While shopping in London last week, I couldn’t help but notice all of the string installations that kept popping up throughout the big department stores. From elaborate window displays to intricate floor designs, immense and artistic webs seemed to be woven throughout the merchandise in an effort to spice things up.

Selfridges, one of London’s main department stores, always dedicates a portion of it’s windows to art and is currently displaying a truly complex and over sized replica of a twisted loom. The design is very abstract with a constructivist style. Not only is it impressive, but wholly inspirational; I love it when I see good modern art that can inspire my own work.

Over at Liberty, there’s a beautiful geometric crystal chandelier installation that spans at least 4 floors in the Women’s section. It’s gorgeous and truly [...]

It’s hard to believe it’s been nine months since posting Ritwik Dey’s Harmonogram series of Lissajous figures. Each delicate marking was representative of the hypotrochoid illustrations we had been seeing so much of last May. Fast forward and today’s imagery draws similar parallels, though the materials are tangible and the movement unruly. Be it high-end hardware from Peguerin or a male model in Dazed and Confused, the the still chaos of continuous wiring leads our eyes throughout the page, proving yet again, the materials can be simple, so long as the energy is electric.

It’s hard not to love Barneys. From Simon Doonan’s infamous Madison Ave. windows to the snarky advertising and retail displays, this department store is one step ahead when it comes to forward fashion business practices. Once again, their warehouse sale has descended upon us and if you live in NY or LA, it’s not a bad idea to check it out. Everything from Thakoon dresses to Marni shorts to Vena Cava shirts are considerably discounted from Feb 11th – Feb 28th. Click here to find out more!

Valentines day is three days away and if you’re anything like me, you still don’t have your act together. Whether you’re single, in a fresh relationship or married, there’s always a little something you can do to mix things up. Everything from low key Bossa Nova tunes to post-it note scribbled love letters make me happy, though it’s nice to get something new every once in a while. So with that in mind, today you’re getting twelve pattern-approved gifts for the creative souls in your life!

1. 1. Come Closer Pillow, $326
2. 2. Gingham Heart Dress, $54
3. 3. Dynamite Dress, $47.99
4. 4. Heart Stitched Mittens, $56.50
5. 5. Rosie Design Toy, $70
6. 6. Ruffle Shoulder Bodycon Dress, $58
7. 7. Black Patent Leather Heart, $22
8. 8. Dish Towel Tie, $44.55
9. 9. Striped [...]

New York City can be dirty, no doubt about it. Amidst the fashionistas making the sidewalk their runway and store windows elaborately offering their fineries, the harder you look, the more you’ll notice the city’s grit and grime. Emptied storefronts, sidewalk cracks and multicolored oil ponds fill the streets from Fifth Avenue to Chinatown. While dirt can be menacing for some, designers seem to be finding inspiration from these contaminated city corners. This beetle wing necklace from Econe mimics the rainbow palette found on this oil-slicked wall in Lexington.  Gucci also taps this grit inspired trend with these combat boots. It appears we have a new kind of grunge here- one that’s dark and offbeat, a little worn-in, and highly ironic.

The irony of it all is that fashion is a huge contributor to the [...]

Having graphic design roots, I’m naturally drawn to typographic patterns.  From Visa’s go campaign to Adelaide’s West Village furniture selection to Ross Menuez’s summer ‘09 dresses, it seems as though artists from all over the world are proudly showcasing their language of choice. Today’s post highlights the work of Adam Courtney, the photographer who shot this intricate and incredibly cool shirt. While there’s a possibility that this Hebraic adaptation ventures into sacrilegious territory, I’m curious what text was chosen and feel it’s important to note the commercialization of the Torah’s holy scriptures. Nothing’s off limits these days, and line-blurring across categories will most likely continue as artists use the internet to share and distribute content.

Lest we forget the ladies! This ‘To Life’ blouse from Built By Wendy merges Chinese style [...]

Growing up, the words “black and blue” generally applied to the bumps and bruises earned on the playground. This fall though, the phrase seems to transcend both aural and visual projects.  From the title of the new Alice In Chains album, to a track title on Miike Snow’s critically acclaimed album, it’s obvious to see how fashion, film and digital influences are continuing to make their cultural mark.