Many of us played with spirographs as children, creating intricate designs out of plastic templates and colored pens. While most have outgrown these science-friendly toys, the shapes are still fascinating, particularly when rendered as jewelry. Parisian designer, Miette, creates eye-catching pieces that are as memory-inducing as they are modern. There are a bevy wonderful styles and variations in the collection, check them out to add a unique spin to your wardrobe.
First reported on back in September, scales have been layered in fashion designs to lend us a protective coat. Interestingly, this summer’s scales are more artistic, tactile and unexpected. These Sirene rose gold and diamond cuffs by Pomellato remind us of the ocean’s creatures: oysters, koi fish and mermaids. Keeping within the family of metallics, this hotel lobby wall at 41 North in Newport, Rhode Island uses scales to emit a chaotic and energetic mood. Be it directional or collage-like, these shimmery patterns are proving influential, and we’re excited to see how this layering technique will continue to evolve as summer unravels.
Guest Coverage by Elizabeth Sigal of Frost Yourself.
Not long ago, AnOther Magazine released their Decade of Style issue. Celebrities from all walks of life donned the pages of this monumental influencer edition. Everyone from Santigold to Chloe Sevigny to Carine Roitfeld was photographed in shape-shifting pieces indicative of the past decade. One of the most memorable layouts captured Charlotte Gainsbourg in gem patterned underwear by Vivienne WestWood. Interestingly, the diamonds are framed with smaller diamonds, a trend that’s taken the wedding industry by storm over the past few years. Mimicing this design, these Sylva & Cie ring stacks remind me of Westwood’s linear print pattern. Be it 2D or 3D, gems are a designer’s best friend, particularly when edgy, beautiful, and styled with precision.
It’s no secret that wood’s a mailable material. Add fluid movement and an organic aura and you’ve got yourself a Bart Prince masterpiece. This famed architect from Albuquerque, NM, was recently featured in Wallpaper magazine and has since been popping up throughout the blogosphere. While Prince’s layering technique isn’t new to the fashion world, it’s certainly a breath of fresh air to larger structural forms. Using salvaged shingles to build low-income housing, artisan Dan Phillips mimics this design direction in his Storybook House. A thorough exploration of Phillips’ work can be viewed in this NY Times slide show.
Further blurring the line between art and nature, Anthony Roussel, of the UK is the master craftsman behind this stunning jewelry collection. Inspired by the British coastline, it’s easy to see how technique can be digested, disseminated and applied across mediums.
Research by: Emily Gup
Few motifs are as powerful as the starburst. We recently highlighted this symbol’s universal appeal and versatility in relation to logo design and beauty editorial. Today’s theme follows a similar track with other inspirational layouts. This R & Y Augousti mother of pearl serving tray is comprised of natural materials, giving it ethnic appeal. Following a similar path, Kate Miss, a New York based designer, advertises her Etsy shop organizing vibrant necklaces in a playful circular formation. The French footwear company, Repetto incorporates photo effects to emulate a snowflake with their Fall/Winter 08 advertisement. All successful executions inspired by the spherical formula!
By: Shayna Kulik
1. Stunning nautilus home by Javier Senosiain, via Inhabitat.
2. Wendy Plomp’s “Message in a box” cardboard carpet at the 400 years later – cite goes dutch exhibition, via Design Boom.
3. Brokenfab’s intricate beaded geometric patterned jewelry, via The Pipeline.
4. Lizzy House’s latest fabric collection, Red Letter Day, has adorable color combinations and whimsical geometrics, via PrintPattern.
5. Beautiful and compelling info graphics, via Abduzeedo.
6. Stephen Meisel is an inspiration and a puzzle, via Pattern People.
7. Nooka’s Summer ’09 collection uses bold graphics inspired by triangles, via High Snobiety.
8. Watch as Invader creates one of his trademark mosaics out of Rubick’s Cubes, also known as Rubickubism, via Moco Loco.
9. Love the bold packaging of Bold City Brewery, via The Dieline.
10. Wonderful wallpapers from Intrade, a Swedish wallpaper supply company, via Decor8.
11. Wearable gifts for hip dads, including some interesting renditions of the typical necktie, via If its Hip it’s Here.
12. Beautiful paper cut maps by Famille Summerbelle, via Joanna Goddard.
By: Emily Gup