ILLUSTRATION: Natalie Ferstendik

Natalie Ferstendik's illustrations are right up our alley. Ornate, and intricate lines conjure up a contemporary version of art nuveau. Her career started with with commissions at Vogue, and she's gone on to illustrate windows at Harvey Nichols, Printemps Department Store in Paris, and the fashion guide A Girl for all Seasons' by Camilla Morton.

On Sunday July 19th, Nelly Duff Gallery in London are releasing 'Florence' a stunning 5 colour screen print finished with a lush gold foil blocking (shown above)

COUTURE 09: Lace

Christian Lacroix, Alexander McQueen, Valentino, Alexander McQueen, Valentino
Interesting uses of lace from the Couture 09 runways. My favorite once again? McQueen.

TREND: Bows

DVF, Marc Jacobs (x2), Christian Lacroix
Bow Prints and actual bows on Resort 10 and Couture 10.

Pattern People Prints on Stussy

Here are some Pattern People prints on Stussy products.  They call them Tronic and Sioux. Exciting!  Lower image shows the original prints. 

RETAIL: Opening Ceremony + Pendleton

Opening Ceremony’s collaboration with Pendleton is finally here. I've been waiting somewhat impatiently for months since the announcement, and the lookbook offered just enough of a taste to keep me salivating for fall.

The cut of the clothes are nice and very of the moment- vest, motorcycle jacket etc. but what excites me most are the patterns! You can find these patterns just about anywhere; hanging on a wall, folded over the back of a friend’s comfy couch, or adorning a well-worn wood floor. It's fun to see Pendleton's timeless prints mashed up with Opening Ceremony's fashion-forward silhouettes. Ethnic print from all corners of the globe have been popular again for more than a few seasons, but Pendleton Woolen Mills has been doing it for decades. Starting in 1909, Pendleton has been manufacturing Indian blankets for sale and trade with Native Americans.

“A study of the color and design preferences of local and Southwest Native Americans resulted in vivid colors and intricate patterns. Trade expanded from the Nez Perce nation near Pendleton to the Navajo, Hopi and Zuni nations. These Pendleton blankets were used as basic wearing apparel and as a standard of value for trading and credit among Native Americans. The blankets also became prized for ceremonial use.” (sourced from Pendleton website)

Nothing like a garment steeped in history to add to it’s allure, value and rarity. Can’t wait to get my hands on the real thing!

FASHION: Resort 10: Mushy Ditsies

Erdem, Sonia Rykiel, Anna Sui, Sonia Rykiel

Small-scale mushed-up florals on dark grounds. Discuss.

RESORT 10: Hervé Léger for Max Azria

Known for its stark simplicity, the prints at Léger are a bold contrast to the soft smudgy flowers seen on many of the womens wear lines. These prints create a strong and original female attitude--the Modern Bitch Queen.

RESORT 10: Matthew Williamson

Back from my own tropical wedding/honeymoon, I turn my attention back to the wonderful world of prints. Matthew Williamson's new patterns have especially caught my eye for their flowing organic forms that look like corals and rocks being tumbled through ocean waves. I love the colors too. The dress on right reminds me of sunsets and sand, the one in the middle is like turbulent waters and dark shiny rock formations, and the one on the right is all coral and fish scales. 

DESIGNER: Henrik Vibskov

Henrik Vibskov - Quinny Collection

With so many collaborations happening between designers and larger companies these days, we've become complacent about such matters. But the unlikely pairing of Danish fashion extraordinaire, Henrik Vibskov, with Canadian kids line, Quinny, makes us excited to see what's next. Using his bold, colorful prints, Vibskov has created an exclusive collection of 18 items, ranging from strollers to umbrellas, that brings his cutting edge style to the modern parent.

Resort 10: Poolside Prints

Resort 10 Collection Basso & Brooke

Effervescent is one of my favorite words, but rarely does it come into use. However, it's a somewhat fitting description for the new resort collection from Basso & Brooke. From bubbles to waves, these prints make quite a splash.

M.C Escher. Virtual Worlds

On a recent visit to the Portland Art Museum, I came across the Virtual Worlds- M.C. Escher and paradox exhibit. Mindblowing. We’re all familiar with Escher’s work, he is one of arts most well known and cunning visual tricksters. But it is hard to understand how mathematical, meticulously detailed and pattern based his work is until seeing it in person. It’s been said that Escher was greatly inspired by the Moorish tiles, and the interlocking designs of mosaics in the Spanish Palace, Alhambra. It is easy to see their influence on his work.

INSPIRATION: Steven Meisel

Steven Meisel Puzzle

Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia 2007

Although this is old news, Steven Meisel's photo series for Vogue Italia continues to inspire. These elegant print on print photographs create a cornucopia of visual delights! Pick up a puzzle version at art + commerce.

DESIGN INSPIRATION: Tan Lines

Tan the Man by Janine Rewell

This Summer, whether lounging on the beach or by the pool, create a sensation with custom tan lines. Finnish illustrator, Janine Rewell, used a series of vinyl stickers and a solarium to design this one of a kind look. Sensational!

RETAIL TRENDS: Swimwear

Insight, Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs

While researching swimwear for my upcoming Tulum trip, I came across some really cute prints I wanted to share. Insight seems to always have awesome patterns, and there is a great sale on their bikinis here. The Marc Jacobs suit is hilarious too.

FASHION: Resort 10: Animal Prints

Michael Kors, Diane von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Temperly of London

Black and white animal prints for Summer 10.