After viewing Tim Burton’s show at the MoMA, it’s hard not to draw parallels to Roberto Kusterle’s fantastical photography. Each piece is truly a show-stopper and a window into a world that challenges literal meaning. Here at Pattern Pulp, we all believe that moods can be defined in countless ways. It’s the inspirational element of a story that sticks, and if it’s done well, it will further resonate within society. Avatar is a perfect example of this. Brands continue to tackle this challenge on a daily basis, and Coca Cola provides perhaps some of the best examples in the market. When you invite your viewer into a world they’ve only dreamed of then give them a pair of wings, you have to trust that they will fly. Kusterle’s ability to convey affection and [...]

There has always been a thin line between art and commerce, but in the past year the line has grown ever thinner as artists freely appropriate commercial concepts.  The results have sparked controversial murmurs, as typically classical masterpieces have been infused with political spin. Whereas historically, it was not uncommon to hire artists to create advertising campaigns, this movement is turning that notion upside down.  Jean-Charles de Castelbajac of Casablanca has gained notoriety by hijacking popular imagery and adding a cultural twist.  His latest exhibition entitled Triumph of the Sign, showcases a series of western reproductions infused with recognizable branding.  Interestingly, these works were painted in China, complementing the idea of mass market demand.

Last year, 26 year old art student Nadia Plesner caused a stir and triggered a lawsuit when she created [...]

The ubiquitous playing card is now being used for more than just playing games.

The U.S. Postal Service has just issued a new stamp in their popular Love series inspired by the king and queen of hearts from the 18th century French archives, the same cards that are the source for the recognizable 52 card deck that we know today.  Commercializing the game even more, Bryan Berg, the Guinness world record holder for card-stacking, is featured in this remarkable promotion video for the Lexus quiet ES model.  Bringing the deck to life, London fashion designer, Ashish Gupta’s Spring/Summer 2009 Americana collection includes sequined dresses reminiscent of Alice and Wonderland.

In the art world, playing cards have continued to be a source of inspiration. The geometric abstractionist, Sonia Delaunay designed her Simultane deck in 1964, [...]

While many of you probably think we’re talking about this Nick Cave, we’re not, as his Chicago doppelganger is just as intriguing and has taken the US art world by storm over the past decade.  Cave’s wearable sculptures merge two of his favorite worlds: modern dance and found objects.  Each costume is named specifically for the sound it emits while worn and is comprised of organic materials, elaborate patterns and varied embellishments.  While Cave’s work has a touch of haute couture, it’s most reminiscent of ritualistic dressing.  Through his professional past at The Alvin Ailey Dance Company coupled with his now ten-year old fashion line, Cave makes sense of these two worlds in Recent Soundsuits, his latest exhibition at the  Jack Shainman Gallery. Each suit beautifully conceals the wearer’s identity, blurring [...]

Over the weekend, I had the good fortune of escaping the cold wet city for Miami.  In between bouts of beach and people watching, I popped into the shops along Collins Ave to see if South Beach had more to offer than bedazzled Ed Hardy paraphernalia.  As predicted, Barney’s quenched my thirst for innovation.  I was astonished by the simple lighting solution that brightened the entire menswear floor.  “People will come from all over to visit the store, so we definitely wanted elements of memorability and surprise,” said Kent Wells, Director of Retail Planning and Design for RGLA .  Relying on new and creative ways to use utilitarian objects, Barney’s Miami CO-OP combined a mix of materials, fixturing systems and artisan objects to create an eclectic store environment, with an emphasis on wacky and fun.

Speaking of [...]