Trends in Embellishment

Whenever I see interesting embellishments, I immediately return to my bedding roots. After leaving my full time job, eons ago, I did a good deal of freelancing in the the home sector. After every duvet was made, we’d come up with accompanying pillows to round out the package.

When they say that fashion influences home, it’s often true and today’s round up, collected from Bergdorf Goodman‘s Fall Catalog, reveals monochromatic metallic circles, pacman-like mazes and reptilian spots. The hazy 3.1 Phillip Lim spread was shot by the talented duo, Luciana Val and Franco Musso.

September 19, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: 2nd Life Canvas Alterations

As a big appreciator of fine art, street art, kid’s scrawl and anything artistic or imaginative, it’s easy to understand why I’d be drawn to these mixed media works. Used more for playful retail installations than statement pieces, each classical painting aids in quirky modern messaging.

I snapped the exit sign while enroute to the restroom at the Zetter Townhouse last Fall amidst a meeting with the Think Work Play team. TWP is a London-based editorial collective that celebrates London’s artistic community. If you haven’t already, have a look at their site- it’s a rabbit hole of inspiration. The spectacle-punctured imagery below is housed at Selima, the Italian optics store on Wooster St in lower Manhattan.

If you’re not too uptight or worried about the imperfections that can come from a few creative missteps, I’d recommend visiting your local thrift store and getting crafty.

August 28, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Upholstery Trends at ABC Carpet

Forever a fan of texture and textiles, it’s interesting to see additional brands beyond John Derian and Anthropologie incorporating quilting and batik techniques into their home lines. Take Cisco Brothers, a sustainable company based in LA. Their textiles, pillows, sofas and chairs are extremely inviting and individualistic. This hmong batik is one we’re seeing a lot of in fashion and the translation to home is beautiful.

If you’re not one to commit to bold furniture, consider these exposed-stitch applique pillows. Combining hemp with cotton blends, canvas and distressed linen, these pieces seem like a healthy evolution from the Shabby Chic trend of the past.

August 13, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Mixing Watercolors & Photo Styling

Watercolor-photo collages have been a mainstay for a while now. From soft lyrical lines to crisp geometrics, adult and youth brands have continued to incorporate the direction in both digital and tangible goods.

Case in point, Mimi & Maximus. Always producing great clothing, it’s no surprise their summer catalog is playful and visually engaging. The branding is compiled of triangles and photography- almost reminiscent of my wedding art from last spring!

Meshing monochromes, folded imagery, depth and soft materials, The Link Collective, a Japanese-based Etsy shop is selling beautiful scarves with similar energy. Which leads me to ask- are you still a fan of the style? Are you ready for what’s next?

August 6, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trends & Tribal Markings

Tribal markings get recycled every summer season. The hand-drawn styles above are delicate and bold and reminiscent of multiple global cultures. Shapely and interconnected, we have shorts from j.crew, a stairway at the Musee Robert Tatin and illustrations from German designer, Frau Grau. It’s interesting to see various natural and commercial interpretations. What do you think- will you be weaving these patterns into your wardrobe?

June 22, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Chaotic & Melodic

Today’s feature is all about the crazy. Organized chaos will forever be a part of the design process. When I think the number of versions that get made before that final goes up and out, it’s remarkable. The artists and designers showcased today have honed their style documenting energy and movement through texture and while some of the pieces may look like a work in progress, they’re final, and in my opinion, beautiful.

Emulating musical notes, Tom Phillips reveals a love of mixed-media which reminds us a lot of Kandinsky‘s later work. Bringing a street angle to the mix we have Ben Quinn‘s graffiti markings. Translating that energy through embroidery, print and fashion, we have Isabel Marant’s SS12 shorts and a recent instagram of a worn and torn rug from Of a Kind‘s new Downtown office.

June 18, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik