We’ve all gone graffiti-happy at least once in our lives. Jeans from high school, casts from unexpected falls, even the intentional chalkboard wall you painted to jazz up your kitchen. Personal customization holds a lot of weight in consumer culture and one by one, brands are continuing to get this. One of the coolest collaborations this season comes from Converse and Utrecht Art Supplies. All-white converse high-tops are being sold alongside markers, paints and colorful laces. When you’re doing your back to school shopping, what could be better than a personalized pair of kicks? Show off your illustrative prowess and get a pair today.

Clever graphics are simply the best. So are artist-generated businesses. Glyph Que and Pattern and Shape are two brands that have carefully (and successfully) navigated the art meets retail space. The above collection is the result of a collaborative project from The Strange Attractor, a blog dedicated to sharing strange and exceptional art from around the globe. The objective of this particular line is to marry geometric shapes with unconventional patterns. The winning tees are now being sold on Pattern and Shape at $23 a pop. What’s your favorite?

Here’s a snapshot of Glyph Cue’s Summer 2010 collection. Each shirt is handmade in Portland, Maine by Matt W. Moore and sells for $33.

Translating a photograph into salable fashion can be a daunting task for any designer, however when done correctly, it’s extremely awe-inspiring. This dress (label unknown) from Barneys, presents a sleek and modern canvas for this textured stone pattern. Adding golden tones, blurred lines and simple draping, this realist image is immediately softened and feminized for a summer silhouette. We all find inspiration outdoors and while oftentimes its the hand-drawn interpretation that make the final commercial cut, it’s exciting to see an abstract photo-realist take, familiarizing luxury with the great outdoors.

What are some of your favorite nature-inspired graphics?

Graphic designers get really excited when the art world a.) beautifies and b.) acknowledges their daily design tools. Today we present you with Julien David and his most recent collaboration with Pringle of Scotland, Colette and DC Comics. Using bold illustrations, vivid colors and rich fabrics, David single handedly creates a playful dialogue for the luxury market to wrap it’s head around. The symbolism behind the keyboard and Superman logo remind us of the importance and influence both images hold on a global scale. By enlarging and repeating, we see how easy it can be to force an audience to heed a message. Whether you’re wearing a twinset or a scarf, all of David’s pieces are conversation starters, not to mention, exciting interpretations of pop culture.

I’m always on the lookout for a chic flat perfect for pounding the city pavement. Extraseed’s line of flats comes in a classic shape and a variety of subtle, wearable patterns that will add to, not distract from your outfit. As an added bonus, the shoes have a rich sustainable side: the soles are crafted from used car tires and the fabrics are the scrap remnants from garment factories – not that you could tell. At $38 a pop, you can feel good about doing something healthy for the environment, your closest, and of course, your wallet.

The title of today’s feature couldn’t be more appropriate given the current state of the Gulf Coast. This week’s New Yorker cover by Bob Staake tips its hat to the oil slick that’s been glistening like a mirage for the past two months. Interestingly, and somewhat oddly, the nod to M.C. Escher’s graphic puzzle was eerily foreshadowed and beautifully executed by Alexander McQueen at this time last year. The print is timeless, adaptable and a seamless reflection of the times.

We couldn’t help but get excited when we saw this censor scarf by Allsaints Spitalfields because it reminds us so much of the imagery from the Art of Conversation show in Berlin as well as our recent Spin it: Webcam Style post. Even more interesting, is that within this scarf, the details are censored. The faces are nothing but a blur when looked at in quick succession, though the design’s political spin adds an interesting and rather timely twist.

The Jack scarf is lovely too, in its moody swashes of color, looking almost like an abstracted appropriation of topography – a trend that’s been moving steadily through the ranks. We love these for their wearability, and for the fact that they’re not your everyday run of the mill hankies. [...]

The visualization of sound is always a mesmerizing sight, as is the blur of buzzing static that can inhabit your tv screen. What we love so much about these bags from Industry is that while they’re named for their sound-like patterns, they’re also reminiscent of a modern ikat print. With both stylistic ideas being on trend these bags have high appeal whether you’re looking to reference a tribal, ethnic vibe or a more offbeat sound-influenced pattern, making them a versatile and fun addition to your wardrobe.

The Dutch duo that is Stefan Scholten and Carole Baijings have been working together since they founded their design studio, Scholten & Baijings in 2000. Dedicated to an aesthetic of minimalism and intricate detail, this design force has become most famous for their keen arrangement of grids, gradients and patterns. Their catalog of work consists of home goods and fashion accessories and is quite inspirational, regardless what medium you’re accustomed to working in. Check them out!

Skulls are everywhere. From J.Crew ties to baby carriage canopies to Stubbs and Wootton slippers, it’s clear that the punk iconography of the 80′s rock band era has earned a place in mainstream fashion today. As artists continue to reinterpret skull and bones every which way, it appears as though the trend continues to plow forward. Alexander McQueen’s most recent advertising campaign blends a slick skull into a floral background to sell women’s accessories. Sporting a similar (but more masculine) look, Pete Tong’s recent feature in Billboard Magazine proves any pattern can be applied, so long as the focal shape is acknowledged.

Keds have been an American classic since 1916. “The Champion,” has graced the feet of such style legends as Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Jackie O and has continuously been a favorite among designers, stylists, and editors. In truly modern fashion, Keds has been taking it to the streets with their Keds Collective Collection which brings “top designers, cutting-edge artists, musicians and pop culture icons to see how these creative minds can transform” the blank canvas of the classic Ked.

We’re currently digging Portland-based artist, Betsy Walton’s beachy patterned kicks, which look perfect for warm weather wandering. A few of her favorite influences are evident in the final product and include Byzantine Icon Paintings, American Folk Art and geometric abstraction. At $60, they’re a pretty swell deal.