Anthropologie

Anthropologie has great style. And I'd say that even if I did not currently work for URBN the parent company that also owns Urban Outfitters, Free People and Terrain.

From the clothing, to the store display and set up, to the website, to the email blasts (which I get all the time and my inspiration for sharing the design on the blog), to the catalog mailer, etc... they have captured the essence and feel of that higher end, soft and classic feminine touch in everything they do. It's really amazing the work that goes into just something like the store display alone in a retail store like Anthropology. The process is recycled four times a year and is definitely a little chaotic behind the scenes. High command at the Home Office in Philadelphia sends out a visual style book of a store that has already been converted for the season. It's kinda like an instruction manual for a newly purchased, a lot of assembly required product that just has picture of it in the finished state. It is up to the amazing people on the design staff to piggy back off of the inspiration from the original design and make their own cohesive interpretation. Everything is done by hand and trust me it is a long process that a lot of people don't even stop to appreciate. And when it is all said and done, the store design will match the tones and visuals of the catalog, which will match the feel of the website, which will match the mood of the email blasts, etc... Great identity design executed on every single level of interaction with the consumer.

Take a peak.

email blasts:

website:

catalog

store:

Custom Kicks

Marketers sometimes rely on the reinvention of products, attempting to find a new way to sell the same old stuff. What they really love ride trends stemming from underground youth culture that is motivated by self expression and realized through artistic talent. Self expression is an essential part of any trend. Hip hop culture was born out of expression and customization of a look and evolving style that represented an urban sub group. Realizing a new trend that sneakers are a vehicle of self expression, why not give the creative consumer full creative freedom make his/ her dream shoe? Customization of products is where marketers can provide the canvas and put the work/ creation under the consumers direction. The canvas usually in the form of the Nike Air Force One or classic three stripe Adidas became popular through hip hop culture (Run DMC). They've been around for many years, but always find a new way of reinventing themselves while staying classic. You can find limited edition customs by designers in your local shoe boutique in Chicago. I recommend St. Alfred on Milwaukee Ave in Wicker Park.

Here is a catalog that celebrates just that, Custom Kicks by Maki:

repeat. repeat. repeat. repeat...

Patterns. I love em.

And here is a whole book devoted to hand drawn patterns, called Over & Over by Mike Perry.

Love the way some patterns develop and explore themes with each piece contributing to the overall concept just like pieces to a puzzle. Some just look cool. But whichever the case, they are badass and are so versatile in application.

Heres a look inside the book:

and be sure to check out this how-to in April's Computer Arts

Fashion

I bought this book a while back and realize it was really one of my first purchases in the design book category. It is an eclectic reference of illustration and design used in fashion. The artwork is incredible and always offers some form of inspiration or visual to sketch out when bored. From flat tones to vibrant color use and post modern work, the work is eye candy for upcoming designers.

Here is a peak inside:

The New Basics

It's Graphic Design One + Typography One + Design Media Principles all in one compact 200+ page, good looking book (text book I guess you could label it)!

Ellen Lupton, Maryland Institute College of Art MFA Graphic Design Program Director (who I just recently saw speak at UIUC via Design Matters in Feb.) is kicking out books left and right. This one is created with the specific focus "a concise, visually inspiring guide to two-dimensional design," believing it to be "a great source for students and young designers who can dig deeper into how form works, and build richness and complexity around simple relationships."

Well, I agree. Best place for this other than the bookshelf is the bathroom. Great to just pick up and get a few pages and lessons in here and there. Go pick it up.

Heres a taste of the ingredients:

Designer's source for DIY

D.I.Y. Design it yourself. a book. By Ellen Lupton, Program Director of MFA in Graphic Design at Maryland Institute College of Art.

For me this will come in handy, because I basically have no clue how to do a lot of design projects and although working out the problems along the way seems like the honorable thing to do, it may have more risk than reward in some circumstances. Insert D.I.Y. to your home library. Problem solved.

The book gives ideas on how to bind books, create easy blogs, logos, business cards, cd's...everything you need to know to be a starting designer.

D.I.Y is a revolution empowering everyday people to become more aware and engaged in design culture. So watch out professionals!