WISHLIST: Pantone Universe

This is a brand I've always considered quite iconic; not for anything in particular other than its classic paint sample strips. Personally, I have made use of this brand multiple times before, often having to collect the paint chips as a visual-aid in various creative projects. That experience has evolved recently, cropping up every so often during home ware/DIY shopping trips. This time however, it's a little more than just colour samples.

Images courtesy of Pantone
Left to right: Mug with gift box, Pantone, Stack of mixed blues Pantone (discontinued), available
  here at One Stop Colour Shop

The stack of mugs was the first inkling I ever had of the brand creating any other products other than paint. My first ever thought being, 'I need this'. There was something so retro, yet modern about these mugs; the novelty of it and yet the simplicity of the white space. I had to have it. Unfortunately, after having had a little gander online, I decided that the cost was more than I ever intended to pay for a mug.

This decision still hurts today.

Left to right: Lipstick set, Boots (no longer available), 'Tangerine Tango' journal, TK Maxx (available here),
Nail varnish set, Boots (no longer available)
Image copyright @ Sheena Sreekeessoon

After having made what I thought to be a pretty taxing compromise, I 'settled' for these items; a couple of cosmetic sets that had been brought out as part of a Christmas collection and a journal. Initially, the cosmetic sets had been more appealing to me; opting to judge them based on packaging. Admittedly, the journal had been an impulse buy - something I knew, even at the time, that I simple wanted, not needed,

Having tried all three of the products, I am slightly surprised to have found that the item being put to a more regular use is the journal - the only down side being the lack of a hardback. In all fairness, what contributed to the down-scoring of the cosmetic products were simply the fact that the colours themselves weren't to my taste...irony?

FASHION IN FOCUS: Antonio Marras

Autumn/Winter 2016/17

Bold jewel-tones. Stark-black leather. Dramatically clumpy mascara. I think I'm in love! And slightly scared...

The Sardinian-born designer features a melange of folklore elements and the occasional vintage touch. Collections commonly consists of luxury silky fabric, rich colour and bold prints. Whilst moody floral motifs are a recurring component within his prints, Marras also explores the eccentricity of irregular geometric prints.

It is quite rare for a collection to inspire me so much that I would immediately want to whip up a whole new post on it - considering my laid-back work ethic when it comes to this blog. Admittedly, the collection itself is not my style; not something I would steer towards in a shop or boutique, however, what makes this so striking for me is the imagery. A combination of the painted glass, patterned wooden panels and exposed distressed wood are what brings the entire look together.

As individual pieces, some stand out more than others; a few containing a stronger, more structured silhouette, others, a silky, natural flow. The patterns used for these garments, I would consider quite conventional, typically in the current trends, save for perhaps the shoulder patch on the burgundy blouse and the style and shape of the teal jumpsuit. However, I do feel standard silhouettes work here because it is all about texture and prints. The prints are what steal the show. Personally, I am a massive fan of mixing slightly mismatched prints. And although the country florals aren't to my taste, the stripes, chevrons and somewhat confused are my cup of tea.

Images all courtesy of Vogue

Ready to wear collection in full

More about the designer Antonio Marras

Vogue interview with Marras (2009)