Colors and Artistic Commercialism

Art, is literally in this Spring. I started noticing all of the bright, retro accessories at the Hong Kong Airport last month. The common thread throughout links abstraction and art to fashion and commerce.

Here, we have Marni and their Spring Summer ’15 bags. I subscribe to their blog, and upon opening their newsletter this morning, I came across this Mondrian inspired marketing mashup. The 2D meets 3D blend is a creative stab at a classic work, one which mixes color-blocked geometry with product overlays.

Then there’s Celine. Their infamous trapeze bag carries a multi-colored stripe, signifying a season and an art era. There’s a simple elegance to this accessory that feels independent from it’s leather, color-blocked counterparts.

If you’re connecting the dots to Gene Davis and his famous color exploratories, I am as well. Davis, an American painter, has continually influenced the art and commerce worlds with his large scale post-painterly abstractions and color stripes.

Moving into a playful category that feels more Katy Perry than Joan Didion, Valentino has applied rainbow chevron stripes to it’s Spring ’15 accessories. The move is bold, if not juvenile, in a lavish, cartoonish kind-of-way.

Bringing it back to the art, it wasn’t hard to connect this palette to another Davis painting. The vibrance is infectious, and the historical reference gives the collection weight. Curious, which one is your favorite?

February 4, 2015 | By: Shayna Kulik

Helen Dealtry's World of Textiles

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Living in New York has benefits beyond the obvious. The longer you’re here, the closer you become to the overlapping communities around you. One friend introduces you to the next, and before you know it, you’re discovering talent, discussing relationships, job opportunities, tailors, dentists, apartments, and even encouraging group runs for the next half marathon. Everyday’s different, it’s fun.

Two weeks ago, I went to dinner at my friend Marissa’s new restaurant, Nourish Kitchen & Table (which is lovely, delicious and very healthy- I highly recommend). She teamed up with another friend, Kate Whitlow, for a Pumpkin cook off. Naturally, I was excited about this. While waiting in line to pay, I met Kate’s friend Amy. Before we knew it, we were introducing ourselves, eating pumpkin, drinking wine and talking life at the back table while waiting for our friends to arrive. Our conversation wove its way through music, textiles, women’s rights and the Somaly Mam Foundation’s upcoming gala, where Amy heads up partnerships and business development.

Through Amy, I discovered the talent that is Helen Dealtry. I learned about her studio, her patterns, and her latest venture into bedding. I bookmarked her site to delve into later that night and went home excited to have met someone great.

It only got better. Deltry’s seriously talented. Everything is beautiful, and her style is consistent and impressive through alternating genres. The patterns, scarves, and resulting work from her summer course at The Textile Arts Center is inspiring in a lyrical, organic kind of way. Have a look, you won’t be disappointed.

November 11, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Steven Shell's Geometric Dresser

It’s rare to see highly decorative furniture in America. We usually keep it plain, simple and modular. Be it Pottery Barn, Design Within Reach, Bo Concept, CB2, IKEA or even Blue Dot, hard surfaces rarely incorporate print and pattern, let alone bold texture. Last night, I came across this Steven Shell dresser on One Kings Lane. I wish I needed it, as I certainly want it. Reminds us of yesterday’s footstool and Moonish’s wall decor. Amazing, right?

October 23, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Budget Buy: Geometric Menagerie

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If you’re a fan of mosaic collages, it’s your lucky day, as Margo Selby‘s intricate pillows are for sale on One Kings Lane. Selby’s textiles play with alternating shapes, using color to convey depth and sophistication. If you’d like to learn more about her woven technique, sign up for a Whitstable Workshop, as she offers lessons for beginners and experienced weavers. There are a few spots available for June 22 and 23rd, grab em while you can (if you’re a London local)!

May 21, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Geometrics & Tangerine Textures

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I don’t always throw pictures of myself on Pattern Pulp, but seeing as how this sweater got so much love on instagram, I thought I’d share the palette (and the double collar). I bought this in the vintage bin at the Steven Alan sample sale, though it reminds me a lot of Annie Larson’s fabulous sweaters.

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For those uninitiated, Larson’s a master knitter. After dipping her toes in the corporate pool (ie Target), she soon left for greener pastures to start All Knitwear, her own line of American-made sweaters. I first noticed these gems while on a visit to Melbourne, Australia (ironically), but have seen them near and far over the past few years. Larson’s most recent collaboration was with the ladies behind Of a Kind. They’re selling the most adorable and affordable hats. Have a look before they’re gone.

March 14, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Finding Inspiration with Alighiero Boetti

This cover caught my eye as I was flipping through MoMA’s holiday catalog. It’s subtle, beautifully balanced, and the full compilation of Alighiero Boetti‘s work to date.

I’m usually drawn to geometry, which is obvious if you frequent the site, so today during lunch, I figured I’d do a little mash-up of my own. I made a pattern to compliment…I think it works.

December 5, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik