Roots of Inspiration: Ayako Miyawaki

 

While checking out illustrator and textile artist Lena Corwin's blog the other day, we were taken by the appliqué works by the artist Ayako Miyawaki featued in the exhibition The Art of Japanese Appliqué. Corwin took some snaps of the catalogue (which she had borrowed from a friend) and the Hinona Radish image made us think of all kinds of amazing textiles we could both wear and add to our home.

1. Annie Larson Triangle Stripe Triangle Hat. 2. Anthropologie Terai Folding Chair in Orange Ikat. 3. Only Connect handwoven wool pillows. 4. Missoni for Target Famiglia make-up bag. 5. Kilim sitting stool. 6. Donna Wilson Graph mittens in magenta.

We Covet: Vera Neumann

[Vera: The Art and Life of An Icon]

[Sayso Design vintage Vera scarf pillows]

[We Love Vera at Anthropologie: Vera Teacup Alley Wallpaper]

[We Love Vera at Anthropologie: Darting Dragonfly Dress and Quechua Dress]

Vera Neumann, née Saloff, was one of the most inspired textile designers of the 20th century. Best known for her silk scarves, she also brought bright colours and bold graphics to dresses, housewares, bed sheets and table linens.

The book, Vera: The Art and Life of an Icon, is more than a colletion of pretty pictures, it also charts the story of a woman who believed that fine art should be accessible to everyone. While you can still find brand new Vera at Anthropologie, affordable vintage pieces can be found at thrift shops, on eBay or etsy. New designers also love creating new objects with the brightly coloured textiles.

Do you have any Vera? What's your favourite piece? Let us know in the comments.

Roots of Inspiration: Poppy Power

[image: Martha Stewart Living May 2011]

1. Anthropologie Dotswald wallpaper 2. Sarah Cihat re-purposed china plate 3. Ban.do shoe clips in red
4. J. Crew girls' silk taffeta Avery dress in bright dahlia 5. Julie Moon Magnolia 3 layer pin 6. John Derian Rosa Crystal Dome paperweight

April showers bring May flowers. While waiting for the poppies in our garden to bloom, we are getting our petal fix with these great finds. For more floral inspiration, check out Shelly, Brendon and Clover's place in our back issues.

Roots of Inspiration: NYC Subway Photo

[images: 1. Toast's Avignon tablecloth, 2. Spacing.ca's Toronto subway station buttons, 3. Henley & Holborn White Satin Pressed tiles, 4. Anthropologie Grafton Chair, 5. Sophie Blackall print from her "Missed Connections" project, 6. Bolster Queen pillow with a screenprint of an Andrew Martin design.]

For those who ride the subway everyday, the look feel and energy of the underground is as much a cultural treat as it is a means of conveyance. A recent getaway to New York City reminded us of the beauty of these public spaces. From tiles to typography, a quick trip around the internets reveals that designers are just as inspired by these public spaces.

Roots of Inspiration: Out of Africa

 

[top image: Tracy Schumate detail from Issue5]

When we first shot Daniel's French 75 cocktail for Issue 5,  we couldn't stop thinking about Out of Africa - maybe because we LOVE that movie.  Every time we watch it (and we watch it a lot) we dream of being Karen Blixen living everyday dressed fabulously while sipping champagne and eating finger sandwiches,  sprawled out on a great handwoven blanket surrounded by the stunning landscape of Kenya, accompanied by a pet owl. That's right, she has an owl! If we "had a farm in Africa," we'd also want to have these little lovelies with us as well.

1. Helleh 18kt gold keyhole drop earrings 2. Anthropologie cloud art dress 3.Dolfin Au Hot Masala chocolate 4. Kate Spade Royal Plantation elephant basket 5. Kate Spade Misha oxfords 6. Wildhagen Nathalie hat.