Trendy (part 12)

Type.

Letters and type can be a lot of fun. Especially when used in unexpected ways. We're talking branching out from Helvetica, people! There are several lines of cards/papers/shirts/bags out now that use fun quotes mixed with interesting typography.

Here are samples from Urban Graphic. I love the quotes.






























Below is a canvas from quotablecards.com. They have a broad range of note cards, journals, books and canvases.


















And lastly, some "designer" wear from Veer. This shirt reflects the impression that most of my family has of my job. Well, I guess it's not that far off...

Trendy (part 11)

With spring in the air today (finally!), this seems an appropriate post. Orchids are fresh and fun, and slightly exotic. They are showing up everywhere, including holiday packaging! So keep a look out in December. The most popular colors that they're being seen in right now are white and light green.

Below is a pretty orchid clothes-hook from Charlotte Lancelot. She also has a new line of Orchid place mats which are to fresh and perfect for the spring.

Trendy (part 10)

I feel like a broken-record, but I really am almost done with the trend report! Thanks for your patience :)

Well, we all love the fun, slightly rebellious, attitude of the 60's and 70's... and now designers are bringing it back. Colors, patterns and artwork reminiscent of those 2 decades are prevalent. The best is when it has a modern twist. But I do enjoy seeing it... so bright and happy. And you know how I love patterns...

Here's a top from Anthropologie. Peruse their site and you'll find a large amount of their clothes have a slight throw back to the 70's. Even some of their furniture has a similar twist. Fun, fun!

Going Green

I'm still excited about my eco-shopping bag. I've already put it to good use! I've come across a few more "green" things that I thought were worth a post. I'll be back to finish up trend icons tomorrow.

The first is that Home & Garden now has a "living green" section on their site. Check it out for great products and tips. They certainly prove that you don't need to sacrifice style to be considerate of the environment.

Secondly, it was announced on CNN.com yesterday that the final Harry Potter book will be the greenest yet. At 784 pages and a first print run of 12 million, it's a big deal. There will also be a "deluxe" edition (100,000 books) which will be printed on 100% recycled waste-fiber. Click here for the full article.

I've got IT

As a follow up to my post a while ago. I got my hands on the £5 "it" bag today! Yippee!!!! We waited in line early this morning, and it's paid off. I'm the proud owner of a new Anya Hindmarch bag! And it's so pretty!

I have to admit, this campaign proves the effectiveness of buzz marketing. The response was overwhelming, and these bags are now being sold on eBay for 10 times their original cost. I love it.

Trendy (part 9)

Happy Monday! We're not done with the trend report yet, but the goal is to finish it up this week. Today I'm writing about the most popular pattern of the trend show: damask. Often seen in wallpaper and fabric... but now branching out with many different uses. According to Wikipedia, damask is:

"a figured fabric of silk, wool, linen, cotton, or synthetic fibers, with a pattern formed by weaving... The term originally referred to ornamental silk fabrics, which were elaborately woven in colours, sometimes with the addition of gold and other metallic threads. Damask weaves are commonly produced today in silk, linen or linen-type fabrics which feature woven patterns featuring flowers, fruit, forms of animal life, and other types of ornament."

Below is a modern sample from Dan Funderburgh.

Trendy (part 8)

Silhouettes–

Per the Apple iPod advertising revolution a few years ago... silhouettes are still hot. Lately they are often seen layered with other images, or filled with patterns and images. Below, yet another examples from Urban Outfitters.

Trendy (part 7)

More animals in today's trend report... who would have thought it was possible? Well, today is about horses. And anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE horses. Apparently they are the "most popular icon in the trend show"... used in stationery, bags, clothes, and even holiday decorations. I'm going to love seeing these around. Below is a journal from paper+cup.

Trendy (part 6)

Yes, I'm back on track to finish up the trend highlights for 2007/2008. Just a few more posts to go before we're through. Who knows what I'll talk about then.

I just love this trend. It's been dubbed "woodland." Basically, these fun little forest dwellers are showing up everywhere. We're talking, deer, rabbits, owls, pine trees... a whole menagerie. Sure to brighten any one's day. Take a look at the adorable print below from Etsy shop seller, blackbirdletterpress.

The IT bag

Ok, I swear this will be the last "environmental" post for a little while. I am officially getting off my soap box after this, and will return to finish up the 2007/2008 trend forecast. Just consider this a little detour.

The new "it" bag in London this spring was designed by Anya Hindmarch and is being distributed in conjunction with wearewhatwedo.com and Sainsbury's grocery stores. According the Anya's site, "Green is the new black." This bag has been toted around by celebs such as Reese Witherspoon. And the cost? Just 5 pounds (less than a trip to Starbucks)! The idea is to have a cute reusable bag with a message. At that cost, they can saturate the market with them and hopefully do a little good.

Now... if I can just get my hand on a few. It may be the only "it" bag that I can ever afford.

Recycle me

An addendum to yesterday's post. Urban Outfitters now has a line of recycled home decorations. See their mirrors, lanterns and frames below.

And another good resource: treehugger.com

Trendy (part 5)

Today's theme is "Organic."

There are 2 different ways in which this trend has manifested itself. One is environmental, the other is stylistic.

{1}
Let's tackle the most important one first. The environment. A concern for the environment on a mass scale is finally having it's day in the sun. There are endless news reports and documentaries about environmental damage and how individuals and corporations alike, can do their part to remedy the situation. In the design field, there are more recycled papers and soy-based inks being offered. Packaging can be made from recycled and recyclable materials, or bio degradable materials. And hopefully consumers will begin to respond to companies that take a greener stand than their competitors.

{2}
And, from the trend report.... The concept of "organic" is also playing out stylistically. Similar to "home spun," artwork here has a hand done feel. Even artwork created on the computer has a raw feel. There is a movement toward less "perfect" Adobe Illustrator-type art.

To be honest, I'm not sure I agree with the reporting of this trend from the style point of view. We were creating "raw" artwork on the computer years ago. Perhaps it's now more mainstream then it was. But, I personally feel that it's starting to swing back the other way. Or, you'll see a combination of raw artwork mixed with more perfect lines and type. Feel free to agree or disagree...

Below are 2 samples of "organic" work that I have created. The first is for DaimlerChrysler, and was created about 3 years ago. The second was for Tsingtao beer, created a year+ ago.

Trendy (part 4)

Let's take a break from color trends and move on to the themes and icons that you'll be seeing around you this year. I apologize, but I can't direct you to the author of these trends, as they came through a friend as a trend show download. But they're too great to not share.

The first theme is "home spun." In a world where most of our everyday items have been mass produced, sometimes cheaply and without much care, it's nice to see a return to hand-made items. There are tons of little niche shops that produce fantastic pieces made by hand, and with heart. One place to find numerous items all at once is etsy.com. A 5 minute search produced the following finds:

Sold from top to bottom by: Rania Hassan, Tinkybelle, and Lagreen. Take a look at etsy and see what treasures you can find.

Trendy (part 3)

More color trends? Why, yes indeed. At this rate we'll cover the whole spectrum and everything will be "in fashion."

Today I'm highlighting the color trend that Gunnar Frank calls "Cubism Monochrome." I really like the feel of this palette. It's somewhat neutral and reserved, goes together well, and is very usable in real life. The best way I can describe it is: calming. I would like to live in a house painted in some of these colors. The following is what the expert says on this palette:

"Cubism Monochrome – combines the family of seven neutral colours with the character of Cubism. The transition from actual to abstract in this art form is ideally complemented by “non-colours”, which serve as projection surfaces, providing a focus of calmness and a basis for reorientation. Stirring motifs and quotes from previous centuries create a new tension. In the shapes and colour moods there are changes of perspective that form part of a dynamic lifestyle and interior design."

Trendy (part 2)

Cool colors – greys, blues, greens. Mr. Frank (see previous post) calls it "Futurism Dawn." And I quote:
"Futurism Dawn – the cool spectrum of the blue-green tones is enhanced with the courage and boldness of Futurism. Here the aura of the moon meets rationality. The fascinating contrast of fairytale accessories creates an overall impression of mystery and mystic charm. The mood is one of distant playfulness that is forwardlooking and signals the progressive character of this interior design style. As in Surreal Sunny, modernism and romanticism find equal expression."

And regarding material:
"...the modern and romantic find equal expression, creating clean, open interiors in which blue and white dominate. The importance of stone, faux leather, glass and iron is resurgent. The initial impression is one of simplicity."

Simple and peaceful, or cold and uninviting? You're the judge.