Luke Archer's Natural Markings

In the world of composition, inspiration and random pen marks, Luke Archer excels at all. His style incorporates natural stone surfaces, silhouettes, tools and machines to create uniquely patterned prints. Subtle and texture-filled, Archer’s style is reminiscent of a moving wave in the fashion world – one that cues the 80’s and early 90’s. It merges old school marbling techniques with clean-edged geometry – and brands like Acne, Aritzia and American Apparel have all been a part of resurrecting this style. To deep dive into Archer’s portfolio, click here. To see some other interesting interpretations, check out Jen Altman, Santtu Mustonen and Lisa Toff.

February 23, 2015 | By: Shayna Kulik

Making Moodboards

Today, I was in a zone. Once the basics were complete, I threw a few ink drawings together, collaged it up, and tinkered around with photoshop to see what would come. This is what happened. There’s lots of texture, overlap and some quiet storytelling.

July 31, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Trend: Textural & Tonal Blush

It seems like a funny thing to write that blush is everywhere these days…but in all honesty, it kind of is. The color (also known to many as rose gold) has transcended gender lines and is making it’s way through the fashion, art, home and beauty worlds this summer.

Stylists are putting male models in blush colored t-shirts for insurance ads, just as beauty brands are decorating eyelids in high-end campaigns. Cut collages, ribbed packaging, shimmering surfaces and natural patterns are the markers of variation, and it’s almost fun spotting new interpretations. Here are a few examples that hop between continents and genres, proving the sophisticated seasonal staying power of this minimalist hue.

1. Maison & Object Asia Print Advertisement 2. & 3. Collage: Absence and Rediscovery by Anthony Gerace 4. Brit Rhythm Fragrance by Burberry 5. Volcano Keepsake from Ya Wen Chau’s Heirlooms Collection 6. 3D Printed Housewears by David Steiner of The Royal Academy of Art 7. Plaid floral appliqués for Carven 8. Rose gold Tattoo Eyeshadow by Maybelline for Marie Claire

June 25, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Nigerian Nostalgia & African Hair Styles

I stumbled across Pop’Africana through the wonderful rabbit hole that is Instagram. 50 clicks later, I was on their Facebook page, thumbing through vintage imagery of African hair styles from the The Africana Book of Style: Vol I.

Many of the designs were new to me, and all were breathtaking in the most complicated and intricate of ways. Much of the imagery appears to fall under the category, Nigerian Nostalgia, which showcases the lifestyle and customs of African women throughout history.

Much of the book was shot by JD Okhai Ojeikere, a Nigerian photographer born in 1930, and known for his work with unique hair styles. The the modern imagery is by Namsa Leuba, a younger photographer whose work focuses on African Identity through Western eyes.

To learn more about Pop’Africana as well as Oroma Elewa, the Founder and Editor, check out her interview with IntotheGloss. She discusses her desire to share, spread and curate innovative fashion from Africa throughout the globe.

May 29, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Steven Alan's Subtle Spring Textures

Much of the time, we tend to focus on bold contrasts, like this, this and this. Though, subtleties are just as interesting, if not more wearable. Here are a few pieces from Steven Alan‘s spring delivery – the collection’s a sophisticated menagerie of neutrals. We’re particularly keen on the blue cotton geometric slack and the pale pink polyester/cotton dress. What do you think? Are you ready to toss the winter wardrobe in the under-bed bins? We certainly are…

February 20, 2014 | 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