Multimedia designer Nagi Noda teamed up with my favorite artist Mark Ryden this past year to create the clothing line Broken Label.
To be honest, I’m quite jealous of the opportunity to design apparel with Ryden’s art! If I had a license to use his work, loved ones would have to pry me off my sewing machine or I’d never eat, sleep or leave the house.
Noda herself is quite versatile and talented (her Hair Hats were a bit hit on the blogosphere months ago).
See the Broken Label slideshow here.
I came across Rare Chic recently. Themed restaurants, stores and quirky folks of all types can find some fantastic wallpaper here.
My personal favorite, “Elysian Fields:”
Bats and Venus Fly Traps, blended in a lovely dark and classy color scheme!
“City Park” would make fine decor in a trendy NY cafe:
And then there are designs like “Fishnet Licorice,” great for making people step in closer to see what really comprises the geometric patterns:
The site has other housewares as well. It’s fun to look at.
Oh heck yes. The biological illustrations of Ernst Haeckel combined with vintage holiday cheer!
Now we know the greetings that marine invertebrates send to each other to celebrate the season.
And a few with a more modern style…
From the awesome flickr set of jholbo.
Creative painting on buses in Pakistan began as a method to attract passengers for competing transportation companies in the 1920’s. Decoration is now used on most privately or commercially owned vehicles: trucks, buses, taxis, animal carts, vendors, etc.
These trucks are moving canvasses of history that tell stories, depict beliefs, represent value systems and showcase elaborate design. The technique, materials, style, colors and symbolism vary across regions and are culturally significant.
The Pakistani per capita income is around $2,000, and some bus owners spend $3,000-$5,000 on truck decoration. These vehicles are a source a pride and personal expression.
The other day I stumbled upon a great collection of 3D Portraits. Although there were some “regular” humans in the mix, my favorites were the otherworldly creatures and monsters.
It’s fantastically starling to see the following image in full size if you happen to click/scroll over it unexpectedly…
I love these rabbits…
Well hello…
Well I’m back in NY and preparing for a very busy few weeks, but I plan to keep up my regular minimum of two posts per day.
My lovely friend Skye recently informed me of designer Nadine Jarvis’s unique use of the deceased. You can now write with your loved ones…literally.
This is a 240 pencil set made from the carbon of a cremated human. Each pencil is foil stamped with the name of the deceased. You sharpen the pencil by putting it back in the box, and the shavings then occupy the space of the used pencils. Over time the pencil box fills with sharpenings — turning the box into a new urn.
I almost wanted to save this link, because…believe it or not…I’ve gathered enough sites over the years for a Bizarre After-Death Novelties theme week. Maybe next month.
I couldn’t help chuckling at this clever design…and hoping I never have to resort to such extreme measures.
I am absolutely floored by Cyberoptix Tie Lab. Whether you want something bold or understated, this is THE place for unique, creative ties.
(Cephalopods!)
Nature, gears, architecture, medical devices, anatomy, weaponry, machinery…it’s all here.
I’ve never wanted to wear a tie so badly in my life. Most are standard length/width which would look outlandishly huge on a short, skinny girl. But they have some designs I could get away with. The Ink Blot Skinny Tie (below) might work. Especially fitting for a student of Behavioral Medicine.
I spent a long time drooling over their extensive Fickr set.
I’ve never given much thought to wallpaper, but I’m intrigued by Trove’s design concepts (click to enlarge).
The designs all come in various colors. Check out the one above in black!
The incorporation of movement and flight into a typically static product is quite beautiful, a nice break from the standard repeated interlocking patterns.
Entire walls covered with flying creatures may be a little too swarm-like for my taste, but I’d love to have those birds in a small section of a room.
Some of their designs even convey a seasonal feeling. Rarely have I seen wall coverings that create the mood of a room this effectively.
SheWalksSoftly 