Fashion

Even though it’s been done many times before, today we’re creating a new spin on the whole “outfit as a room” concept. I have always thought that fashion and interiors were very closely related. I’m never surprised when I hear of an interior designer making their way into the fashion world or vice versa and I believe that’s because there are principles that apply when putting a successful fashion ensemble together just as there are to putting a successful room together. So today I want to generalize the “outfit to room” concept and take it down to the basics.

Model and stylist Kady Taylor provides yet another opportunity to translate everyday style into design elements for the home. Here she is photographed on the streets of Berlin wearing a chic ensemble by Dorothee Schumacher – a tailored jacket, patterned blouse, marigold slacks, and gray tote. The look is refined, comfortable and timeless, making it a perfect candidate for interior design inspiration!

Tie-dye is back and it’s no longer for hippies!
The tie did not die! It’s back and better than ever. No longer playing center stage on Haight/Ashbury, tie-dye is piggy backing on the success of its sister, ombré, which has enjoyed it’s time in the spotlight for the past few years and it is sophisticated and elegant. Who knew?! The difference between ombré and tie-dye can be a bit blurred as techniques have merged a bit. Whereas the ombré technique gradates in color from dark values to light values, tie-dye is one or many colors dyed all over and often tied up with string before dying to create patterns. I’ve been spotting it in everything from pillows to passport holders.

It seems like you might be either a pattern person or not. But I’m here to say that it can be for everyone! Yes, you! I, for one, would be quite content to live in a house with pattern upon pattern upon pattern, but as a former teacher of mine commented on a space I was designing, “wouldn’t you go crazy in that?” and the answer is, NO! I love patterns! The trick to living with patterns, especially bold patterns, is the rest of the space you’re working with. A bold pattern can act as a focal point to the room, which means that most everything else will be toned down. The same goes for fashion. Let’s take a look:

Spring may be off to a slow start for many, but why wait for warm temps to incorporate this season’s trends? Taking a cue from the runway, this spring is all about the bold and bodacious. This not only includes graphic black and white prints, but also vibrant solids.

As a lover of fashion, I naturally look to the latest runway or street style looks to inspire interior design projects. Decomposing fashion into design elements is one surefire method. But luckily, many fashion houses provide an even easier option – their very own home décor collections. Often, these collections are informed by existing trademark prints, making the transition from fashion to interiors perfectly seamless. Two great examples are new lines produced by the luxury accessory company Hermès and fashion designer Jean-Paul Gaultier. Both translate signature motifs into chic home décor.

Whether you watch the Oscars or not, aren’t we all aware of what the guests wore down the red carpet? The red carpet mania makes me think that that’s what the author of The Hunger Games referenced when the contestants presented themselves before the audience, complete with stylists and assistants. I tend to prefer those who mix it up a bit and go crazy (remember Bjork’s swan dress? Or Cher’s Vegas showgirl number?). Sadly, this year there were no crazies, but there were some beautiful hues that would be stunning and dramatic looks for the home. Let’s take a look!

Fashion’s hottest spring trend is undeniably the black and white geometric print. Led by top fashion houses including Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton, these patterns have been featured in countless spring editorials, top trend lists, and themed Pinterest boards. Their growing popularity has also crossed over to interior design, with many professing the inherently chic qualities of black and white combinations.

Catwalks and fashion magazines often serve as sources of inspiration, but I find street-style even more intriguing. This is where the best designer labels, vintage finds, discounter duds, and more combine to make personal statements. Street style can also be a proving ground for interior design concepts offering a glimpse of elements working together on a smaller scale.

If you haven’t heard the news, Pantone’s color of 2013 is Emerald, 17-5641, and I, for one, am thrilled with the choice! Based on the mineral rock, emerald is one of the most valuable gems—even more than diamonds. Emerald is bold, rich, and radiant and the perfect dramatic enhancer to a dull room or outfit.