We love to monitor all the industries we serve and see what trends are prevalent and could become significant in the coming year.
Polling trade publications, home decor sites, fashion blogs and art licensing specialists, here are some of the key art and design trends we have spotted.
Trending…
- Modern Myth
- Over-Scaled Florals
- Contemporary Vintage
- Pantone Colour report. Spring 2015: En Plein Air
- Tropical/Botanical/Green
- Geometric
- Insects – Bugs & Bees
- The Imagined Future
- Retro Tech
- Digital World Influencing Print
Read on for more in-depth overviews and curated image sets, available for licensing
The Spring Fair is Europe’s leading presentation of gift and home products and the largest exhibition in the UK. Fresh trends highlighted by their experts included Modern Myth, exploring the renewed interest in folklore and storytelling of creatives from various countries and cultures.
It shows a contemporary, multi-ethnic world, filled with infinite stories. From films, video games and blogs to novels, design and art, the significance of mythological figures, patterns and motifs points towards an expanding global visual culture. Ancient materials and patterns such as tartan woollens can be updated in elegantly provocative ways.
Detail of the Millennium Kilt, 2000 (textile) by Jilli Blackwood
Notable print trends on the Spring/Summer 2015 catwalks include over-scaled watercolour florals. Watercolour paint wash textures also seem to be a key trend for interiors providing a subtle print for homewares.
Left: The Rose, 2001 (oil on canvas) by Myung-Bo Sim, (Contemporary Artist)
Right: Mock up
Contemporary Vintage
There is a trend for products that look both heritage and contemporary. The imperfections of these techniques bring a hand-crafted feel that is indicative of the pre-digital print era.
Wazz up? by Pat Macdonald, Studio Artist
Pantone Colour report. Spring 2015: En Plein Air
This season there is a move toward the cooler and softer side of the colour spectrum. An eclectic, ethereal mix of understated bright colours, pale pastels and nature-like neutrals take centre stage as designers draw from daydreams of simpler times. Remembrances of retro delights, folkloric and floral art, and the magical worlds of tropical landscapes restore a sense of well-being as we head into warmer months.
Left: Illustration from ‘John Bull’, 1951 by English School © The Advertising Archives
Right: Mock up
Looking ahead, the Olympic Games are due to be held in Rio in 2016 so our prediction is that tropical imagery of bold, colourful blooms combined with palm frond leaf patterns will make a statement.
Left: Vegetation by Tamas Galambos
Right: Mock Up
The chevron (or zigzag) is one of the trendiest patterns in recent years seen on cushions, curtains and walls. Instead of the bold coloured zigzag on a white background we are starting to see variations on this style emerging; i.e. chevron merged with ikat-style sketchy lines. Technologically-inspired geometric patterns are also very apparent in the homeware market.
Left: Stripe (digital) by Hereford, Louisa; Private Collection; Studio Artist
Right: CultureLabel.com Innovation Silk Chiffon Scarf, Zaha Hadid – Royal Academy of Arts
Bring your products to life with the natural history prints of flowers, insects and animals from the Encyclopaedia Britannica collection. These motifs can be used as the starting point for your design. Pep up with colour and repeat. Bridgeman Studio Artists such as Sarah Hough provide a contemporary take on this theme.
Left: Odonata, 2008 (digital) by Sarah Hough, Studio Artist
Right: Mock up
In an age where innovation, creativity and technology go hand in hand, artists with an eye to the future are letting their imaginations run free with playful and magical flair, being inspired by the recent advances in science such as the de-extinction programme, which looks to bring back extinct creatures such as the dodo, to the weird and wonderful developments in technology.
Left: Flapper, 2014, (digital collage) by Olga Snell, Studio Artist
Right: CultureLabel.com Wonderland Dinner Plate by Abi Overland
Technology has been getting a retro revival with images of polaroid cameras, record albums, reel film and dial phones on products. This type of retro style appeals to consumers who want to partake in the novelty of a romanticized culture of years past.
GRC1201965 Teenager Waiting for a Phone Call, 1959 (screen print) by American School © GraphicaArtis
Right: CultureLabel.com Mixed Emotions by Sammy Slabbinck
Digital World Influencing Print
Charlotte Cowell, editor of Gifts & Greetings Today says, “There have been some amazing innovations in the print industry over the past few years and this has been filtering into the fashion, home and gift design markets. One of the most notable trends has been the appearance of photographic images printed onto textiles, ceramics and any other surface you care to mention.
The greeting card industry has, of course, benefited in its own way from the easy accessibility of laser-cutting, with beautiful 3D designs popping up in publishing houses around the world. Silhouette images, collages and semi-mystical fairy tale-inspired designs with lots of birds, bees, butterflies, dragonflies and other insects remaining popular for cards.”
Left: Castle light box, 2013 (mixed media) by Ele Grafton, Studio Artist
Right: CultureLabel.com Sirens Sugar Pot Vanessa Conyers CeramicsRead More
Get in touch with the Bridgeman team on uksales@bridgemanimages.com with enquiries about licensing images and clearing copyright.
Bridgeman’s recent acquisition is online museum shop CultureLabel; curating the very finest design, art-inspired products and affordable art from hundreds of prestigious partners.