Pattern Pulp

Design & Transportation in Mumbai




TaxiFabric2

Living in New York, it’s easy to understand how the yellow cab (not necessarily the sleek black Uber) is a cultural emblem of the city. We have hollywood and midtown rush hour to thank for that. In Mumbai, it’s similar, but a bit different. To support their tremendous population, there are currently 55K cabs in competition with one another to keep the transportation system running.

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Taxi Fabric is a new initiative hoping to liven up these old cars and bring design to the forefront of conversation. Reupholstering seat covers and ceiling panels with patterns from local young graphic designers, each newly designed car now has the ability to transport their passengers both physically and creatively.

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Currently, a small test group of five cars has been transformed, in an effort to help the population appreciate design as well as the cultural impact it can have. The goal though, is to convert over 1,000 cars – and – up Mumbai’s ante as a forward thinking design capital of India.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sanketavlani/taxi-fabric-a-unique-platform-for-designers-in-mum

Check out Taxi Fabric’s kickstarter campaign to learn more about this cool initiative.

 

August 10, 2015 | By: Shayna Kulik

Textile Infused Homewear from Walter G.




Not long ago, I got an email from a good friend in living in Sydney, letting me know about a new home wear line that recently launched.

It took a quick perusal of Walter G‘s collection to know that the product was special. Made in India and Australia, with touches reminiscent of Paris and Japan, these simple, yet textural collages are beautifully applied to home wear.

Founded by longtime friends, Lauren Bennett and Genevieve Fennel, the collection is a reflection of their travels and a desire to infuse color into the Australian home.

The line includes pillows, ottomans, lamps shades and textiles. One of the most interesting parts of the site, second to the product, is the collection of artisan bios behind the craft. Have a look– you’ll learn how the process comes together.

All photos are from the Walter G’s site.

 

July 10, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Women Are Heroes




Guerilla street artist JR creates unique and eye-catching “Pervasive Art” that spreads uninvited on the buildings of the slums around Paris, on the walls in the Middle-East, on the broken bridges in Africa and throughout favelas in Brazil.

In 2008, JR embarked on a lengthy international trip around the world for his Women are Heroes project. Heading to Sierra Leone, Liberia, Sudan, Kenya, Brazil, India, and Cambodia, JR sought out women struggling in their everyday lives. Pasting mural-size portraits of his subjects into their own communities—on the sides of buildings, on trains, on bridges—he brings a haunting human presence to harsh environments of social conflict.

His photographs have become vast outdoor exhibitions and celebrate each individual. A beautifully illustrated account of this remarkable project, Women Are Heroes introduces JR’s thrilling imagery of the modern landscape, pick it up today! Additional photos via Juxtapoz

 

June 20, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Weavers in India Changing the World




Taking a page out of the Nike Girl Effect campaign, the artistic execution of the IOU Project is equally striking. The video sheds light on the unique, handmade fabrics handwoven in India. The message reminds us of the individuality of each garment and traces the production and process to finished goods. Created by Jossie Malis- Zunmakamera and music by Julie Reier.

May 4, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Visiting Ace & Jig with Steven Alan




How many of you know how hard it is to make a fabric swatch? While we often focus on the printed surface here at Pattern Pulp, it’s always fascinating to hear how various designers approach their craft. Last Wednesday, I accompanied the fine folks at Steven Alan to interview Jenna Wilson and Cary Vaughan, the talented duo behind Ace & Jig at their studio in Cobble Hill. We spent an afternoon sifting through texture, munching on cupcakes and diving into the incredible story behind their brand and business.

While it’s understood that most designers buy their fabric- Jenna and Cary do everything from scratch, a laborious (but rewarding!) process that utilizes their years of industry experience and involves ongoing trips to India. The ladies work with a textile guru who’s as obsessive about the outcome as they are, “it’s a great process working together, it’s really fun and inspiring. He’s as meticulous as we are, and we respect each other’s expertise.”

So what’s a day in the life like when the ladies are at the factory working alongside the weavers and dyers? Follow along with our Q&A as we dissect the success that’s been their past year, how they’ve set a high ethical standard and what a dream collaboration would look like (a little teaser, it’s pattern based)…click here to read the interview.

Photos courtesy of Steven Alan & Ace & Jig

 

April 26, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Tracking Repetitive + Awesome.
On Instagram.