Trend I Love: Digital Prints

As a fashionista with a background in graphic design, I can’t help but be completely elated when I see my two passions co-existing together so seamlessly!  Needless to say, there are many emerging trends to watch for on the Spring 2010 runways and I must say that one of my favorites is the abundance of digital prints.  There are a lot of beautiful prints around this season — from the inescapable florals that one can expect for spring, to the emergence of ikat from Gucci and Marc Jacobs — I am most drawn to the striking, optical, and often graphic prints of Balenciaga, Givenchy, Versace, and, as to be anticipated, Proenza Schouler.

Balenciaga Spring 2010 RTW

Balenciaga Spring 2010 RTW

Givenchy Spring 2010 RTW

Givenchy Spring 2010 RTW

Versace Spring 2010 RTW

Versace Spring 2010 RTW

Proenza Schouler Spring 2010 RTW

Proenza Schouler Spring 2010 RTW

I particularly enjoy the juxtaposition of such strong, graphic prints with flowing fabrics and soft edges (see Givenchy).  The contrast within the prints themselves might be enough, but this pairing of hard and soft can be seen through out all of the aforementioned collections and adds such a nice dynamic element.

For all of you graphic design buffs, if you haven’t played around with it, try Processing, an open source programming language and environment for people who want to program images, animation, and interactions.  It is an incredible tool to explore and can (among infinite other possibilities) help one create images quite similar to these fabulous digital prints.

Images from Style.com

Art Star: Investigation of Line & Form in the Abstract

© Ciara Pickering 2009

Gray with (my favorite) No. IX

at the opening reception

What I Wore

Illustration: Colorblock

 

© Ciara Pickering 2009

Working on some new illustration techniques/ideas.  Hand-drawn with some Illustrator work.

 

 

I ♥ Design: Graham & Brown

photo from Graham & Brown

A few years ago in a Digital Illustration class I learned a lot about making patterns/prints.  It was something I really enjoyed making and since then I have been keen on eye-catching patterns.  This is part of the reason I was so excited to discover Graham & Brown, an innovative company that produces dynamic wallcoverings and patterned papers.  I don’t know from first-hand experience just how difficult wallpaper can be, though from many home decorating shows I’ve watched, it seems like sometimes wallpaper is not worth all of the effort.  Some of the patterns I found at Graham & Brown, however, might just inspire me to take on the challenge anyway!

photo from Graham & Brown

photo from Graham & Brown

photo from Graham & Brown

photo from Graham & Brown

photo from Graham & Brown

photo from Graham & Brown

photo from Graham & Brown

photo from Graham & Brown

photo from Graham & Brown

photo from Graham & Brown

Bookmark: The Teen Vogue Handbook

© Ciara Pickering 2009

This afternoon I was pleasantly surprised to find that I had a package in the manager’s office at my apartment complex and what could it be?!  My deeply anticipated copy of The Teen Vogue Handbook!!!

I must confess I am a devourer of books (and magazines) – a monster to be appeased only by print on page and the occasional glossy, gorgeous cover.  I was delighted when I got this fabulous book in the mail today and so far it is surpassing my expectations!  Not only is the layout wonderful and the colors vivid (as a graphic designer I can’t ignore these great details) but the interviews I’ve read so far with such fashion industry superstars as Marc Jacobs, Thakoon, and the lovely ladies behind Rodarte have been both amazing and inspiring.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in fashion and its seemingly impenetrable gates!  I plan to keep my nose buried in it for the next few days!

New Header: lupus

I have the swine flu! …  NO, j/k.  I do, however, have what seems to be a pretty gnarly head cold/sinus thing.  No big post for today, just resting and drinking hot tea.  I did make this new header though.  Let me know what you think!

Illustration: Amber

One of my very favorite ladies, the fabulous Amber of eZriah Design, has been visiting me for the past day and a half.  In tribute to this remarkable lady and designer, I did this illustration of her as a gift.  I wanted to share it with all of you as well.  Let me know what you think!

© Ciara Pickering