W Magazine’s Art Issue 2013

I’m literally obsessed, OBSESSED with the W Magazine‘s new December 2013 cover for “The Art Issue.” I can’t get enough of it. What a playful use of color and pattern, and doesn’t George Clooney look great? So unexpected. Clooney is wearing a Giorgio Armani suit, shirt, and shoes, customized by Yayoi Kusama. According to W’s site, In the late ’60s, Kusama’s celebrity rivaled that of Andy Warhol. A central figure on the New York avant-garde scene, Kusama was famous for her delicately patterned abstract canvases, soft furniture with phalluses, and happenings in which she painted naked participants with her now signature polka dots. She also had her own clothing shop, where she sold her racy designs. But when the emotional issues that had plagued her since childhood proved overwhelming, she quit New York and entered a Tokyo psychiatric hospital, where she has resided ever since. You may also recognize Kusama’s work from the Louis Vuitton collaborations a year or two ago. The December 2013 issue of W magazine is on newsstands now.

Yayoi Kusama x Louis Vuitton (above & below).

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Revisiting Josef Frank: Day 3

Josef Frank “Manhattan” textile on Linen (above).

Today I bring you my third (and final) post in a series about Scandinavian textile designer Josef Frank. Originally I’d intended to release these posts back to back (to back) but work got a little crazy, so better late than never! As my other posts focused on nature/plants and bird motifs, this post contains some of Frank’s more unique patterns. “Manhattan” is one of my favorite Frank patterns, partly because I live in NYC, but also because how graphic it is. The way it repeats is also pretty inventive. From 1942-1946, Josef Frank lived and worked as a visiting professor at the New School for Social Research in New York. Frank found Manhattan’s city plan so interesting in its brutal simplicity that he created the Manhattan design which includes a map of the island. Frank designed similar patterns in this style for Stockholm, both of its city grid and another depicting its architecture. I hope you enjoy this final look (at least for now) of one of my favorite textile designers, Josef Frank. If you see anything you like, check out Svenskt Tenn‘s website, or Just Scandinavian here in NYC to see Frank’s work in person.

Frank’s “Manhattan” textile in person at Svenskt Tenn in Stockholm (above) from my study tour of Sweden. As you can see below, this pattern has been applied to several products at Svenkst Tenn including coasters, laminated wooden trays and pillows. I have one of the small trays, but would love the Manhattan print on just about anything.

Josef Frank “Terrazzo” pillow (above).

According to Svenskt Tenn’s website, of Frank 160+ patterns, only two varied from nature motifs, “Terrazzo” is one of such prints (below). This print was sent to Estrid Ericson as a gift on her 50th birthday in 1944.

I was lucky enough to see “Terrazzo” in person during my visit to Svenkst Tenn in 2011. This pattern also comes on everything from pillows to plates (below).

 

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Revisiting Josef Frank: Day 1

Interior by Svenskt Tenn (above) – the Stockholm-based store producing Frank’s textiles

Almost 3 years ago, I blogged about the amazing architect turned textile designer Josef Frank during my study tour across Scandinavia. Since it’s been so long I thought I’d refresh everyone’s memory this week with a series of posts devoted to this wondrous designer. For those that don’t know, Josef Frank (1885-1967) is very famous in the Scandinavian design (and especially textile world) but I hadn’t heard of him until studying abroad in 2011. During his long career, Frank designed 170 patterns for printed fabrics, about 125 of which have been printed at least once. Roughly 40 of them are classics, most of them floral patterns, which although more than fifty years old, have not lost their freshness. These fabrics were produced exclusively for Svenskt Tenn, the modern day gatekeeper of Frank’s legacy. Today his fabrics are applied to everything from curtains, pillows, wood trays, handbags and furniture. Visiting their store was an amazing experience and I can’t wait to go back!

Today I’m sharing a few of my favorite floral motif patterns. It’s clear nature served as a hugely inspiring source for the designer. Many of these prints are considered “classics” and are printed on just about anything today. What I love so much about these patterns is that despite having a narrow focus (plants, flowers, etc), each is illustrated so differently. Some prints are very realistic, a few look like botanical specimens, while others are fantastical imaginations of exotic botanical scenes. I hope you enjoy this trip down (blogging) memory lane as I once again share the beautiful work of Josef Frank. Get into it!

“La Plata” by Josef Frank on Linen (above).

“Loops” by Josef Frank on Linen (above).

“Milles Fleur” (the French translation for a Thousand Flowers) by Josef Frank on Linen (above). I love in this pattern, none of the flowers touch, each is an individual precious illustration instead of an all-over pattern repeat, less intertwined and complex, but still beautiful.

“Primavera” by Josef Frank on Linen (above).

“Brazil” by Josef Frank on Linen (above). One of my favorites – look at the amazing colors!

“Celotocaulis” by Josef Frank on Linen (above). This pattern was originally designed by Josef Frank in the 1920s. Caulis is the Latin word for flower stalk and Celoto comes from an Asian flower species characterized by a plume-like flower cluster. This pattern is very different in style and repeat as you can see above with only slight pattern shifts.

“Djungel” (or jungle) by Josef Frank on Linen (above).

“Nippon” by Josef Frank on Linen (above).

“Notturno” by Josef Frank on Linen (above).

“Drinks” by Josef Frank on Linen (above). Also one of my favorites, love how this pattern looks like botanical illustrations, and how each plant is surrounded by black, making the illustrations look like cutouts. Super graphic!

“Poisons” by Josef Frank on Linen (above).

“Tulpan” (or Tulips) by Josef Frank on Linen (above). Huge Frank classic.

“Vegetable Tree” by Josef Frank on Linen (above).

Hope you enjoyed Day 1 of my Josef Frank series, tomorrow I’ll be sharing more of Frank’s patterns, but with a new theme. Stay tuned.

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Geometric Patterns by Kapitza – The Sequel!

Exciting news! The fine folks at Kapitza studio in the UK are at it again. You may remember, this past February I blogged about Kapitza’s first Geometric Pattern book and the beautiful digital textiles that fill its pages. Sadly I was never able to get my hands on a copy (welp!), but now you’re in luck. The duo behind Kapitza (sisters Nicole and Petra Kapitza) started a Kickstarter project to fund printing this second volume. So here’s your chance to own one for yourself. There’s also cool goodies that come with supporting this project like tote bags, prints, signed copies, etc – so check it out. I’m particularly excited about the printer test sheets. I think this is SUCH a good idea. Saturdays Surf NYC sold limited edition test sheets of their latest magazine. There’s something cool about the printer marks and seeing the book spreads laid out on a flat sheet. Must be the graphic designer in me. So if you’re a lover of color and pattern like me, head over to Kickstarter now to get Geometric Two for yourself! Get into it.

How cool do these look (page spreads above).
Keep in mind these are all “pattern fonts,” instead of using letters within a font on the computer, Kapitza created patterns with each character, or parts of a pattern (like shapes) where each letter would normally be, and manipulated the colors to create the patterns you see above. I have abolutley NO idea how they do it, but what a great idea!

Test sheet (above). Would make a great print to hang in your apartment.
Again, check out their Kickstarter project here.

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Resume Patterns

Buffalo Pong Wallpaper, 2012.

Today I’m super excited to share illustrated patterns by Na Kim and her delightfully illustrated resume (scroll down). How great is this buffalo x ping pong wallpaper pattern? I love this style of pattern making; taking individual illustrations and repositioning them to create a repeat pattern. And I like that she’s doing so in such a playful way. They’re totally random (or at least appear to be) but work together so well. I love the unexpected combinations! Wouldn’t this pattern, and the ones below, make really cool socks or something? I’m all about it.

Her original Buffalo Pong illustration (above).

Mallard-mallot Pattern, 2012 (above).

Whale Ballin’ 2012 (above). Aren’t these fun?

So I found Na Kim’s illustrated resume first (below), and patterns second, which reminded me of a subject I’ve touched on a few times, resume design. Some months ago, I blogged about what a bad idea “creative” resumes are, especially in the graphic design field. However, in this case I absolutely love Na Kim’s illustrated resume. It just makes sense. She’s a talented illustrator and has a unique typographic style of lettering. I’m not saying all designers (or typographers) should do this, but when it speaks to your skills, and you’re able to inject a sense of personality AND skill into it, then why not.

So if you’re liking what you see, check out Na Kim’s website and blog.
Get into it y’all!

Love love love! (everything above and below).

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Flat Vernacular – Custom Wallpaper from Brooklyn

Flat Vernacular Sunset Floral Print

While perusing through my usual blogs, I stumbled across Flat Vernacular, a Brooklyn-based design studio specializing in hand-drawn, hand-printed, and one of a kind wallpapers. The studio was started by Payton Turner and Brian Kasper, two designers that have fully embraced their love for patterns and started Flat Vernacular. All the patterned prints are 100% made in the USA featuring custom details with some made of 3D elements. I’m in love with their sticker wallpapers, created by placing hundreds or thousands of stickers meticulously by hand. Flat Vernacular’s patterns blur the line between fine art and design while not taking themselves too seriously. For a few more days, they have a pop-up shop on Pier 17 in NYC’s South Street Seaport. I got to see a bunch of their work last night and I’m so impressed. I’m dying to get my hands on the Sunset Floral print (above). To see all of their work, check out their site, or follow them on Instagram + Twitter. Get into the patterns yall.

The designers, Brian and Payton.

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Pattern play at Saturdays Surf NYC

I’ve had my eye on the Saturdays Surf NYC x Colette collaboration for a few weeks now as I’m pretty much obsessed with anything Saturdays Surf NYC. I stumbled across this pattern they’re using on shorts in their spring 2013 collection and I’m so in love. The print is simple and graphic, and works really well in multiple applications. I like that it appears hand painted too. Patterns like this are so simple to create and put into repeats. Once this is done you can apply them to anything: clothes, product design, packaging and digital applications too. I’ve been feeling the itch to get back to designing new prints and patterns so keep on the lookout.

Colette window in Paris displaying the Saturdays Surf NYC x Colette collabo

Notice how the pattern is applied to bags and hats too, and how well they match with the shirts? Get into it!

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Kenzo Spring 2013

While looking through the March fashion magazines, Kenzo’s Spring 2013 ads caught my eye with their bold colors, prints and layout. Compared to other advertising in the March issues, these really stand out. Also I can’t get enough of the bold patterns! Now I can’t truly see myself wearing something like this, but I’m very into the pattern mixing that’s trending right now. I love how playful and graphic these combiations are. From a textile/pattern design standpoint, fashion is a great place to be inspired. And Kenzo’s Spring 2013 collection is a great place to look for new ideas.

Kenzo Spring/Summer 2013 Ads – great right?

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Step into Spring 2013 with Marimekko

Marimekko Spring 2013 – full catalog here.

It’s (almost) that time of year again, SPRING! To celebrate, I’m sharing new images from Marimekko‘s Spring 2013 campaign, “Colour for a reason.”  Aren’t these colors and textiles like a breath of fresh air?? Be sure to drop by one of their stores, or check out their new collections online here.

Spring 2013 at Marimekko – Colour for a reason. Get into it!

Maija Isola pattern from 1961, today in 2013. How great is that?

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DVF Pattern Inspiration

Last week I began following Diane von Furstenburg (@DVF) on Instagram and they’ve been posting some really interesting photos. I love fashion brands that use Instragram, Tumblr, Facebook etc. to give fans a unique behind the scenes look at the brand. DVF does this quite well, and even shares a “Print of the Week” from their pattern/textile library. As a textile/pattern design lover I get so excited when they post them.

How great are these patterns? The first one is hands down my favorite! If I was a girl I’d dress ALL in graphic patterns.

I love seeing how they mix patterns and textiles at DVF. It’s a tricky business and they do it so well!

Couldn’t have a DVF post without posting one of Diane herself!

So get into the graphic print greatness that is DVF and be sure to check out their Spring 2013 show at NY Fashion Week. Also be sure sure to follow Diane von Furstenburg on Twitter and Instagram (@DVF) for a behind the scenes look at the brand. And remember, love is life! -Diane

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