank jump in on the action. Percolate then released iOS wallpapers in deep jewel-toned palettes, and now we have pastel grids from Society6, Piol and Squared Array.

The top two designs double as web banners, which is fairly unique in the digital ad buying world. Both caught my eye before starting in on the content…though someone like me may be a bit skewed. The punch of color and linear movement stands out in the sea of model and type heavy advertisements. Big fan over here.

April 18, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trends in Mens Swimwear

Mens swimwear rarely rocks the boat. The fabrics are usually covered in hibiscus tropics, stripes, solids or plaid. If you’re going the Rip Curl route, the shorts will be lower and longer, Tommy Bahama will have you in all-over Hawaiian prints, and Vilebrequin a more mellow and sophisticated brand, will be covered in illustrated turtles, sailboats and lilies.

Here are a few patterns that are a refreshing addition to the category from Fred Segal on Melrose. Venroy, an Australian brand, has overtaken a portion of the mens department, as the patterns double as merchandising in the dressing room area. While I didn’t catch the brand on the leather/bungee cord/rope belt, it’s interesting and cool, and wanted to add it to the round up. Same goes for these neon cartoon truncks. Fun stuff, right?

April 2, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Textile Trends & Moon Phases

Moon phases have been a mechanism for counting from the beginning of time. The ability to track progress through shadows and light is magnificent concept, and artists from all over the globe have been harnessing this as inspiration for their work.

At the top (1), we have art printed on textiles from the Bulan Project. Bulan means “moon” in Indonesian, and is the guiding light for Elle Luna, the artist behind the series. (2) is a peasant blouse by HD in Paris, that’s a new arrival on Anthopologie’s website and (3) is one of twelve unique calendar pages by the print studio, Clementine and Pickle. To purchase, click here.

January 29, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik