Street: Figuratively Freakish

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Conformist installations have started to emerge throughout European retail displays. From militaristic mannequins wearing Eres lingerie, to gold bunny gardens at Printemps, to soldier-style figurines in Amsterdam, the idea of sameness is popping up in the most unlikely of places. Be it unstable economics or adverse politics, retail is embracing the notion of unity, hoping to curtail risky business, taking creative (and creepy) measures.

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Gieves and Hawkes, in traditional British fashion, caters to the military man gone CEO. The grid of suits in this window display, shot by Tom Oldham and arranged by 3D designer, Johnathan Thomas is a playful throwback to army line-ups of yesteryear. Kozyndan, a creative duo from Santa Monica, highlight the Japanese Maneki Neko in their Weezer illustration entited, “The Link and the Witch.” A marching band of lucky cats let loose in perfect porcelain formation.

February 26, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Coworking within Color Palettes

The idea of co-working can exist beyond office environments. Kapitza’s latest publication, Geometric Book presents a visual menagerie of contrasting shapes and intersecting palettes. The organized chaos within each page mirrors the energy independent workers bring to collaborative work environments. “How can you create beautifully if you don’t surround yourself with beauty?” says Judy Prays, a freelance internet video producer living in Greenpoint. Co-working spaces have popped up in every city and suburb around the world, proving that creatives will find each other if wifi’s involved.

In Good Company, a collaborative work environment in Manhattan, caters to women entrepreneurs with small businesses. Reaching out to a more transient, non-committal group of innovators, Pretense, a workspace in Jerusalem, serves as a connector for creative clusters on the go.

Fusing photography with Russian poster palettes, Lydia Burkhalter’s web portfolio presents harmonious contrasts of moving energy. In spirit with last summer’s Olympic games, the NYTimes presented fashion’s take on gymnastics with this Pucci’s leotard of kaleidescope graphics. Pixel Rumor, another personal project of mine displays contrasting stripes of unwavering color.

February 25, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Homegoods: Forest Tales

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There’s nothing more symbolic of the February winter slump than bare trees silhouetted by dusk. Designers from nearly every home goods and accessory category have infused their direction into this trend, moving away from the cozy appeal of eco-friendly design. Tuleh’s S/S09 patterns possess a whimsical stillness that alludes to natural transition. Flora detailing can also be found on glass plates sold at Lancelotti Housewares in downtown Manhattan. Each plate is an interactive experience for both the chef and the diner, as the transparent canvas provides a scenic backdrop for every meal.

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Embracing tonal medleys, Forest Tales speaks to a darker feminine side of contrasts. Selfridges of London sells pillows with sunrise/sunset references. Using only a narrow silhouette and silver embossing, this metallic leather-bound notebook from ABC Carpet is both bold and simple. Continuing to veer from prim and proper, this Black Forest China collection from Germany caters to the Tiffany-hating types, an under appreciated niche. Armani Code combines transparency, gradients and nature to produce elegant, sultry packaging for it’s latest signature fragrance.

February 23, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Woven Minimalism

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As excessive desires wain under the current economic climate, minimalist living shifts back into the spotlight. Daniel Hedner, the mastermind behind Imaginary Office, a Swedish design and architecture firm, recently designed Pleats Please, a bare-bones approach to traditional seating. Weaving only 19 stripes of upholstered polyurethane foam to a white coated steel pipe frame, Hedner built his creation using the macramé technique of knotting. Illustrating this method on a flat surface, graphic designer Damien Correll, interlocks various arms together in Like Pattern, a print of hands holding hands. Utilizing a monochromatic palette and consistent stroke, Correll conveys a timeless sense of optimism, communicating strength in the basics.

February 20, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Homegoods: Faux Libraries for Any Room

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Nostalgia inspires collectors of every obsession. Attempting to revive this mood for literary enthusiasts, designers from all over the world continue to reinterpret the idea of the library, creating countless variations (and visual shortcuts) of this popular hobby. Bonkarma, a concept store in France sells book-patterned stools, a faux alternative to clunky seating that can hold up to 200kg.

Bookshelf Wallpaper:

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British designer, Deborah Bowness creates hand-printed wallpaper, imitating the likeness of a 3D library as a playful 2D backdrop. Bowness’s commissions include trendy locals such as the New York Soho House and Phillip Stark’s Yoo-Aldelgade in Copenhagen.

Stacked Illusions: Spine Emphasis

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The owners of this puzata hata restaurant in Kyiv left no page unturned in their interior pursuit for white-walled texture. Here is a monochromatic approach to literary decor. For set designers seeking to recreate a cheap, light-weight alternative to the age-old study, classic cardboard cutouts can be found amongst other tchotchkes at Printemps in Paris.

Textured Installation: Page Emphasis

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This past November, Anthropologie disfigured and reshaped a collection of paperbacks, creating large scale floral sculptures. Each beige bookend played an integral part in crafting the unique look of the month. Toying with the idea of opposites, the installation featured on weheartit showcases hundreds of books, appearing both messy and unorganized- a stark contrast (and breathe of fresh air) from the usual line up of conservative spines.

February 19, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik

Fashion: David David's Geometric Extraveganza

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Downtown Music has a knack for finding sound visuals to accompany their music. One of their latest collaborations pairs Santigold’s “I’m A Lady,” a Diplo remix featuring Amanda Blank, with David David’s S/S 09 Fashion collection. The resulting product is a masterful film, directed by London talent Zaiba Jabbar. The film was created to showcase David Saunder’s latest collection and was inspired by the fantasy world of Busby Berkley. Berkeley was famous during the 1930’s for his elaborate musical productions that often involved complex geometric patterns. The parings all seem to make sense, as the mélange of brightly patterned tops and accessories coupled with heart shaped arm choreography is just the right dose of brightness to motivate us during these rough times. “This season, like the rest of my work, is about complementing geometry and giving it fresh energy,” a moto Saunders lives by.

February 16, 2009 | By: Shayna Kulik