Designer Spotlight: Missoni 2016

I was really taken with the new line from Missoni for 2016. They have always been at the forefront of bold and colorful knitwear and this collection just took my breath away. I then come to read on Style.com, that this collection was inspired by the great Sonia Delauney. No wonder I love it! There is currently an exhibit at the Tate Modern in London celebrating Delauney's vibrant artwork. You can really see the influence of her work in these Missoni pieces. I find it very exciting to see how great artists and designers can influence each other.

Who influences and inspires you?

Sonia Delauney - The EY Tate Exhibition, London

Sonia Delauney - The EY Tate Exhibition, London

Source: Missoni images are from Style.com

Hair Tapestry

Huh? What?! Yes, you read right. As you may have noticed in the past few years, weaving and macrame have both made a resurgence in the crafting and art worlds. Whether you are hanging a colorful beauty on your wall, or a potted plant from the ceiling I love the texture and color these pieces add to a room. But would you try this latest trend for your head?

Thanks to Tiffany Decaux and Lou Teasdale, the stylists who created these looks.

Tiffany Decaux hair weaving

Tiffany Decaux hair weaving

Lou Teasdale hair weaving 

Lou Teasdale hair weaving 

Tiffany Decaux

Tiffany Decaux

Lou Teasdale hair weaving on Instagram

Lou Teasdale hair weaving on Instagram

If you choose to stick with wall hangings, here are a  few cool Etsy sellers who bring a modern twist to the craft. And take a look at my Stitch Knit Weave Pinterest board for more inspiring finds! 

Slow Down Productions

Slow Down Productions

Rowan Studios

Rowan Studios

Rowan Studios

Rowan Studios

Jujujust

Jujujust

Fox and Quail

Fox and Quail


Iris

If your life is feeling a bit ho-hum and you need a little kick in the pants, the movie Iris will give you that little burst of inspiration you might need. Watching 92-year old Iris Apfel in her home with her husband Carl and seeing how free and youthful they are is just so sweet. She is witty, honest and fearless with her style, and it is just so invigorating to watch her in action! 

Seeing how active and full of art, travel and fashion her life is, makes me never want to complain about an ache or pain, or waste another lazy day lounging on the couch. After seeing what she takes on, reminds one of how much living there is to do! 

If you aren't familiar with the fashion icon, here's a great article in April Vanity Fair to give you a taste of who she is. And check out the movie trailer here.

Justina's Jungalow Prints

She had these printed on Shutterfly. How cool and so fresh!

She had these printed on Shutterfly. How cool and so fresh!

My homegirl has been on a crazy roll lately. Not only is Justina Blakeney's latest amazing book out, (check out The New Bohemians with photography by Dabito) but she has taught herself how to create patterns. I just love how she makes things happen. I mean, she got it in her head that she wanted to do this and then figured out a way. No formal training—just a vision and some confidence. How admirable is that!

Her patterns are a reflection of her jungalow lifestyle—full of lush greenery, palm fronds and flowers (and a lovely hint of Josef Frank). She not only painted the designs, put them into repeat, but then had them printed by Shutterfly and made into products that she can have around her home. To top that, she then did a collaboration with a local LA designer, Eva Franco to make a line of clothing. Now that's what I call an inspirational mover-and-shaker. 

Exclusive Eva Franco dress with Justina's pattern.

Exclusive Eva Franco dress with Justina's pattern.

Images are via her website and Eva Franco.

Sun Spots

This post is inspired by Mara Hoffman's gorgeous new 2015 collection. The sun peeks out throughout her line, in bright rainbow colors. These other colorful spots couldn't help but come to mind. My eyes are so dazzled by all these bright rings of color I need to put my shades on!

Mara Hoffman 2015 collection

Mara Hoffman 2015 collection

Clockwise from top left: Kenneth Noland 1962, Vernor Panton rug, 1962 flower postcard, Sonia Delaunay,  Maya Hayuk, Mandy Barker, Floris M. Neususs, Mara Hoffman 2015

Clockwise from top left: Kenneth Noland 1962, Vernor Panton rug, 1962 flower postcard, Sonia Delaunay,  Maya Hayuk, Mandy Barker, Floris M. Neususs, Mara Hoffman 2015

And while we're basking in the glow of the 2015 runways, here are a few more sunshiny rays as depicted by HollyFulton, DSquared2 and Trina Turk. 

Katja Blog | Sun Spots