Designer bark

Today's post sees me reminisce back to my degree show (back in July 2010.) Seeing the geometric patterns printed onto the shades below reminded me of my friend, Rosie Moss' http://iamyarnandglue.blogspot.com final project - proving that graduate shows really are the place to spot future trends.

                   Design Bark                           Rosie Moss

For me, it is the contrast between the bold, symmetrical patterns against the natural grooves of the bark, which make the shades by DesignBark http://www.designbark.co.uk not only eco-friendly, but innovative. Whilst Rosie's designs echo her own individual style, with her love for muted, earthy colours, Design Bark have chosen a punchier palette which again juxtaposes the notion of the elemental with the manmade.

Colour in those January blues

To sum up the past few weeks, my inspiration for today's blog post comes from tears that I collected a while back now. Styled by Good Homes magazine's lovely Emma Clayton, this vivid showcase of colour really does scream Hi-Summer - something, which we are busy prepping for at Next HQ.

We may not even have said hello to Spring but I am already excited for the tropicana motifs, neon wired lanterns and Moroccan inspired accessories which form part of the brand new Hi Summer '12 collection. All are sure to turn anyone's weather-beaten back garden into an exotic retreat. So, forget the January blues. Embrace bold & brash colour like I have with fabric & doodles, and get set for Summer!