Graphically Speaking

... in black and white, many choices abound. 

Clean, crisp, soft or masculine- graphics can lead you most anywhere.

Of course, I had to insert a bit of or into the black and white. Kubus by Pierre Frey was inspired by a folding screen. 

Bangkok by Pierre Frey- an embroidered sheer

Zadig fabric by Elitis

Graphic patterns aren't just limited to fabrics- check out these rugs.

 Cadrys' Moroccan rug designed by David Hicks

 Loving this rug design- Everest by Hali

 Fuori Tempo by the Italian company, I&I

 Ibiza in chocolate- an Oscar de la Renta dhurrie by Elson & Company

Love this one too: Persian by Designer Rugs

Go for graphics on the walls... with stencils that are totally do-able if you patient and precise. 

Here are a few from Royal Design Studio.

One of the new patterns from RDS' African Collection- Circle of Life.

So cool!

Here Melanie stenciled an elegant "floorcloth" on the back of sheet vinyl! 

Get the lowdown here.

Cutting Edge Stencils also offers a fab selection of graphic stencils.

What is your favorite graphic medium?

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Mirror Mirror On the Wall

I wish I had spotted this first.

Copper with verdigris patina

You don't need anything else!

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Gorgeous Fortuny

Last week at the Legends of La Cienega 2012: Windows to the World in L.A., there was a rare exhibition of 25 rare dresses and velvet cloaks by Mariano Fortuny. 

What a collection! 

The dresses were presented by Keith H. McCoy & Associates in their showroom, where the dresses hung in front of some of Fortuny's new Colourismo Collection 2012. Mr. McCoy began collecting them in 1993, intending an offer to be submitted by a friend for three pieces. His friend later informed him that six dresses instead had been purchased for him, spending twice the budget allotted. Little did he know then that he would accumulate such an important collection.

 For your eye candy fix for the day, pop over to the Fortuny blog and admire!

Colourismo Collection 2012

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Photos by Andreas B Branch

Hidden in Plain Sight

Check out the typography and art of Sasha Prood- presented in watercolor. 

I recently ran across her works and was blown away by Sasha's sense of color and perfect imperfection.

How does she get the lettering so perfect?

Living in a small Brooklyn studio full of inspiring plants, she works the natural right into her illustrations and graphics. 

"I see 'art' everywhere - it is often hidden in plain sight. For me, art is everything from logos to packaging to signage to museum pieces - it does not just transform our world, it is one of the building blocks."*

Using pencil, pen, and watercolor along with the computer, Sasha's love for plants and botany is evident in her detailed illustrations.

You can view Sasha's portfolio here or buy prints here.

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Over the Top

Stella Cadente, the label established in 1991 by designer Stanislasia Klein, has opened an intriguing new store on Boulevard Beaumarchais in Paris. Inspired by a fairy tale, the cylindrical, 50 sq. meter space, is entirely covered in gold leaf. 

All of it.

The store's walls are curved, with the display units built right into the walls.The use of a monochromatic color, metallic gold, ensures a more spacious feeling. 

Is this wild or what?

Even the exterior metal frame was gilded.

To say the boutique "stands out" in the neighborhood is an understatement.

A spaceship-like feeling...

Although I cannot find the specifics on the gold leaf, I would venture to say by its size that the leaf is Dutch metal. 

Even the concrete is gilded.

Doesn't this look like a life-size precious case?

Stelle Cadente
102 Boulevard Beaumarchais
75011 Paris
France

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Photos by Sergio Grazia

Happy Mother's Day!

Wishing all of the wonderful mothers I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by a very Happy Mother's Day! 

I admire you all tremendously and rely on your wisdom, strength and humor more than you know.

Bottle It

How lovely are these? 

Although not extremely expensive to purchase, I don't seem to have much luck in discovering sources for vintage bottles.

I like them most when displayed in front of a window- to catch their special magic.

These colors are to-die-for.

Vintage perfume bottles are a work of art by themselves!

Are you a collector?

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