DuPenny's Burlesque Silhouettes

The first time I saw DuPenny‘s catalog of work was at the New York Gift Fair a few years back. The installation reminded me of the repeats I used to work on when I was full-time corporate designer at Playboy. The pin-up as art, regardless of style, taste or preference has a timeless component to it and Emily Dupen, the founder, has found a good deal of success in it’s reinvention. Her latest exploration into furniture design has given the mainstay theme new life. Dupenny’s use of line is a refreshing take, and a reinvention of sorts, of the classic sailor tattoo. Imagine having this lounge chair amidst your lawn furniture- it’s definitely a conversation starter.

September 22, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

Custhom's Digital Embroidery

I always look forward to emails from CUSTHOM. Their collections are unique and boundary-pushing, with meticulous technique and execution. You’re always left wondering, how did they pull that off and why don’t we have a store selling their products in the US?

Their latest launch, Aves, presents an Otomi pattern rooted in Mexican tradition with modern edge. Digital embroidery’s been used and the final product exists on both wallpaper and fabric. What’s most impressive, to me, at least, is the tonal aspects using a single color- through careful overlap, the objects have a 3D feeling.

February 28, 2014 | By: Shayna Kulik

A Background & Foreground Mashup

In celebration of Art Basel, which kicks off this week, W Magazine commissioned a collaboration between George Clooney, Girogio Armani, Yayoi Kusama, and Emma Summerton for their latest art-inspired cover story. The dots playfully balance Clooney’s serious stance and sharp suit, a fun juxtaposition of moods. Off the heels of the Louis Vuitton mashup, Kusama continues to swim between the art and commercial realms. The cover reminds us a bit of this, this and this, yet has a masculine timelessness that’s uniquely fresh. If you’d like to purchase the second print, the good folks at Artsy just released the details today.

December 2, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

Backdrops, Profiles & Audrey Gelman

audrey_gelman_patterns

Meet Audrey Gelman, the woman of the hour. While Gelman’s not a textile designer, digital strategist or anthropologist, she’s quickly and quietly defining a voice and a vision for New York. Through her job as Scott Stringer’s press secretary, Terry Richardson’s partner, Esquire’s obsession, and Lena Dunham’s friend, she’s a fascinating dichotomy of opposites, and a clear example of the witty, intelligent, transparent, stylish set of gen Y’ers making their mark on culture (and social media) today.

This picture (from the NY Times) is a favorite- it’s authentic, charismatic and not overdone. Gelman’s wearing her sister’s dress, holding her beloved cat and standing beside her Payton Turner wallpaper. Thumbs up for a fun shoot, a beautiful pattern and bright future ahead.

August 12, 2013 | By: Shayna Kulik

A Portugal Tile Study

Big treat for you today! Our dear friend, (and super star stylist) Amy Stearley is on a bit of a world tour at the moment. Following her on Facebook’s been really fun, as she’s trekked through Slovenia, India, Frankfurt, Paris and now Portugal.

Viewing the world through the eyes of our friends is a gift and it’s been a treat to see her creative interpretations streaming through Instagram and Facebook…particularly as it relates to print and pattern.

Back in 2008 I visited Lisbon with a few girlfriends and everywhere we went, I was that friend who had to photograph everything…the floors, the walls, the subway ceilings, practically any and all exposed surfaces.

Without a doubt, Portugal’s one of the most colorful and geometrically adorned places you can visit. In Amy’s photos, cobalt grids appear to dominate with splashes of lime, terracotta, hay and blush.

While I collaged these spreads together for spacial reasons- the large-to-small ratio is quite popular at the moment (and a personal favorite). Abrupt mix and matching can be a cool fusion, so long as the silhouette’s polished.

The tiles are truly inspiring. Every building features a new color way, texture, print or pattern. I’m constantly dreaming about what cut of dress I would construct with each new blocking that comes my way. I hope everyone can enjoy as much as I have. Thailand is next on my list…excited to see what that beholds! – Amy Stearley

So that brings us to you, our lovely reader. What surfaces inspire you? Where do you find yourself snapping and are there any trips on the horizon before summer ends?

July 25, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Arty Farty Walls with Minakaniwalls

Forever a fan of wallpaper, this afternoon we’re sharing a few favorites from the Paris-based studio, Minakaniwalls.

This is the animal edition. It reminds us of an evolved version of Wee Gallery’s stationary. It also might feel like you’re on a prolonged visit to the zoo.