Illustrated Runway – Chris Gambrell

By Patternbank On June 6, 2018 · In Inspiration

Patternbank are loving the loosely sketched artworks of Bristol-based illustrator Chris Gambrell. These beautifully stylised brushstrokes and unfinished pieces have a subtle but bold visual aesthetic that draws you in.

We asked Chris about his work & process, ‘Through illustration, I explore form and colour. I worked as a sculptor using stone as a medium which I think remains a huge influence for me when making images. My need to carve form and movement out of the page is still very present. This links closely to fashion and in particular the work of Commes Des Garcon and the sculptural forms created in haute couture. The palettes and textures created in fashion provide constant challenge and interest for me as an illustrator.’

‘My working process is and has always been working out of a sketchbook. Every idea is born within the pages of its blank spreads. I’m a keen observer of life around me and constantly sketch in crowds in cities and parks. My work is about play, and I am happy to be surprised by the results of using ink, stamps, paint and anything else I can lay my hands on.’

Check out more of Chris’s stunning work on his Instagram.

House of Hackney X & Other Stories Collaboration – Deluxe Floral Pattern

By Patternbank On May 31, 2018 · In Featured, Print + Pattern

& Other Stories has recently launched a new pattern heavy collaborative collection with House of Hackney, featuring a range of ready-to-wear items and accessories. Influenced by works of Virginia Woolf and artists from the Bloomsbury Group, this collection celebrates nature through print & pattern. The collection also takes themed inspiration through the zodiac so you can shop via your star sign! Check out the collection at & Other Stories here.

Orla Kiely: A Life in Pattern – New Exhibition & Interview

By Patternbank On May 29, 2018 · In Featured, Inspiration, Print + Pattern

Patternbank were excited to explore Orla Kiely’s iconic print archive last week, at the first ever exhibition of her work, products, and patterns. Orla Kiely is one of the UK and Ireland’s most successful designers. Her stylized graphic patterns are innovative, influential and instantly recognisable. With a global audience in thrall to the rhythms and repeats of her designs, this exhibition explores the power of decoration to transform the way we feel. The Exhibition opens from the 25th May – 23rd Sept at London’s Fashion and Textile Museum. The Patternbank team were lucky enough to walk the show with Orla, and ask some questions at the launch event last Wednesday.

In your opinion what makes a timeless textile pattern?

I think something that is well designed, there are lots of different styles and lots of different textiles that are timeless classics in their own right. It’s about the quality of the design work. Also the consideration of colour and not overworking the design.

Your designs take inspiration from the 50s & 60s, as well as Scandinavian modern design. What draws you to this era and design aesthetic?

I grew up in those times (the 60s & 70s) and when you’re a child you are absorbing. Things become comforting or familiar. My family had funny interior quirks. Lots of people say that my designs are comforting and remind them of their childhood.

Tiffany Bozic – Poetic Scientific Illustration

By Patternbank On May 24, 2018 · In Inspiration

Patternbank recently discovered the beautiful work of artist Tiffany Bozic and were interested to find out more about her work. Tiffany is a painter from Marin, California and has spent the majority of her life living with and observing the intricacies of nature. Her work on first glance is of detailed nature scenes but on closer inspection surreal metaphorical elements can be found, presenting a vision of life’s struggles and triumphs that are largely autobiographical. The subjects she paints are inspired both from extensive travels to wild places, and the research specimens at the California Academy of Sciences in San Franscisco. Over the years, Bozic has developed a complex process of masking and staining so the natural grain can collaborate with each composition using multiple layers of watered down acrylic paint on maple panels of wood. Check out her instagram here for updates on new work.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you work?

I travel to remote corners of the world, often with teams of scientists, then return to my studio to create detailed acrylic paintings on maple panels. I also host the Unlocked Art Lab at the CA Academy of Sciences. I have been showing in NYC for the past 10 years, but for this next chapter I’m switching gears to show on the west coast for a number of group shows this summer. I currently have a series of new paintings exploring the five elements of nature celebrating native PNW plants and animals, at Talon Gallery in Portland, OR. We are also publishing another monograph of my paintings this year with Gingko Press.

What creatively inspires you?

I try to spend as much time as I can outdoors, travel, my relationships to myself and those I cherish. In other words, I’m inspired by love & curiosity.

PATTERNBANK SPRING SALE » 20% OFF SITEWIDE » USE CODE: SPRING2018

By Patternbank On May 21, 2018 · In Inspiration, Print + Pattern

Our 3 day Spring Sale is live with a 20% saving on everything on our site which includes all Designs and Trend Reports. This includes all Stock Designs and Premium Designs so if you’ve been thinking of purchasing prints for your up and coming collection or buying a report for inspiration then now is the time to buy. The offer runs for 3 days only, from 21 May to 23 May 2018 – just enter the code SPRING2018 at checkout to receive 20% OFF.

HEAD OVER TO PATTERNBANK > USE DISCOUNT CODE: SPRING2018

Featured Design: Floral Seamless Pattern by Tatyana Anisimova

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Fashioned from Nature – V&A Exhibition London

By Patternbank On May 2, 2018 · In Inspiration

The Patternbank team were at the preview day of the Victoria & Albert’s new exhibition Fashioned from Nature last week. A great new exhibition that looks at how nature has influenced fashion design, textiles, manufacturing and pattern, throughout the last 400 years. Set over 2 floors, the first floor looks back in history and explores the evolution of how nature has impacted fashion. The upper floor is more of a present-day look at how new designers have used nature in the design process. It also showcases the environmental aspects of how designers now are looking at sustainability within fashion. We also picked up the book that accompanies the exhibition which is also worth a purchase here.

William Kilburn(1745-1818)

Sasha Ignatiadou – Intricate Illustrated Serendipity

By Patternbank On April 26, 2018 · In Featured, Inspiration

Patternbank are loving the intricate illustrations of Russian artist Sasha Ignatiadou. Now Based in Germany, Sasha draws with a variety of techniques which include acrylic, watercolour, oils and digital art. Sasha explained ‘I choose simple subjects that I fill with complex ornaments and colour combinations. The theme of Japan and Asia, in general, is very close to me, I like to combine all kinds of ornaments together and to bring to the illustration the echoes of the modern world of Fashion and trends. I am very inspired by the very process of creating an illustration and of course, by the world around me. You have to improve yourself all the time, to become better in each following illustration, but above all, you have to be able to see the beauty of the world.’
See more of her work on her Instagram.

Kasasagi – Nature Inspired Sculpture by Kate Kato

By Patternbank On April 16, 2018 · In Inspiration

Patternbank love the intricate work of artist and collector Kate Kato, we got in touch to discover more about her work process and what inspires her to create these beautiful paper and fabric sculptures. Kate lives in the Welsh boarders just outside the small town of Ross on Wye, where her natural environment inspires her daily.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you work?

Using recycled paper, fabric and wire I try to capture the delicate detail and beauty of nature. Influenced by plants, insects and found objects, I create intricate, life-sized sculptures and arrange them into collections and dioramas. I have always been fascinated by the natural world and for me my work is very nostalgic, taking me back to my childhood and the curiosity that fuelled my creativity. My work aims to encourage curiosity and promote an awareness of the environment. I want to bring the small, hidden and overlooked details into the public eye and encourage people to consider their importance.

Hillary Waters Fayle – Nature Re-designed

By Patternbank On April 11, 2018 · In Inspiration

Patternbank discovered the beautifully delicate and intricately stitched and cut work of Hillary Waters Fayle. We put a few questions to the artist to find out more about her and what inspires her work.

Can you give us a brief introduction about yourself?

I was born and raised in Buffalo, NY USA and I now live in Richmond VA, where I spend time making my own work, in addition to working as an artist assistant, and teaching part-time at Virginia Commonwealth University. I’m a fairly quiet person, and I dislike being the center of attention. It’s really important to me to be the best person I can be for the people and the world around me. I feel the best when I’m being really productive and I’m getting lots done and I’m able to be mentally present and engaged. I love to make lists, run, cook, spend time with people I love, and I love to read -although I don’t read as much as I’d like to. I also love to be outside, especially in the summer- the heat in Virginia is one of my favorite things about living here.

Frida Kahlo : Making Her Self Up, at the V&A

By Patternbank On April 6, 2018 · In Inspiration

For anyone inspired by the vibrant work of Frida Kahlo, prepare yourself for a rare treat. The V&A have announced a special exhibition to showcase the eclectic wardrobe of one of the most influential female painters of the 20th century. This is the first exhibition outside of Mexico to display Kahlo’s clothing and personal possessions, including prosthetics, medicines, accessories, jewellery, photographs and letters. The exhibition runs from 16th June 2018-4th November 2018. Booking in advance is recommended and we’ll be first in the queue to explore her collection of fascinating belongings! Tickets are now on sale at the Victoria and Albert Museum here.

Jess Phoenix – Creative Blooms

By Patternbank On April 4, 2018 · In Inspiration

Patternbank are loving Jess Phoenix’s crafted illustrations. We recently got in touch with her to find out more info about her creative process and how she became an illustrator.

I was born in Massachusetts and attended the Rhode Island School of Design for Illustration. In 2007, I moved to Seattle, WA and began working as an illustrator/designer for a gift & publishing company, which in many ways has been my dream job. However, a few years ago, I began to realize that I had put all of my creative effort and satisfaction into that job, and I was not creating anything for myself. I began working nights and weekends to try and make something for me. I didn’t know what it would look like, but I just knew I wanted to use a lot of color. I had a lot of false starts and stops, but I ultimately feel fortunate that I only toiled for about a year before I “discovered” my floral work.

Love of the Accidental – Martyn Thompson Studio

By Patternbank On March 26, 2018 · In Inspiration

Patternbank recently discovered the work of Martyn Thompson, a photographer who began his career in Fashion, designing clothes. We asked him a few questions to discover more about his work process and what inspires him as a designer.

A brief introduction

I am a photographer and designer and run my design practice, Martyn Thompson Studio, in Soho NYC. My career began hand painting fabrics and designing clothes. Many of my friends also designed and I started to photograph eveyones work which led to me becoming a fashion photographer. Beginning in Sydney, I moved to Paris and later London, where my work broadened into a lifestyle context, working with interiors, travel and food. I love to experiment and over the last decade I founded Martyn Thompson Studio, a design practice where we use my photos as the base to create textiles and wallpaper, homewares and limited edition art.

Tell us about your work & process – any upcoming exhibitions?

Through playing with different ways of reproducing my photographs I discovered the digitalized jacquard loom and the possibitliy to making a photo into a tapestry. This led to creating large scale patterns and weaving them into yardage – now used in both a home and fashion context. When making new patterns we always begin with a photo, or a series of photos – experimenting with these images, printing them in different ways, flipping, reversing and reorienting them, joining different bits together – until eventually a collection emerges. We’ve done a number of installations of this work in the last few years – at the London Design Festival and at the Future Perfect in NYC … and later this year we are exhibiting in Australia.

What creatively inspires you?

In my photos I work mainly with daylight … Light is great source of inspriation to me. It informs the color and creates shape and patterns that are always changing. I am attracted to natural forms … curvaceous shapes… especially flowers. Thank you Martyn we look forward to seeing more of your work in the future. To see more of Martyn’s collection go to Martyn Thompson Studio and Instagram @martynthompsonstudio. Mural in last image by Dove Drury Hornbuckle

Autumn/Winter 2018/19 Catwalk Print & Pattern Trend Report

By Patternbank On March 20, 2018 · In Catwalks

Patternbank brings you our in-depth catwalk report highlighting the key Autumn/Winter 2018/19 Print and Pattern trends from the latest New York, London, Paris and Milan Catwalk and Runway shows. The team has gathered information from the designer’s collections and compiled a selection of the most prominent print looks trending for AW1819 together with an insight into the key colours for the season. This is the essential Print Catwalk analysis trend report for every brand, designer and studio.

10 print trend stories for Autumn/Winter 2018/19
Over 68 pages of inspirational print forecast intelligence
Over 400 on trend hand-picked images
Covers New York, London, Paris & Milan AW1819 shows
The top 24 print focused shows highlighted
6 colour trends for AW1819
Fantastic value – £60/$85/€70

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Paris Catwalk Print & Pattern Highlights – Fall 2018 Ready-to-Wear

By Patternbank On March 8, 2018 · In Catwalks

Patternbank brings you a concise overview of the most important print & pattern collections, from Fall 2018 RTW Paris Fashion Week. Look out for our A/W18/19 Catwalk Print and Pattern Trend Report coming soon, an overview of all the recent shows containing the strongest print and pattern trends.

Dries Van Noten

Images via Vogue

Stylised Florals – Detailed Biro Drawings – Art Brut Inspired – Psychedelic Swirly Pattern – Limited Colour – Frenzied Drawing Style – Pen Texture

Milan Catwalk Print & Pattern Highlights – Fall 2018 Ready-to-Wear

By Patternbank On February 28, 2018 · In Catwalks

Patternbank brings you a concise overview of the most important print & pattern collections, from Fall 2018 RTW Milan Fashion Week shows.

Gucci

Images via Vogue

Floral Arrangements – Botanical blooms – Tiled Geometric Patterns – Braided Trims – Scarf Print Layouts – Placement Botanicals

London Catwalk Print & Pattern Highlights – Fall 2018 Ready-to-Wear

By Patternbank On February 22, 2018 · In Catwalks

Patternbank brings you a concise overview of the most important print & pattern collections, from Fall 2018 RTW London Fashion Week shows.

Peter Pilotto

Images via Vogue

Seventies Bohemia – Opulent Pattern – Dégradé Floral Plays – Moroccan & Persian References – Diverse Pattern Mixes – 70s Vibes

Menswear Fall 2018 – Key Print and Pattern Trend Highlights

By Patternbank On February 21, 2018 · In Catwalks

The Patternbank Team bring you the key Print Trends from the Fall 2018 Menswear Catwalk shows, alongside our curated print designs from The Patternbank Online Textile Studio. Check out our Fall 2018 collection of prints at The Patternbank Studio.

FLORAL TRIBUTE » Alexander McQueen / Seamless Flowers Pattern by Eduardo Doreni / Andrea Pompilio / Tapestry Style by Alice Witheridge / Thick Chinese Painting by Riverside Bonfire Studio / Paul & Joe / Death to Tennis

Designs available to buy on The Patternbank Studio, Catwalk images via Vogue.com

Husmann/Tschaeni – Cosmic Psychedelic

By Patternbank On February 19, 2018 · In Inspiration

Patternbank are loving the work of Husmann/Tschaeni (Michael Husmann Tschaeni & Mira Tschaeni)- an artist couple that are based in Switzerland and both studied at the College of Art in Lucerne. They have exhibited between New Delhi, Los Angeles and Melbourne. They work backward, painting in layers on the reverse of acrylic glass, using different materials, such as enamel, oil colour, watercolour, crayon, glitter, and spray. It is like if two completely different, somewhat incompatible picture languages collided when they started working together. But somehow they manage to create pictures, stories, and installations together, without having to change their own individual styles. Enjoy more of their work here & on their Instagram.

New York Catwalk Print & Pattern Highlights – Fall 2018 Ready-to-Wear

By Patternbank On February 16, 2018 · In Catwalks

Patternbank brings you a concise overview of the most important print & pattern collections, from Fall 2018 RTW New York shows.

Oscar De La Renta

Images via Vogue

Botanical Sketches – Dark & Pale Grounds – Floral Studies – Garden Drawings – Embellished Detail – Leaf Motifs

Tory Burch – Fall 2018 – RTW – New York Fashion Week – Print & Pattern Highlight

By Patternbank On February 13, 2018 · In Catwalks

Tory Burch’s Fall18 NY collection was a powerful floral mix, that was staged upon an field of pink carnations. Patchwork prints and stylized painterly florals gave a elegant vibe to this Fall2018 Ready to Wear collection.