Stella's magic!

Sorry guys, I have been M.I.A for the last few weeks due to a major apartment move and haven't had the chance to pen anything down!

Not sure if you've seen Stella McCartney's prints for Spring/Summer 2012, but they are absolutely incredible. Retro paisleys and geometrics of all proportions combined together in spring hues makes this collection a true delight for the eyes.
The juxtaposition of paisley shorts with a geometric printed blouse and the careful pairing of the paisley ensemble with the solid bomber jacket is just genius.

This collection, in my opinion, is certainly one of best and I can't wait to see it in the stores...

Fall Vintage Florals

In addition to my day gig, I also create fun digital textile prints in my spare time. I've been working on a collection of Fall vintage floral prints for textiles and I'm eagerly awaiting my first set of swatches from Spoonflower.

If you haven't already visited Spoonflower, it is an amazing platform for designers or anyone who wants to see their ideas printed on fabrics. You can order anywhere from an 8x8 swatch to several yards of your prints and bring them to life!

When I think of Fall, I think of flowers, petals, twigs and rich, bold hues that would lend warmth and brightness to any home during this time of the year. While I await my next batch of printed swatches, take a look at some of my prints...

Hope you like them!

Retro bags by Prada

Miuccia Prada is a true visionary. Her truly artistic and wildly innovative prints have proven to be extraordinary season after season and there is no stopping her. Every piece she creates, from clothing to bags to shoes has a point of view and appeals to people from all walks of life. One doesn't have to love fashion to love Prada!

Check out some pics of her retro bags for Spring 2012...

Open Studio in New Haven

After a long week of work, I decided to escape the city and visit my good friend, Chen Reichert's open studio yesterday in New Haven. Chen is a very talented artist and the brains behind Botodesigns, a colorful world of Japanese inspired robot art.
Her work is fun, quirky, vivid and playful and I simply love the way her "botos" come together as a family, enjoying (for instance) the simple activity of eating ramen and making it look like a lot of fun.

Her hand painted boto prints on postcards are some of my favorites! If you haven't already found her on Etsy, do visit her store and she can also be found selling her wares at various craft shows. For latest updates on her shows, you can follow her blog: http://botodesigns.blogspot.com/

Here's a sneak peak at some of her latest paintings/prints...

Marimekko+Converse

Have you guys checked out the new Marimekko store on 5th Avenue? I am a huge Marimekko fan and the idea of a NY flagship store, full of bold prints and colors is beyond exciting to me.
They've really expanded themselves into a fashion and lifestyle brand and have always stayed true to their vision. Check out their Fall 2011 fashion show here:

And, if you're a Marimekko fan just like me, you will also love their Holiday 2011 shoe collection in collaboration with Converse. It's available online and in stores now. Here are a few pics...

Wallpaper makes all the difference...

My dream is to have a studio in a quiet corner of my apartment covered with an eclectic mix of printed wallpaper covering every wall. There's something so creatively uplifting about wallpaper and it can add so much character to any room in the apartment.

I happened to come across this adorable store called Retro Villa in Copenhagen and was ecstatic to see the wide variety of wallpaper they have. Beautiful floral, graphic and retro prints in bold, vibrant colors. They carry the largest selection of original wallpaper in all of Scandinavia as well as cutesy, fun objects, clothing and accessories. It is impossible to leave this store empty handed. It's a must see!

Creativity in Copenhagen

On a recent trip to Copenhagen, I came across a couple of creative and unique stores, full of printed goodies for the home. If you happen to visit the city, do find the time to check out Retro Villa and Rie Elise Larsen. The former is a quaint little store known for it's largest collection of printed wallpaper, home furnishings and clothing for the tiny tots. The latter is a well established stylist who also creates home accessories. Her printed paper lampshades are simply adorable and hard to resist! Aren't these cute?!

Mary Katrantzou - Fall 2011 RTW

One of the most talented print designers, Mary Katrantzou is a consistent source of inspiration to me. She creates exquisite floral and graphic digital prints and renders them beautifully with bold colors.  In an interview for the September issue of Vogue, talks openly about her work and process...Photoshop and the stroke of her mouse! http://www.vogue.com/collections/spring-2012-rtw/mary-katrantzou/review/

Celebrating the beautiful paisley

I know I've been a bit partial to paisleys, but this photo spread in the Guardian blew me away!

The UK Guardian covers a delightful spread on the revival of paisley, which was rampant at London Fashion Week. Designers are not shying away from interpreting the traditional paisley in their own whimsical ways.

And of course, there's nothing like Mick Jagger wearing a gorgeous paisley jacket back in the 60s. I am truly inspired and ready to sketch!

This week's inspiration...

Florals Florals Florals! If you happen to catch a glimpse of Milan Fashion Week, there is an abundance of oversized florals, techno prints and elegant paisleys, thanks to Marni and Jil Sander. It's so refreshing to see all this color and excitement. Check out this Raf Simons for Jil Sander look...

Also, I've been sketching away for Spring/Summer 2012 and I find myself to be deeply inspired by oriental florals and colors, Indian block prints and modern paisleys. I like to draw inspiration from ancient Indian motifs, tribal African prints and Chinese art, and create modern prints in vibrant and fun colors. 

These are some of my latest prints...Hope you like them!

What do you think of printed shoes?

Beautiful floral prints and patterns on shoes have really started to grow on me. I just love the idea of pairing printed oxfords with something as simple as skinny jeans and T-shirt. Or, a pair of printed riding boots to kick off a day at the ranch with a bit of femininity?

Turns out, Dr. Martens collaborated with Jean Paul Gaultier to launch a stunning collection of printed boots, oxfords and even clogs! Never seen a pair of clogs look prettier, right? As or the sporty cool kids, these Nike printed canvas shoes seem to be a real trendsetter. Mmmm...

Cool, quirky and an absolute delight! Check out some pics:

Why am I blogging about prints?

I started this blog to share my love of prints and patterns. I spend a whole lot of hours creating textile prints and working with color. I hope you'll enjoy reading my insights into the world of textiles, fashion and creative talent all over the world!

Speaking of prints, the NY fashion week was all about embracing prints, small and big florals, bold colors and one even caught a glimpse of a printed jumpsuit! Brace yourself for Spring 2012!

Check out this vibrant printed ensemble by Thakoon...