Design For Kids

 

I recently learned of a great design series for kids. Book producer Pamela Pease has released Design Dossier. A book for each topic, the reader learns about graphic design, interior design, the world of design, architecture, and fashion. (Paintbox Press, $24).  The series is geared for ages 10 to 15, but I feel that it’s never to early to get imagery, and tactile tools in the hands of children. These new books have both; lots of opportunity to explore and learn experientially and visually, as well as strong color and graphic storytelling, which is engaging at any age. This set is perfect for the budding designer or artist, as it ‘explores the elements of design, including shape, color, and typography; discovers milestones of 20th century design, as well as top contemporary designers who shape our world today.’ It does seem like there are resources available for very young children that describe an artists work, or challenge creative thinking. But, for the student of life ready to dig a little deeper experientially, great tools  of inspiration, seem harder to find.

 

 

These books are packed with information and projects, not to mention famous designers, their philosophies and examples of their work. What a great resource, for kids, parents and teachers. It is packaged in such a transportable size, I can imagine it would be a favorite collaborative resource to take to a friends house, or dare I say, even a party.

 

 

 

 

Images and excerpts http://paintboxpress.com

 

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Paper Dolls

So, you thought paper dolls were just for kids? Think again, my fashion forward friends. Meet Paloma and Ryder, creations of illustrator Judith van den Hoek for the new Trendland Shop, Shopping online has never been this much fun. These stylish models create a framework to mix and match frocks and smocks for your creative contemplation. What combination will you don for that party next weekend? Poloma and Ryder will soon have friends, as the available models expand with the ever growing fashion line. Go ahead. Play a little. It’s good for the psyche.

Credit : Paloma wears Marni Sunglasses $93, M Missoni Color Blocked Jacket $610, M Missoni Wool Skirt $275, Damir Doma Leather Bangle$220, Martin Margiela Pointed Brass Ring $400, Proenza Schouler Tote$725, and Givenchy Rider Rainboots $295.

Credit :  Ryder wears Ksubi Glasses $210, Rag & Bone Kennington Jacket$185, Wool Cropped Drop-Crouch Trousers $65, Rag & Bone Weekender Bag $195, and Grenson Archie Wedge-Sole Brogues $365.

Images and product links found here.

 

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Channeling Vermeer…

Looks familiar? If you guessed Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, then you are absolutely correct! When I found out Vermeer’s Woman with a Lute is on loan from the MET at the Norton Simon Museum, I immediately scheduled a museum day. And with Vermeer still fresh on my mind, I couldn’t help but to stare a little when I saw this fashion editorial the other day. Channeling the “Golden Age” painting style of Vermeer, these photographs by Riccardo Bernardi are quietly beautiful. Shot in Amsterdam (never been!), I wonder if the light there really does have this deep serene to it…  that dramatic blend of blues, aubergine, and greys is both moody and theatrical, don’t you think? Leaves me picturing the 1600s, life in Delft, colors that they saw day in and day out, their inspirations, their daily lives, and just how significant a pearl earring could be in a painting…

{ photography by Riccardo Bernardi for Schön! Magazine issue 13 }

 

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The Art of Fashion

VIRGINE. A brand new innovative high fashion, art and music platform set to revolutionize the way people interact with the fashion industry. Ahead of current styles and trends, a first glance at this opening spread makes it apparent they aren’t afraid to push the envelope. Artful sculptures made of coke cans, m&m’s, tide boxes and ipads. Visibly, there are some powerful creative forces at play.

I applaud the magazines positioning as well. “VIRGINE is seeking ways to increase societies’ devotion to charity contribution, so every issue our magazine’s first page will be dedicated to charity oriented advertisements.

In addition, we want to create a fashion platform that serves as a bridge between top industry professionals and up-and-coming artists to be showcased side by side under the esthetic and standards of VIRGINE.

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The art of collaboration…

If I ask you what this image reminds you of, what comes to mind straightaway? Perhaps the movie "Birds" by Alfred Hitchcock righs a bell? I have always been intrigued by the ad campaigns that Bottega Veneta puts out every season. "The Art of Collaboration" brings together renowned talents to Bottega Veneta's ongoing, one-of-a-kind series of creative collaborations. Annie Leibovitz, Steven Meisel, Robert Longo, just to name a few, were all part of this amazing creative force. And this Spring/Summer 2011 collaboration does not disappoint a bit. Tomas Maier, Creative Director of Bottega Veneta, seeked out photographer Alex Prager for this season's global ad campaign. Prager has a way with her imagery… I feel there's a story within a story in each shot, somewhat quirky, but for this particular campaign, she has brought a level of intrigue and glamour to the scenes. I could be bias since I am a huge Hitchcock fan, but these shots are such fresh takes on the mystique of story telling, don't you think? There's a behind-the-scenes video as well, definitely worth a look if you would like to see more of this shoot and hear about the creative process. 

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