Wednesday, March 19, 2008

The New Order

1. Peter Piletto introduces a print that is loaded with texture interpret the abstract & ikat trend that has dominated the runways this season.
2. Talbot Runhof utilizes a flirty floral to make an ultra feminine statement. I love how the floral motif creates a scenic of blooms that is not so typical and gives the garment's character some life.
I am a full blooded, pure-bred Fashionisto and have to respect the legendary houses that have laid the foundation for the future of fashion prints, but, there is something very intriguing about the collections that are rising in the ranks. This season was saturated with print masterpieces across the board that addressed form, color, mood and history. However, I was most impressed with the new-comers who utilized patterns to show that their collections have the depth necessary to attract the eye of today's discerning consumer. BRAVO!

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

I Wish I Was Home


"We're not in Kansas anymore Toto." These days when you venture into the home textile editorials you have to wonder who the target viewer is. The "Do-It-Yourselfers" seem to hav e taken over the reigns from the high brow interior specialists to make a stand in the market place. The reality TV craze has infiltrated virtually every audience base now and is strongly influencing consumers to seek bolder patterns & more vibrant colors. And, we must agree that, nowhere is the personality more vividly expressed than in the home.




I think it is fantastic that we are being given many more options in the marketplace to execute uncoventional ideas in creating personalized living spaces. The modern home maker wants looks that are outside the scope of traditional home palettes and seek options in furnishings that immulate the motifs and moods found on the fashion runways.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Him, Her, She, He........


Sometimes it is rather obvious that a print is either male of female simply based on the elemets used to render the overall layout. For example, butterflies & flowers tend to tell a feminine story while sports themes & stripes have a masculine appeal. However, the abstract side of things seems to be a prevalent look for the past couple of seasons and is steadily gaining momentum. Several brands have indoctrinated the policy of runnnig prints that have only one distinction of gender, the colorway.
This brand of merchandising is seen mostly in the European market where basic prints are brought to life by a sophisticated color palette that adds a twist to the typical metropolitan silhouette. Patterns are surfacing in the most precarious ways lately as designers are focused on giving the customer more options to express style and personality.