Trendspotting

The Mannequin Is Alive and Thriving

©2010 Karyn R. Millet / karynmillet.com

I have always loved mannequins.  For me, they are an iconic image that is always set in a period of time.  Each mannequin has its own story - has its own author that dressed it that certain way.  I have been thinking about mannequins lately and how they could be emerging as a design trend.  As I've been thinking this - I remembered meeting Karyn Millet , award winning photographer, at the Surtex show at the Jacob Javits Center last May.  In her booth stood a mannequin that had been beautifully decorated in an "Audrey Hepburn Style" dress - but the dress was made completely out of stock images that Millet had photographed.  I thought it was absolutely stunning - and poignant to me that they used a mannequin for displaying this work.  If you don't know Millet's work - I would definitely take a look - she has a way of capturing life and beauty in its most natural state - nothing contrived, just real life beauty.  As for me, though, I know I will continue to find mannequins and be intrigued by the way they are used.

cNOTE Artwork ~ Where Sounds Comes to Life!

I happened to be walking through the Conde Nast Building on Tuesday and saw these images that reminded me of African textiles – I was thinking it was so interesting that they were on display!  As I walked closer and saw the name of the exhibit, I realized, in fact, it wasn’t African textiles – but cNOTE art by Erik Rosen.  Erik, after going through a stem cell transplant procedure, started seeing the music – these colorful images are a phenomena called synesthesia – basically a misfiring of the senses.  He created these beautiful images of boxes of differing shapes to represent the notes he sees.  Since it reminds me so much of the African textiles I so adore – it makes me think if some of the artists of the earliest textiles also had this unique sensory experience.  Either way – definitely check out Rosen’s images on view until July 20^th! 

Recycled Paper Products Come to Life!

Rag & Bone Bindery - was such an amazing discovery while I was at the National Stationery Show in NYC!  I saw so many new products and ideas at the show,  however the trend that I found most intriguing, impactful  and fresh was that of  recycling paper scraps into beautiful  objects of art.  I had seen the emergence of this trend at last year's show,  but Jason Thompson, Founder and President, of Rag & Bone Bindery brought this trend to life for me! He was most gracious with his time at the show and eager to share his his expertise with me.  He informed me of his soon to be published book, Playing With Paper and recommended I learn more about “Kusudama” the art of constructing paper balls.  As a beginner I began to due my own research on this topic and I came across this video which I think is most instructive: 

How To Fold A Japanese Paper Ball (Kusudama) - The best free videos are right here

Jason certainly enlightened me to the world of using paper scraps, and Rag & Bone Bindery is such the perfect place to start to enjoy the art of paper - I encourage you to visit their website.  Whether you are looking for address books, journals, brag books or photo albums, the beautiful paper handiwork is sure to please!
     

Made Goods - Mirrors with Style and Grace

                           

Made Goods mirrors have certainly caught my attention lately.  The company, based in California uses innovative materials such as coral, shells and hammered brass to create the most magical designs!  Made Goods believes that mirrors should take center stage - and I can tell you, the designs on their website are sure to make that happen!  Their whymsical, globally inspired shapes will make the mirror a focal point of any room.  I encourage you to visit their website to see the three collections, Romantic Statements, Global Inspirations and Modern Glamour.  You are sure to find a style and size that is perfect for every room in the house! 

Fair Trade - Full Style

   

Fair Trade handicrafts take on a whole new meaning with Children of the World India's Vocational Academy. Established in 2005 to help Tsunami affected young adults, the Academy pairs vocational training with real world experience in order to help transition skills in traditional handicrafts into products that fare well in the modern marketplace.  Students study and train for 10 months then work with partner companies for the last 2 months in a variety of fields ranging from garment technology, catering to metal working.  Now what I really love is the shop and design studio associated with the Academy called Artyzan.  Artyzan is not only the name of the studio, but its the Academy's official brand that produces limited edition luxury garments, interiors and accessories for international private customers and companies.  The Artyzan website is in the beginning stages, but I encourage you to check it regularly for updates!  In the meantime, if you wish to purchase products or support their cause please go to:  artyzan@cwindia.org.

Grandfather Clocks ~ Scandinavian Style

Studio Jan Habraken's vinyl wall decal is totally bringing the grandfather clock into the 21st Century!  Based in Brooklyn, NY this dynamic design studio takes Scandinavian style to a whole new level.  This 2 piece decal works perfectly with an existing clock you have in your house.  Feel like changing the color? Well the amazing designers have thought of everything, you can mix and match colors ranging from tangerine to sour apple - yummy!  I have always admired Scandinavian design and style for it's simple lines and modern trimmings.  Wall decals I've been spotting for a while, but never before have I seen old world charm and Scandinavian aesthetic so beautifully orchestrated!  In fact, I encourage you to go to the Blik website where you can find your true artistic flair and pick and purchase from a multitude of funky wall decals to individualize your home or office.

Raandesk Remembers The Plaza!

    

The Raandesk Gallery celebrated its three year anniversary at Glenn Gale Gallery  where artist Laura Salierno's The PLaza Hotel series of photographs is on display.  Salierno, a photographer residing in Brooklyn snuck her camera into The Plaza Hotel as it was being dismantled and turned into condominiums.  She amazingly caught The Plaza as no one has seen it - a moment in purgatory - not quite the grand hotel it once was, but not yet the building it was to become. She caught the essence of what was happening so magically – fireplaces being ripped out of walls and chandelier's hanging by threads.  I was captivated by this collection, and I encourage you to go to the Raandesk website where you can view these photographs and purchase other contemporary paintings, photographs, drawings and sculptures.

Inflatable Subway Art

New York City streets bring all sorts of wonders to the passersby, but you are in for a real treat if you have seen artist Joshua Allen Harris' inflatable subway art project.  As you are walking down the street don't be surprised if a bear, ape or giraffe pop up at you.  Harris has created these animals by simply taping together discarded plastic bags and installing them over the grates of a subway.  That way as the subway passes below and the air pushes up you get a uniquely spectacular animal!  It can be quite a surprise when you are not expecting it, and as it inflates and deflates it creates the most amazing shapes!  If you haven't been lucky enough to see Harris' work on the street, click on the video below to see.

Fancy That!™ Decorative Packing Tape!

FancyThat!™ decorative packing tape! Who knew that packing boxes could be a an opportunity to get creative and express yourself?   Founding partners Deborah Curry and Peggy Schipper--that's who. The Original Decorative Packing Tape™ is a concept born out of their desire to transform the mundane shipping box into a design statement worthy of the gift inside. Many of the designs are derived from beautiful vintage fabric.  "...functional can be fabulous."  I love it!

The 2008 HC&G Idea House

The 2008 HC&G Idea House, opened Friday July 25th and included three prominent spaces designed by David Bergman Architect. The annual showhouse, which is sponsored by Hamptons Cottages and Gardens magazine and is a major event in the Hamptons summer season, is eco-themed this year. As an architecture and interiors firm with an emphasis on sustainable design, Bergman was  invited to design the Master Bathroom, Dressing Room and adjacent Hallway.   David's contribution is quite remarkable but I am not surprised.  Last year I took his class on marketing green products and it was truly inspirational.  Way to go David!