Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Pantone Color of the Year 2009


Color systems provider PANTONE® has named 14-0848-"Mimosa” its 2009 color of the year.

Mimosa, is a warm, engaging yellow. In a time of economic uncertainty and political change, optimism is paramount and no other color expresses hope and reassurance more than yellow.

According to Pantone Color Institute executive director Leatrice Eiseman, "The color yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we as humans are naturally drawn to for reassurance. Mimosa also speaks to enlightenment, as it is a hue that sparks imagination and innovation."

Best illustrated by the abundant flowers of the Mimosa tree and the sparkle of the brilliantly hued cocktail, the 2009 color of the year represents the hopeful and radiant characteristics associated with the color yellow. Mimosa is a versatile shade that coordinates with any other color, has appeal for men and women, and translates to both fashion and interiors. Look for women's accessories, home furnishings, active sportswear and men's ties and shirts in this vibrant hue.

BTW, Pantone’s 2008 color of the year was "Blue Iris".

What are your thoughts on Mimosa?... Would you wear it in 2009? I think that it would go best as an accent to dusty colors - kinda pastel but earthier tones. But, That's not to say that Mimosa wouldn't look rocking with another bold color... maybe even with Blue Iris.


Cheers to Mimosa, and have a fun and safe new year's eve,

- S

SYI - For those of you who are not familiar with Pantone's...

Pantone Inc. is a corporation best known for its Pantone Matching System (PMS), a proprietary color space used in a variety of industries (printing, paint, fashion, fabric and plastics).

Pantone Color of the Year 2009


Color systems provider PANTONE® has named 14-0848-"Mimosa” its 2009 color of the year.

Mimosa, is a warm, engaging yellow. In a time of economic uncertainty and political change, optimism is paramount and no other color expresses hope and reassurance more than yellow.

According to Pantone Color Institute executive director Leatrice Eiseman, "The color yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we as humans are naturally drawn to for reassurance. Mimosa also speaks to enlightenment, as it is a hue that sparks imagination and innovation."

Best illustrated by the abundant flowers of the Mimosa tree and the sparkle of the brilliantly hued cocktail, the 2009 color of the year represents the hopeful and radiant characteristics associated with the color yellow. Mimosa is a versatile shade that coordinates with any other color, has appeal for men and women, and translates to both fashion and interiors. Look for women's accessories, home furnishings, active sportswear and men's ties and shirts in this vibrant hue.

BTW, Pantone’s 2008 color of the year was "Blue Iris".

What are your thoughts on Mimosa?... Would you wear it in 2009? I think that it would go best as an accent to dusty colors - kinda pastel but earthier tones. But, That's not to say that Mimosa wouldn't look rocking with another bold color... maybe even with Blue Iris.


Cheers to Mimosa, and have a fun and safe new year's eve,

- S

SYI - For those of you who are not familiar with Pantone's...

Pantone Inc. is a corporation best known for its Pantone Matching System (PMS), a proprietary color space used in a variety of industries (printing, paint, fashion, fabric and plastics).

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Techno Tuesday


'Techno Tuesday’ began as an exercise in drawing comics and complaining. The comic, which is based on technology and the modern world, is graphic designer/cartoonist Andy Rementer's side project.

www.technotuesday.com

Techno Tuesday


'Techno Tuesday’ began as an exercise in drawing comics and complaining. The comic, which is based on technology and the modern world, is graphic designer/cartoonist Andy Rementer's side project.

www.technotuesday.com

Monday, December 29, 2008

Acqua di Parma Leather Goods


As a Creative in the business world, I'm entertained by brands that successfully diversify without selling out.

As with all powerful brands in today's marketplace, Acqua di Parma seeks to align itself with a certain je ne sais quoi... a quality that eludes description, yet somehow creates a lifestyle out of mere products. The launch of an Aqua di Parma line of leather goods seems to be just that kind of stepping stone.

Think about it. Beautiful luggage = a life of luxury. Very smart.

The collection is sophisticated, timeless, and subtle... probably a backlash to the monogram craze that the fashion industry is stuck in right now.

-S

Acqua di Parma Leather Goods


As a Creative in the business world, I'm entertained by brands that successfully diversify without selling out.

As with all powerful brands in today's marketplace, Acqua di Parma seeks to align itself with a certain je ne sais quoi... a quality that eludes description, yet somehow creates a lifestyle out of mere products. The launch of an Aqua di Parma line of leather goods seems to be just that kind of stepping stone.

Think about it. Beautiful luggage = a life of luxury. Very smart.

The collection is sophisticated, timeless, and subtle... probably a backlash to the monogram craze that the fashion industry is stuck in right now.

-S

Friday, December 26, 2008

Non Newtonian Fluid


Would you like to learn how to walk on water? This fun and creative clip will show you how!

Cornstarch and water = non newtonian fluid... which means that when pressure hits it, the fluid will act as a solid state.

Pretty cool. Go to about 1:35 to the end to see the best part of the clip.

MERRY XMAS,

S

Non Newtonian Fluid


Would you like to learn how to walk on water? This fun and creative clip will show you how!

Cornstarch and water = non newtonian fluid... which means that when pressure hits it, the fluid will act as a solid state.

Pretty cool. Go to about 1:35 to the end to see the best part of the clip.

MERRY XMAS,

S

Monday, December 22, 2008

Limited Edition Colette Table




As one of Architectural Digest’s Top 100 designers, the Magni style has been praised for its luxurious, exotic, and sexy appeal. As a sculpture and visual artist, James Magni is inspired by concepts of chaos in nature. The Colette Table exemplifies the tension that exists in the wild between what is pure and surreal juxtaposed by what is bold and chaotic. Like an orchid caught in a monsoon, the Collette Table is exposed, fragile, yet daring and intense. The Colette Table is a limited series of fifty (50), each signed by James Magni. Each of these supremely elegant tables is handcrafted in Southern California of solid hand-cast bronze with a natural finish. Top is ½” crystal-clear Diamante glass with a flat polished edge. The table is also available in oil-rubbed bronze or a silver patina. Retail Price: $12,530.

Diversify your portfolio - BUY limited edition furniture. It's a beautifully made investment,

S

SYI - Check out MAGNI.COM to see the designer's anthology of projects and products.

Limited Edition Colette Table




As one of Architectural Digest’s Top 100 designers, the Magni style has been praised for its luxurious, exotic, and sexy appeal. As a sculpture and visual artist, James Magni is inspired by concepts of chaos in nature. The Colette Table exemplifies the tension that exists in the wild between what is pure and surreal juxtaposed by what is bold and chaotic. Like an orchid caught in a monsoon, the Collette Table is exposed, fragile, yet daring and intense. The Colette Table is a limited series of fifty (50), each signed by James Magni. Each of these supremely elegant tables is handcrafted in Southern California of solid hand-cast bronze with a natural finish. Top is ½” crystal-clear Diamante glass with a flat polished edge. The table is also available in oil-rubbed bronze or a silver patina. Retail Price: $12,530.

Diversify your portfolio - BUY limited edition furniture. It's a beautifully made investment,

S

SYI - Check out MAGNI.COM to see the designer's anthology of projects and products.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

El-Wakil



Contemporary classical Islamic design achieved so exquisitely by El-Wakil.

El-Wakil



Contemporary classical Islamic design achieved so exquisitely by El-Wakil.

Friday, December 12, 2008

WISDOM



Thanks to Armen for recommending this film.

-S

WISDOM



Thanks to Armen for recommending this film.

-S

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Under New Management


Obama Victory T-Shirt from Print Liberation.

An exception to the disgust I have of the screen-T epidemic of the 00's.

I like clever,

-S

Under New Management


Obama Victory T-Shirt from Print Liberation.

An exception to the disgust I have of the screen-T epidemic of the 00's.

I like clever,

-S

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Reverse Graffiti



Graffiti goes green!

Inspired, yet again.

S

Reverse Graffiti



Graffiti goes green!

Inspired, yet again.

S

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Random Got Beautiful






Nikki Farquharson began Random Got Beautiful in March 2007.

This online collage of random photographs is open for public participation.

The idea is to take objects of various colours out of their original context and place them together to create a new one.

The title 'Random Got Beautiful' (RGB for short) was chosen once colour was decided to be the theme.

RGB relies on a collaborative effort while also supporting self promotion.

From the site, click an image to take you to the extermal site of the person who provided that photo.

www.randomgotbeautiful.com

Random Got Beautiful






Nikki Farquharson began Random Got Beautiful in March 2007.

This online collage of random photographs is open for public participation.

The idea is to take objects of various colours out of their original context and place them together to create a new one.

The title 'Random Got Beautiful' (RGB for short) was chosen once colour was decided to be the theme.

RGB relies on a collaborative effort while also supporting self promotion.

From the site, click an image to take you to the extermal site of the person who provided that photo.

www.randomgotbeautiful.com

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Mafioso Chic



I caught a glimpse of this gentleman from my office window today. He was parking his blacked-out G-Wag outside our office, and I had to rush down and ask him if I could get a shot. He was on his way to his hat tailor when I approached him, of course.

I respect a man who's dedicated to his look. It was flawless down to the socks.

Diggit,

-S

Mafioso Chic



I caught a glimpse of this gentleman from my office window today. He was parking his blacked-out G-Wag outside our office, and I had to rush down and ask him if I could get a shot. He was on his way to his hat tailor when I approached him, of course.

I respect a man who's dedicated to his look. It was flawless down to the socks.

Diggit,

-S

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Anémic Cinéma (1926)



Anémic Cinéma (1926) is a Dadaist, surrealist, or experimental film made by Marcel Duchamp. The film depicts whirling animated drawings -- which Duchamp called Rotoreliefs -- alternated with puns in French.

Rotoreliefs were a phase of Duchamp's spinning works. To make the optical "play toys" he painted designs on flat cardboard circles and spun them on a phonograph turntable that when spinning the flat disks appeared 3-dimensional. He had a printer run off 500 sets of six of the designs and set up a booth at a 1935 Paris inventors' show to sell them. The venture was a financial disaster, but some optical scientists thought they might be of use in restoring 3-dimensional sight to people with one eye.

In collaboration with Man Ray and Marc Allégret, Duchamp filmed early versions of the Rotoreliefs and they named the first film version Anémic Cinéma. - Wikipedia

...I think this film was best commented by a you-tuber who said, "If you are interested in the origins of contemporary art, you may want to study in depth the work of Marcel Duchamp."

Whether you like it/ choose to understand it or not, you must understand that Duchamp created an entire new realm of art. He was an inventor who paved the way for the use of film as a medium in art.

1926, think about it?

-S

Anémic Cinéma (1926)



Anémic Cinéma (1926) is a Dadaist, surrealist, or experimental film made by Marcel Duchamp. The film depicts whirling animated drawings -- which Duchamp called Rotoreliefs -- alternated with puns in French.

Rotoreliefs were a phase of Duchamp's spinning works. To make the optical "play toys" he painted designs on flat cardboard circles and spun them on a phonograph turntable that when spinning the flat disks appeared 3-dimensional. He had a printer run off 500 sets of six of the designs and set up a booth at a 1935 Paris inventors' show to sell them. The venture was a financial disaster, but some optical scientists thought they might be of use in restoring 3-dimensional sight to people with one eye.

In collaboration with Man Ray and Marc Allégret, Duchamp filmed early versions of the Rotoreliefs and they named the first film version Anémic Cinéma. - Wikipedia

...I think this film was best commented by a you-tuber who said, "If you are interested in the origins of contemporary art, you may want to study in depth the work of Marcel Duchamp."

Whether you like it/ choose to understand it or not, you must understand that Duchamp created an entire new realm of art. He was an inventor who paved the way for the use of film as a medium in art.

1926, think about it?

-S

Sunday, November 2, 2008

INFLUENCE: Patrick Nagel





There are a few people who really POP out of my mind as great childhood influences when I was growing up in the 1980's. People like Helmut Newton, Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Peter Gabriel, Madonna, and Boy George were pretty iconic for me. Particularly though, I was drawn to the images of Patrick Nagel.

Not only did Nagel's images embody the chic and sleek style of the 80's, but I think his work had a greater hand in creating what the 80's were becoming at the very time. What I'm trying to say is that Nagel was less an observer of the time and more so an influence to the time... Would the 80's be the same without his images? Would have Armani evolved YSL's "Le Smoking Tuxedo" to create the famous power-suit for women? ... Would have Donna Karan introduced her 'Essentials Line' for the 80's working woman if not for Nagel's images?

Nagel's vision of the iconic 80's woman was so influential that even today his images are popularly used. How many times have you seen a mom-n'-pop hair salon or nail shop use a window decal with a Nagel-esq picture? If you haven't noticed, I dare you to take a look... you'll be surprised at how many beauty shops use his images even today.

The man even influenced computer software applications like that of Adobe Photoshop. The simplifying tools on photoshop are like an undeclared homage to the working style of Nagel. You see, all of Nagel's illustrations were based in photography. "Nagel would start with a photograph and work down, always simplifying and removing elements which he felt were unnecessary. The resulting image would look flat, but emphasized those elements which he felt were most important." -Wikipedia.

One of the last influential artists of the 20th century, Patrick Nagel.

-S

SYI - Nagel's 1982 painting for the album cover of Duran Duran's hit album Rio would become one of his best known images.

INFLUENCE: Patrick Nagel





There are a few people who really POP out of my mind as great childhood influences when I was growing up in the 1980's. People like Helmut Newton, Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Peter Gabriel, Madonna, and Boy George were pretty iconic for me. Particularly though, I was drawn to the images of Patrick Nagel.

Not only did Nagel's images embody the chic and sleek style of the 80's, but I think his work had a greater hand in creating what the 80's were becoming at the very time. What I'm trying to say is that Nagel was less an observer of the time and more so an influence to the time... Would the 80's be the same without his images? Would have Armani evolved YSL's "Le Smoking Tuxedo" to create the famous power-suit for women? ... Would have Donna Karan introduced her 'Essentials Line' for the 80's working woman if not for Nagel's images?

Nagel's vision of the iconic 80's woman was so influential that even today his images are popularly used. How many times have you seen a mom-n'-pop hair salon or nail shop use a window decal with a Nagel-esq picture? If you haven't noticed, I dare you to take a look... you'll be surprised at how many beauty shops use his images even today.

The man even influenced computer software applications like that of Adobe Photoshop. The simplifying tools on photoshop are like an undeclared homage to the working style of Nagel. You see, all of Nagel's illustrations were based in photography. "Nagel would start with a photograph and work down, always simplifying and removing elements which he felt were unnecessary. The resulting image would look flat, but emphasized those elements which he felt were most important." -Wikipedia.

One of the last influential artists of the 20th century, Patrick Nagel.

-S

SYI - Nagel's 1982 painting for the album cover of Duran Duran's hit album Rio would become one of his best known images.

INFLUENCE. Mary-Kate & Ashley


Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen just released a book called INFLUENCE. In the book, they speak of the people and things which have served to inspire them, and they've even interviewed 22 influential artists including Bob Colacello, Christian Louboutin, Diane von Furstenberg, Jack Pierson, Karl Lagerfeld, Lauren Hutton, Margherita Missoni, Robert Lee Morris, and Terry Richardson. The content of the book is divided into four sections: Fashion, Environment, Art and Giving Back.

I have yet to see the book, but I will tell you that these girls have pretty good taste. From what I hear, they've used the best of the best to make the book... i.e. - photographed by Rankin, designed by Rodrigo Corral, and edited by art and fashion writer Derek Blasberg.

What really compelled me to blog about INFLUENCE is that I find the concept to be a nifty idea... so nifty that I'm adding a new item on seanyashar.com called INFLUENCE. Look out for it.

And yes, I'm a big fan of the Olsen girls. I'm a fan of any young, successful, business-minded, L.A. raised individuals with creative vision.

-S

INFLUENCE. Mary-Kate & Ashley


Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen just released a book called INFLUENCE. In the book, they speak of the people and things which have served to inspire them, and they've even interviewed 22 influential artists including Bob Colacello, Christian Louboutin, Diane von Furstenberg, Jack Pierson, Karl Lagerfeld, Lauren Hutton, Margherita Missoni, Robert Lee Morris, and Terry Richardson. The content of the book is divided into four sections: Fashion, Environment, Art and Giving Back.

I have yet to see the book, but I will tell you that these girls have pretty good taste. From what I hear, they've used the best of the best to make the book... i.e. - photographed by Rankin, designed by Rodrigo Corral, and edited by art and fashion writer Derek Blasberg.

What really compelled me to blog about INFLUENCE is that I find the concept to be a nifty idea... so nifty that I'm adding a new item on seanyashar.com called INFLUENCE. Look out for it.

And yes, I'm a big fan of the Olsen girls. I'm a fan of any young, successful, business-minded, L.A. raised individuals with creative vision.

-S

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Tandem Umbrella


It's finally raining in L.A., and I'm kinda enjoying the change of weather. It's nice to see and feel seasons changing... perpetual summer gets kinda boring. Plus, we finally get a chance to wear chic fall pieces. Yay for layering.

Anywho, I got to thinking of this cute umbrella produced by Jasmine Raznahan and Marc Owens. The idea is simple, but oh so clever. Whether it's possible/logical or not, I think it's a romantic idea worth bringing to your attention.

Check out www.jasmineraznahan.com for other clever things.

-S

Tandem Umbrella


It's finally raining in L.A., and I'm kinda enjoying the change of weather. It's nice to see and feel seasons changing... perpetual summer gets kinda boring. Plus, we finally get a chance to wear chic fall pieces. Yay for layering.

Anywho, I got to thinking of this cute umbrella produced by Jasmine Raznahan and Marc Owens. The idea is simple, but oh so clever. Whether it's possible/logical or not, I think it's a romantic idea worth bringing to your attention.

Check out www.jasmineraznahan.com for other clever things.

-S

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Bierut for the USA


Men’s Vogue asked Michael Bierut (not Beirut) to design a more politically neutral lapel pin. Bierut’s typographic solution reorganizes the familiar “USA” configuration into a monogram that displays its own kind of unity. The pins have been produced in a limited edition of 5,000 and are now available at a recession-priced $10 each from Men’s Vogue with proceeds going to Puppies Behind Bars. - Via www.pentagram.com

All I have to say is, "typographic solution".

Awesome,

S

Bierut for the USA


Men’s Vogue asked Michael Bierut (not Beirut) to design a more politically neutral lapel pin. Bierut’s typographic solution reorganizes the familiar “USA” configuration into a monogram that displays its own kind of unity. The pins have been produced in a limited edition of 5,000 and are now available at a recession-priced $10 each from Men’s Vogue with proceeds going to Puppies Behind Bars. - Via www.pentagram.com

All I have to say is, "typographic solution".

Awesome,

S

Monday, October 27, 2008

American Apparel - Emergency Jacket




The "Lightweight Taffeta Emergency Jacket" by American Apparel is awesome! Why you ask, because any item of clothing that folds up into a sewn-in zippable pouch is cool. Perfect for the jet-setter type looking to take nothing more than a weekender bag for a quick getaway or business trip, this windbreaker can be worn casual or styled up in many creative ways.

Aside from the Kangaroo, this is my second favorite Marsupial.

-S

American Apparel - Emergency Jacket




The "Lightweight Taffeta Emergency Jacket" by American Apparel is awesome! Why you ask, because any item of clothing that folds up into a sewn-in zippable pouch is cool. Perfect for the jet-setter type looking to take nothing more than a weekender bag for a quick getaway or business trip, this windbreaker can be worn casual or styled up in many creative ways.

Aside from the Kangaroo, this is my second favorite Marsupial.

-S