Post by Claire Carey, images via: Super Trash, Molo, Bakker made with love (Orange Mayonnaise), Zadig et Voltaire, Soft Gallery, Babiekins, Munster Kids, Ej Sikke Lej, Stella McCartney, ESP No.1
“funky, hip, a bit ‘out there’, very grown up and also very current (think the Met Ball in NYC last weekend!). This punk trend is line drawings, black, painterly lines, quirky figures and illustrations with a lot of neon” – Claire
*post by Claire Carey, images via (clockwise): Anive for the Minors, Molo, Le Train Fantome, Lucky Boy Sunday, Kanelimaa, 7781 shop, Maileg, Babiekins, mimilou, Fairytale Jubilee ( Rena Durham Photography for Babiekins Magazine)
A strong colour palette, geometric prints mixed with stripes and circus illustrations – lots of fun & very playful. A little bit of the unexpected and theatrical.- Claire
*post by Claire Carey, images via: Chalk Chook, Scotch & Soda, Winter Water Factory, Modeerska Huset, Mini & Maximus, Dreamy Photo, Shan and Toad, Simply Boco, Babiekins
This trend has a little bit of romance; it’s about the sky and sea and how they tone and tint the colours around. – Claire
* images via: Schatzi Brown, J-ho, GollyGForce, Oosp, Fabbio
Following trends is just plain fun after you give yourself a few seasons to sit back, relax and enjoy the show. It is so interesting to look what is currently selling, what is on the runway and then try to anticipate how the current trends will evolve and mature over the next few seasons. For example, the waist has been a point of interest for quite some time. Textile designers accentuated the waist through waist-flattering engineered prints (hello mirroring trend) and apparel designers highlighted the waist through darts, details and other feats of apparel construction. So where is this trend heading? Well to me, it appears there is a divide in the fashion world so you have your pick: the shoulder or hem.
From Valentino to Miu Miu this divide was seen across the recent Fall ’13 shows and varied in its execution. Shoulder emphasis was seen at Valentino, Marios Schwab and Louis Vuitton, while eye-catching hemlines were featured at Miu Miu, Jonathan Saunders and again at Louis Vuitton. For us, the textile designers and artists of the industry, the way in which this trend was executed is even more exciting.
Beautiful scalloped edge detailing, like these options from Valentino, which you can see on our Pinterest page (here and here), are a fun way to accentuate shoulders and hemlines for Spring ’15. If your client or customer can’t afford engineered printing or details, get creative and interpret the trend in a fun way, like the print seen above (top-right) from Schatzi Brown. Surrounding it you’ll also see a few other scalloped edge images that I thought you may find inspiring and beneficial to your work.
If the scallop trend is a little too sweet for you or your clientele, try experimenting with a more rugged, faded look, like this example on our Pinterest page from Louis Vuitton. If this is more your style, take inspiration from some of the images found below. Make this trend your own and enjoy the process! I hope you found this helpful and as always, please let me know how this trend influenced your work. I love hearing from you!
*images via: K.Kendall, Lindsey Bieda, Jesse Wagstaff, Vince Alongi, Tom Bech
To see more examples of this trend for Fall ’13 please visit our Pinterest page!
*post by Claire Carey, images via: Mini And Maximus, Thumbeline, Amplified Kids, Littlefourclothing, Scotch & Soda, Bobo Choses, Thumbeline, Creme Anglaise, Babiekins, Dr Martins
Funky and slightly grown up – Rock Chick style. Textured patterns and illustrations with a little bit of attitude … lots of fun.
*post by Claire Cary, images via (clockwise): Babiekins, Stella McCartney Kids, Liberty, Leuie, Liberty, Liberty, I Love Gorgeous, Mini Rodini, Paul Smith Junior, Lulu&Nat
A hot and hazy summers day, a picnic with friends in a field full with wild flowers. This trend is an eclectic mix including; ditzy flower prints, paisleys, illustrations, hearts, dip-dye and spirograph … anything goes. A slight 60′s vibe that is whimsical and playful.
P.S. The Sellable Sketch Workshop begins March 11th and there are still a few spaces available. Join us for this six week intensive!
*images via vogue.com
I am so excited to see some new print trends emerging on the Fall ’13 runway! I love moody, textural prints, but it is about time we had some new prints in the mix. Right? Some of my favorite concepts can be seen in Matthew Williamson’s Fall collection, including: bayaderes (those of you in the Pattern Observer courses will recognize this from last month’s Chelsea’s Challenge) and holographic embroidery. The dip-dye and jewel prints continue trends that we have seen for the past season or two, but they both appear a bit softer and laid-back than in the past.
If you are interested in developing a print collection of your own, then please check out this free series on developing a collection for your portfolio, or consider joining me for The Sellable Sketch Workshop. Registration opens next week and I expect it to sell out quickly. Register for the wait list here.
* post by Claire Carey, images via: (Clockwise): No Added Sugar, Donna Wilson, Babiekins Magazine, Ferm Living, Soft Gallery, Sweet William, Nathalie Lété, Shak Shuka, Lush Designs, Mini and Maximus
Children’s imaginations run wild when they think of a forest at night … what creatures will appear? This is a fun, trend story which is a little bit ‘dark.’ Illustrated images, a strong narrative and a darker colour palette with a pop of bright colour.
* post by Claire Carey, images via: clock wise from top left: Udder, Ficelle, Ferm Living, Babiekins, April Showers, SketchInc, Field Guide Design, Shak Shuka, Soft Gallery, Oelwein, Griottes
“Pops of bright candy colour work beautifully with simple geometric shapes. This trend is energising and playful, a mix of placement prints and repeat patterns create a fun story.”
*images via: Mother of Pearl Spring ’13 via style.com, “Musée de la Toile de Jouy” by Marilane Borges, “Toile” by Anthony Easton, Duro Olowu via style.com, Ruffian Spring ’13 via CHRISTOPHER MACSURAK, “Musée de la Toile de Jouy” by Marilane Borges
Welcome to the week fellow designers! We started noticing toile out and about last year (see our March Street Pattern post), but the evolution of toile, as seen at the recent Spring ’13 shows, is so exciting! Toile is now being paired with stripes and florals and comes in a range of vibrant and explosive colorways. The highlight of the toile parade has to be Mother of Pearl’s spring collection. We featured our favorite piece (top-left) above, but I encourage you to check out the entire collection here.
Etsy also recently featured the work of Richard Saja, an amazing textile artist who is famous for “embroidering bright and fanciful embellishments on top of historic toile patterns.”
So what is your take on toile? Deconstructed? Embellished? If you have recently created or purchased a toile pattern feel free to share it on the facebook page.
Have a great week!
* images via: Jeremy Scott Spring ’13 via style.com, “Three faces” by ismomalle, “Crowd” by James Cridland, Bebe Spring ’13 via style.com, Christopher Kane Spring ’13 via style.com, “seeing green” by Katie Tegtmeyer, Proenza Schouler Spring “13 via style.com
I have been asked by several students if there is a trend site or blog that focuses on graphic placements in the textile design world. I have yet to find one, but I think it is a fantastic idea for anyone out there who wants to run with it! So..when Chelsea spotted this “faces” trend on the spring runway, I thought it was perfect for those of you who are in need of some graphic inspiration.
The trend is widespread, from photorealistic to abstract, and was all over the spring runway. Chelsea counted 10 brands with face images being used, including: Aquilano Rimondi, Bebe, Christopher Kane, Custo Barcelona, Dolce and Gabbana, Fashion East, Jeremy Scott, Maki Oh, Proenza Schouler and Viktor & Rolf. That is quite the lineup!
Remember, unless your target customer is the trendiest of the trendy, the runway is a great place to look for inspiration. If a print style or graphic is popular on the runway, this doesn’t mean that the trend will not be popular in more affordable markets in a year or two. Just think about how long the owl trend has been around. So if this trend interests you, think about how you can interpret it in your own style and in a way that speaks to your customer.
Have a great week! – Michelle
*post by Claire Carey, images via: (Clockwise) Mini & Maximus, Anthropologie, Love Mae, How to Kiss a Frog, Moi, Wassupbrothers, Soft Gallery, No Added Sugar, Dandy Star
Running through the grass on a windy day, arms stretched out-wide pretending you’re a bird soaring in the sky. This trend story is all about freedom and movement using space with smaller detailed images. The colour palette is simple and muted with a pop of colour used sparingly to add diversity.
*post by The Pattern Observer team, images via: Cacharel Spring ’13 via style.com, “Shattered” by Eljay, Aquilano.Rimondi Spring ’13 via style.com, “Shattered 4” by Philip Bitnar, Giles Spring ’13 via style.com, “Safety glass” by Martin Sutherland, Tibi Spring ’13 via style.com, “Radiate” by ~My aim is true~, Miu Miu Spring ’13 via style.com
Welcome to the week! I hope you enjoy this shattered trend that we found really interesting. There are so many different ways to interpret this trend: clean, vector fragments, abstract photoshoped prints, collaged pieces or charcoal sketches, the possibilities are endless. There is officially one more day to enter the Sellable Sketch giveaway so hop on over and check it out here. Have a fabulous week!
*post by Claire Carey, images via: Images clock wise: Dandy Star, Sanna Annukka, Whip Cream from Kidstylesource, Dandy Star, Atsuyo et Akiko from Sweet William, Les Petits Bohemes, Vogue Enfants, ESP no.1, I Love Gorgeous from Babykins Magazine, Sweet William, Le Train Fantome
A traditional adventure with an urban edge. Tribal prints and folklore tales, create a narrative of imagery mixed with woven elements and textures. A colour palette inspired by the city and graphic lettering give the story an urban twist.
* images via: “Backlit” by Vince Alongi, Christopher Kane Resort ’13 via vogue.com, “A Rose for You” by RLJ Photography, Rag & Bone Resort ’13 via vogue.com, Christopher Kane Resort ’13 via vogue.com, “white roses” by Katherine Fries, Emilio Pucci Resort ’13 via vogue.com
I’ll be honest with you… illustrations, paintings and photographs of roses are usually a little too “sweet” for my taste. I prefer the complexity of an iris or the attitude of a dahlia. However, these rose prints, which made quite a statement on the resort runway, are really winning me over. The traditional rose prints are in perfect contrast to the younger silhouettes, while abstract interpretations of the rose are an effortless extension of the more conservative garments.
For those of you preparing your collections for the winter shows, how can you take this big-picture lesson and apply it to your work?
Are your customers more conservative? Then try your interpretation of an abstract floral using textures, a new medium, or a larger than life scale.
Are your customers younger and more cutting edge? Then take the tongue-in-cheek approach and see what you can do with a more classic style.
Everyone wants prints and patterns that are fresh and updated, but in order to know what this means in your market it is important to identify who your end-use consumer is looking to for style inspiration. Who do they think is cutting edge? Who do they think is a trendsetter? If you can figure this out, then you just have to worry about remembering to save your work before photoshop crashes…again.
Lots of love–Michelle
* images via: Carven Resort 2013 via vogue.com, “Dallas Street Map 1967” by Justin Cozart, Band of Outsiders Resort 2013 via vogue.com, “Globes” by Tup Wanders, “DFW 1956 (Ashburn Map)” by Justin Cozart, Band of Outsiders Resort 2013 via vogue.com, “Stull Lake 53K (1938)” by Wyman Laliberte, “Physical Map of Asia (1920)” by Eric Fischer
I have been so excited to share this trend/ found pattern post for quite some time! How fun are these map prints which are just beginning to emerge on the runway? This is a trend that works for a variety of markets: womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, home decor and possibly even for you quilters out there! I think the look could also be as detailed or as abstract as you wish, so you detail-phobic designers never fear..How do you vote on this trend? Yea or Nay?
* images via: Givenchy Resort ’13 via vogue.com, “Diamond pattern” by Anthony Easton, “Diamonds Are Forever” by Scott Robinson, Pringle of Scotland Resort ’13 via vogue.com, “Tilted Squares” by Alan Levine, Balmain Resort ’13 via vogue.com, “window reflection” by goodmami, Pringle of Scotland Resort ’13 via vogue.com, “Diamond eye” by Anita Hart, Balmain Resort ’13 via vogue.com
Chelsea brought this emerging diamond trend to my attention and I absolutely love it for Fall ’13 and Spring ’14. It works for a variety of customers, markets and price points. The design possibilities are endless! Try updating this trend for your customer by playing with scale, color usage, texture and layout direction (why not try a few options that appear skewed or warped?). If you end up running with this trend I would love to see what you develop!
Have fun–Michelle
*images via: Erdem Resort ’13 via vogue.com, “Lots of confetti” by mcclouds, “Conffeti” by Juan Antonio Capó, “Confetti” by Delphine Ménard, “Orange, Black & White Confetti” by Sherrie Thai, “Confetti” by ADoseofShipBoy, “Confetti, Times Square” by Stuart Moreton
* images via: Versace Fall ’12: Vogue.com, “Up & Out” by TinyFroglet, “Floral Abstract” by David Quigley, “Layers” by TinyFroglet, “Energy Flows” by TinyFroglet
Hello there! I hope that you had a fantastic weekend!
I reviewed the Fall couture collections over the weekend and was really drawn to the abstract lines created in these Versace pieces. They remind me of petals and waves, both of which are flattering and feminine, perfect for Spring ’14 collections. Most of my clients are in the active/ outdoor industry, so I will have to add a splash of sport, but I am excited to incorporate the look in my work. You can see more from the Versace collection here. Enjoy!
P.S. Did you have time to brainstorm three new marketing tactics over the weekend?
* images via: “Pilot” by Philo Nordlund, Just Cavalli Fall ’12, House of Holland Fall ’12, “The Gentleman’s Relish Quilt” by Sarah Witherby, Just Cavalli Fall ’12, Just Cavalli Fall ’12, Jenni Kayne Fall ’12,
Like plaids, it seems that the houndstooth is a trend that just won’t quit. As much as I try to stick the look in seasons past it is still relevant and will be important to Fall ’13 collections. The trick is, of course, to find new and innovative ways of using this classic pattern. I love all the examples seen here and hope they inspire you in your work!
Lots of love, Michelle
* images via: Paul & Joe Fall ’12 via style.com, Altuzzara Fall ’12 via style.com, “Sixth Day” by Elfriede Abbe – Wood Engraving by Thomas Shahan, David Koma Fall ’12 via style.com, Altuzzara Fall ’12 via style.com, “Zebra Patterns” by Sherri Thai
I would not say that I am huge fan of novelty knits, but I couldn’t help but be intrigued by the animal print/ jungle theme knits which were all over the Fall runway. I was particularly drawn to the David Koma piece which incorporates the color blocking trend beautifully. I normally think of sweaters as investment pieces, those high quality, less trendy pieces that I will wear for years. But honestly, when is the last time animal prints were considered “out?”
Lots of love–Michelle
* images via: “Washed Cotton Paisley” by Bundle Fabrics, Marc Jacobs Fall ’12 via style.com, “Orange Paisley” by Calsidyrose, Issa Fall ’12 via style.com, Issa Fall ’12 via style.com, “Crochet Paisley” by Patti Haskins, “Blue Paisley Eye” by The Invisible Wombat, Karen Walker Fall ’12 via style.com
From fun and kitschy to formal and dramatic, the paisley has made a big comeback. This seems like a trend that is here to stay, so how can you adapt the paisley to fit your market? Add a painterly texture? Or perhaps use a large scale paisley that ties in the color blocking trend. Have fun, but prepare yourself for the dreaded paisley repeat. Plan ahead, work in layers and prepare that celebratory glass of wine for when that repeat is complete! For a more formal take on the paisley trend, please see below!
* images via: Etro Fall ’12 via style.com, A.L.C. Fall ’12 via style.com, “1910s Kashmiri Paisley Coat” by Sacheverelle, “Scroll Paper” by Photocowgirl, Carven Fall ’12 via style.com, A.L.C. Fall ’12 via style.com
*images via style.com: Antonio Marras Fall ’12, Balmain Fall ’12, Emilio de la Morena Fall ’12, Emilio de la Morena Fall ’12, Emilio Pucci Fall ’12, Christopher Kane Fall ’12, A.L.C. Fall ’12, Aquilano.Rimondi Fall ’12, Antonio Marras Fall ’12
Black and white was the star of the Fall runway, but for a more elegant look you may want to incorporate this black-on-black trend. The look is classic, sophisticated, perfect for a night out and can be achieved with damasks, burnouts, sequin applications, embossing and eyelets. For the more casual consumer, try printing on black fabric with black ink or gel. These techniques just give a hint of depth and texture, but are much more affordable and have a more casual vibe. How will you incorporate this trend into your latest collection? Share your thoughts here or on the facebook page. I would love to hear from you!!
* Lacoste Fall ’12 via vogue.com
* Tory Burch Fall ’12 via vogue.com
* Lacoste Fall ’12 (left) and Tory Burch Fall ’12 via vogue.com
I am slooooowly making my way through all the marvelous fall collections. Although the Graphic B&W trend is by far the hottest look on the runway, there are several other trends that really caught my eye, one being these printed textures from Tory Burch and Lacoste. Tweeds and wovens remain a big hit on the runway, but printing these textures offers the customer a bit of whimsy and fun in a fairly conservative market. Have you seen additional printed textures on the runway? Post them to the Pattern Observer facebook page!
* images via: Roberto Cavalli: Pre-Fall ’12 via style.com, Alice +Olivia Fall ’12 via style.com, Anthony Vaccarello: RTW Spring ’12 via vogue.com, Zero + Maria Cornejo: Fall ’12 via style.com, Andrew GN Pre- Fall ’12 via style.com, Punk Peacock by Johanna Basford
* images via: Carolina Herrera Fall ’12 via style.com, Untitled Illustration By Gabriel Moreno, 3.1 Philip Lim Pre- Fall ’12 via style.com, Alice +Olivia Fall ’12 via style.com, Zero+ Maria Cornejo Fall ’12 via style.com
I would like to welcome back Christine McPhee, who was kind enough to share her take on the B&W trend that we are seeing all over the Fall runway.
“In my opinion, the clear standout trend for Fall ’12 is the black and white story, which absolutely ruled the recent runway shows. This always classic, high contrasting trend was present in bold graphic intarsias, op-art inspired stripes, abstract and textural prints, and delicate lace–like patterns. Seeing designers work in black and white, I am reminded of visual artists who use this sparsest of palettes to stunning effect, case in point of the gorgeous, intricate illustrations of Gabriel Moreno and the incredible hand drawn patterns of Johanna Basford.”
* images via vogue.com, Giambattista Valli S12, Jean Paul Gaultier S12, Jean Paul Gaultier S12
* images via vogue.com, Christian Dior S12
* images via vogue.com, Jean Paul Gaultier S12
* images via style.com, Elie Saab S12
* images via vogue.com, Giambattista Valli S12, Valentino S12
These are just a few of my favorite print, pattern and color trends seen at the S12 couture shows. Now on to Fall ’12 RTW! Have a great day!
—Michelle
*images via: Jonathan Saunders PF ’12: Style.com, “Grid” by Bart Everson, Tracy Reese PF ’12: Style.com, Kelly Wearstler PF ’12: Style.com, “Neon Green Grid” by Romana Klee, Marni PF ’12: Style.com
One of my favorite print trends to emerge is this shift to very clean, geometric grids. Some amazing plaids are being shown as well (more on those next week), but in my opinion these grids steal the show. In the examples seen above, these simple grids are made more interesting through luxurious base fabrics, printed textures, ornate print pairings and bold colorways.
*post by Christine McPhee, images via: Asos, Tropical Butterfly Exhibit- London -Amusing Planet, Commuun SP12: Style.com, Erin Fetherson SP12: Style.com, Kristjana S. Williams, Kenzo SP12: Style.com, Kristjana S. Williams
Today’s trend report is brought to you by Christine McPhee. Christine is a Sellable Sketch graduate and has a wonderful eye for print and pattern trends. In the 3rd week of the course we focus on developing the “backbeat” or theme of your collection and Christine was kind enough to agree to share her work with the Pattern Observer community. Take it away Christine:
“As a designer and a self confessed romantic girly girl, I’ve always loved images of both birds and butterflies. It appears that designers are feeling flighty too as winged creature prints have been spotted in the Spring 12 collections of Kenzo, Vionet and Erin Fetherson among several others. I’m predicting this trend will take flight in Women’s, Children’s and Jr. apparel markets for Spring/Summer and beyond. Gorgeous!”
The next Sellable Sketch course begins in just 3 short weeks. Reserve your spot today!
*post by Moi, images via: All apparel images from Aquilano.Rimondi Spring ’12 via vogue.com, “Florence” by Eusebius, “French Quarter” by Chad Kainz, “French Provencal” by French Finds
Hello there Pattern Observer! I know the Pre-Fall shows are starting to trickle out, but I am still wrapped up in all the trends that the spring runway had to offer. One of my FAVORITES, was Aquilano.Rimondi’s collection, which included an amazing collection of Renaissance-esque prints.
My big take-away from this collection is the concept of developing prints that appear as though they were carved out of marble. The color palette is simple, yet it creates such a sense of drama. Tints and shades of neutral greys and whites create a simply stunning palette. Just look at the palette that is created in Michelangelo’s David—the variety of greys is yummy.
To make this trend speak to your customer, use images that they can relate to..birds, geometrics, flowers etc… For those customers that are looking for something a little less formal, try playing with scale and interesting placement prints. Enjoy!
*images via “Cracked Marble” by Horia Varlan, “McQueen Spring ’12″ by vogue.com, “Grey and White Marble” by Sherrie Thai, “White Texture” by Matt Andrews, “Marble Bright” by Linda, “Crazy Marble” by Dietmar Down Under, “Marble Texture” by Patrick Hoesly, “Marble Texture” by Abby Lanes,
I'm Michelle Fifis, and welcome to Pattern Observer. If you are a textile designer interested in improving the professionalism of your work, making more money in your business and tearing down norms within the industry, you have come to the right place. Get started with our FREE RESOURCES.
