Celebrity collaborations are nothing new. When a product gets a nod from a famous face, we all know that sales will likely soar. A year ago, I featured Proper Attire, Planned Parenthood’s latest campaign, addressing the issue of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases among 18-25 year olds. The program has been a success and a phenomenal example of how decorative rebranding can reinvent the message of an everyday product. Most recently, Jeremy Scott and Brian Reyes have joined the cause to share their creative visions. Scott’s Flintstone-esque brights are electric, graphic and Gaga-approved, while Reyes’ designs tap an ethereal nature-inspired look and feel. Two designs for two different girls, all for betterment and health of society, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Oh, the proverbial question: Which came first, the chicken or the egg? The debate can go around and around. Much like the debates of who inspired whom, what inspired what, and where on earth do ideas come from. And of course, how do they become adopted by society and wind up as trends.

Because, we think we called it via our Interior Design Takes a Spin feature: people, they like change. They also like pixels. And in this case, web cams. We recently spotted Pepsi’s Refresh Project, One People tv spot, where a variety of people on their web cams interact with one another. Each paper conveys a pixelated vibe, and as objects are “magically” passed between squares, the concept is unified as global sharing. Naturally, we delighted at the synchronicity to our fun interior finds. Of [...]

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 always a treat when you can post a follow-up to a topic you’ve covered in another market. Back in July, then later in August, the topic of bondage, the recession and DIY styling came about. Perhaps the most literal translation of this trend appeared in the pages of Dazed and Confused where a male model was wrapped in a t-shirt and pink duct tape. Today it’s exciting to see bloggers reinterpreting this trend, commercializing it for the masses. Above you’ll see Jane Aldridge’s styled photoshoot, merging a Martin Margiela blazer with a black belt and a long line of duct tape. Certainly the most feminine and classy angle we’ve seen to date.

Spherical designs are so common they probably deserve their own “feature” button on Pattern Pulp. That being said, it’s important to identify with designs that speak to you, as having a discriminating eye can help sift through the clutter.  Both of these layouts share a similar palette and emit a playfulness that’s easily transferrable for commercial use. In the latest issue of Theme Magazine, Peter Sutherland curates a stunning layout inspired by the spirit of freedom. This photo, shot by Hannah Whitaker, is a true embodiment of this concept. Paralleling this theme, Valentino’s recently released book, A Grand Italian Epic, converts a typographic pinwheel into an iconic status, the perfect symbol for a timeless brand.

Ah, the infamous Cosby sweater. We’re all aware of the jokes that defined much of the 80’s.  Fast forward a few decades and it seems like the creative folks at American Apparel,  Calvin Klein and Oxbow for Colette are tapping this fun-house style for their latest lines. While the mismatched textures are somewhat overwhelming, the cuts are modern and the themes coherent, allowing customers of all ages to take part in this pattern bazar.  It’s also interesting to note MC Esher and Dali’s influences continuing on into winter. We wonder if Patricia Field will be the next visionaire to jump on board, as these textures seem like a seamless fit for her eclectic style.

It’s been but two weeks since Bloomingdales in New York City opened their doors to a remodeled beauty department. Now, $55M dollars later, we have glossy checkers to compliment six new brands: Bare Essentials, Jo Malone, Shu Uemura, Sisley, Bumble and Bumble and Giorgio Armani.  This rendering highlights the perfume area, just one section of the cosmetics floor. As we’ve noted over the past few months, Alexander McQueen, Amy Winehouse, Vivienne Tam and Kandinsky are all artists that have found inspiration in this timeless staple, so too will the customers, the retail financiers are hoping.

By: Shayna Kulik

Few motifs are as powerful as the starburst.  We recently highlighted this symbol’s universal appeal and versatility in relation to logo design and beauty editorial.  Today’s theme follows a similar track with other inspirational layouts. This R & Y Augousti mother of pearl serving tray is comprised of natural materials, giving it ethnic appeal. Following a similar path, Kate Miss, a New York based designer, advertises her Etsy shop organizing vibrant necklaces in a playful circular formation. The French footwear company, Repetto incorporates photo effects to emulate a snowflake with their Fall/Winter 08 advertisement. All successful executions inspired by the spherical formula!

By: Shayna Kulik

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 [...]

The zipper trend we reported on last month is revealing itself across the globe in fashion, fine art and furniture alike. From Catherine Malandrino’s zip applique collar to this brilliant malleable lamp featured at the Stockholm Design Fair, clever applications are finding their way into the design side of the creation process. In the southern hemisphere, Brazilian conceptual artist, Nielson Leirner covers large canvases with warm colored fabrics, which are delicately draped open with zippers. This example of the mundane is quickly forgotten though when designers add a punk point of view. Rag and Bone’s latest bondage experiment, as noted by New York Magazine, is the “skinny jean for fat days.”

BA coverage by: Rebecca Silver