Even under a microscope, Nature’s lessons in design range from simple structures to complex patterns. German (Prussian) zoologist Ernst Haeckel’s Art Forms in Nature was originally published around the turn of the 20th century and influenced practitioners of Art Nouveau such as René Binet and Louis Comfort Tiffany. Haeckel’s artistic rendering of the “structural peculiarities†of organisms emphasized the ornamental aspects of natural forms. Browsing through Art Forms in Nature provides me with all manner of design ideas for garments, interior decorating, character sketches and sci-fi landscapes or architecture.
“Discomedusae” from Ernst Haeckel. Art Forms in Nature Prestel Publishing, 2004
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David Lynch’s television series, “Twins Peaks†embraces the noir of the Pacific Northwest with its mood, mythos and style. A foil exists between the Pacific Northwest logger/grunge type and the classic detective with a Brylcreem coiffure. Pale skin with red lips, pencil skirts and classic Pendleton plaids establish the Twin Peaks style.
Audrey at One-Eyed Jack’s, from David Lynch’s “Twin Peaks”
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Many designers trot the globe to invoke inspiration. The designers behind Ivana Helsinki simply go camping in their backyard. The cheery, whimsical prints are originally inspired by Scandinavian camping trips in the 70’s. Paola Suhonen’s designs are wearable and charming all at once. The collections have grown out of almost folklorish origins: “…the globe’s most northern match factory in the dark uninhabited wildwood of eastern Helsinkiâ€.
image: Ivana Helsinki a/w 2005-6 www.ivanahelsinki.com
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