Windows of New York: Inspirations

Though I’m inspired by various things each day, I haven’t been motivated to tag an “Inspirations” post in a while. Begun almost a year ago, Windows of New York is a weekly illustration project by graphic designer Jose Guizar (you can see his other awesome work here: http://www.joseguizar.com/). I think it is a fun and thoughtful way not only to map a city’s landscape but also to catalog one’s personal journey through that city.

In Jose’s words:

“…this is a collection of windows that somehow have caught my restless eye out from the never-ending buzz of the city. This project is part an ode to architecture and part a self-challenge to never stop looking up.”

His obsession has certainly made me curious to visit some of these buildings, or in the case that I already know them, to look more closely next time. I’d also be excited to see his interpretation of something very different, such as Mies van der Rohe’s Seagram Building at night with its orange glow emitting from the rooms inside.

Separately, I’ve posted some new pics on Tumblr (here), featuring Google’s similar flat iconography along with industrial design by Thomas Eyck (a cup and saucer in soft pastels) and Plumen (the brand’s new 002 bulb that was launched on Kickstarter yesterday), art by Christopher Wool (one of the artist’s reductive but also generative gray paintings) and architecture by Mies (the aforementioned Seagram Building in New York).

(Windows of New York)

Backpack: Concept 1

As promised, I've posted a picture of the design I alluded to last week for my backpack project. It is essentially a messenger bag that is worn as a backpack. This idea is still in its early stages, but there are features that I think are promising as well as aspects that I am carefully considering.

I am interested in this design primarily because it forces the interior of the bag to be very efficient and structured in a similar manner to a briefcase. At the same time, the structured form of the overall bag allows it to be naturally carried as either a briefcase, messenger or backpack. While the sketch above shows double straps separately attached to the bag, I envision future iterations of this design to feature double straps that attach to a D ring. This would allow them to be detached and re-attached as a cross-shoulder strap.

That said, the rigid structure of the bag is also a concern. As previously discussed (Link), form is important to me, if not wholly from an aesthetic point of view in this case. This design is still very preliminary, and so I need to continue to think about the interior organization, especially considering that objects will be carried both "upright" and at a 90 degree angle (depending on how the bag is carried).

I have been sketching out a few other shapes and hope to share those in the coming weeks as I push each design further. I'd be be happy to hear any thoughts or feedback.

Project Updates

Sorry for the silence on my blog. Fortunately I have a few things about which I can provide updates.

First, I've posted a series of new pictures on my Tumblr (Link), still highlighting masters of reductive deign. Posts include a jacket from Jil Sander's first collaboration with Uniqlo, Ellsworth Kelly's Chatham series, Chermayeff & Geismar's 1960 Chase bank logo (one of first abstract corporate logos at the time) and a jacquard scarf by Alexander Wang.

About logo design, Tom Geismar has said, "I have always been attracted to reductive design, trying to find the essence of an idea, and then finding an imaginative way to clearly express it." (Link)

Kelly's Chatham series, works composed of two adjacent painted canvases, is an admirable example of minimalism. Kelly reduces each painting to the essential elements of form and shape and examines not only the relation between the canvases and the wall upon which they rest but also the dynamism between subtle changes in proportion, repetition and variation.

Second, I have continued brainstorming for my backpack project. Though I feel that I am still in the exploratory stages of the process, I am focusing on a design that functions as a briefcase but can be worn like a backpack. The latest draft calls for a rectangular shape that has a zipper along the height and width of the bag. An asymmetrical flap (similar to that of a messenger bag) covers the portion of the zipper along its height. The asymmetry of the flap would allow the bag to be carried multiple ways purposefully. I will follow up with additional details and sketches to more clearly illustrate my thoughts.

Third and last, my sewing machine has arrived. Right now I am working on very remedial undertakings, such as window coverings for my apartment's room. I'll plan to next make basic items in preparation for making pants and ultimately my backpack.

Backpack: Volume and Organization

Preliminary sketches

For my backpack project, I have been thinking about two things: dynamic volume and interior organization.

Dynamic volume: By this, I mean that the overall size and shape of the bag can expand and compress as needed (and the interior volume will reflect these changes). Though I am obviously open to materials that will stretch and manipulate shape, I am first focusing on more traditional examples as inspiration. For example, paper grocery bags fold flat, and when the bottom is folded upward, it could provide symmetry to a top fold over closure (see very rough sketches above). I also think that, dependent on the right construction, the functionality of accordion folders could be interesting as well. There are also lots of collapsible bags currently in the market, but I’m less concerned about this capability, since my intention is to minimize everyday carry rather than to minimize size for other purposes (such as storage or travel) or to dramatically change the capabilities of the bag (e.g. Mission Workshop's detachable components).

Interior organization: Because I want my backpack to be as compact and efficient as possible, I need to be explicit about the items that will be carried and thus focus on the interior organization of my bag as well. The list contains: laptop, tablet, headphones, chargers (for phone and computer), pens and pencils, notepad and a book. Obviously, every object above does not need to have a specifically designated space. At this point, I intend to design sleeves for my laptop, tablet and notebook, to include pockets for headphones and small electronics and to build slots for writing utensils. The rest of my carried objects can be placed in whatever remaining space there is. A bonus item that has been a “wild card” throughout the process is a water bottle. It is something that I like to carry around but is difficult to incorporate into a design seamlessly, efficiently and beautifully. I will keep you posted on my thoughts but also welcome any suggestions.

Of course, I am not thinking of these two elements in isolation. Volume and interior organization inform each other. 

Tumblr

I just want to briefly announce that I have launched a Tumblr to serve as a complementary inspiration board to my blog. I'll plan to update it a couple times a week with a variety of objects, designs and artwork from designers and creatives that I find especially inspiring. Though my page is sparse right now, I wanted to make sure to highlight champions of a minimalist and experimental design, including masters Sol LeWitt, James Turrell and Eero Saarinen, companies such as Land Rover and brands Common Projects and Haerfest.

Project updates

First, I want to provide a flash update on my pants. I had the chance to check out some fabric over the weekend and have included some swatches above (a lycra and a couple polyesters). At this point, there is not much more to report on as I need to outfit myself with patternmaking utensils and finalize my sketches.

Second, I'd like to introduce my backpack project, which I plan to work on concurrently. After my Jansport broke a few months ago and considering the fact that backpacks can be difficult to pair with business attire, I have been brainstorming ideas for a better backpack that is minimally designed and compact but still able to meet the requirements of work.

Of late, backpack collaborations, launches and coverage have become ubiquitous, with Mr. Porter naming it a "Trend" (here) along with graphic sweaters, pinstripe suits and cuffed trousers. The Business of Fashion wrote a comprehensive piece not too long ago, admitting that while fashionable backpacks are not necessarily a new concept, they have been become much more prevalent among high-end brands, who use more luxurious materials and demand a higher price tag (e.g. Alexander Wang and Phillip Lim both boast backpacks near the $1,000 price point) (BoF).

Consciously designed backpacks at a more reasonable price point have also become commonplace. Herschel Supply Co. has been successful in reproducing vintage-inspired hiking packs and travel bags at attractive prices. Eastpak has collaborated with acclaimed designer Raf Simons to bring its traditional backpack silhouette up market. Companies are doing some exciting things blending technical features within an artistically-minded design as well. Activity-centric brands like Hammarhead Industries, Mission Workshop and Outlier are introducing some very thoughtfully designed as well as durable backpacks.

I am personally most excited about brands like Haerfest and KILLSPENCER. Both have a very keen appreciation for design, artistic inspiration, function and beauty. Haerfest recently sat down for an interview (here) and their immersion into their art and influences was evident.KILLSPENCER, which started as a personal project to make “the perfect sustainable and waterproof backpack,” today continues to produce immaculately crafted bags, shown by their latest daypack collection which couples clean design with thoughtful interior organization (picture below).

Despite all the excitement around backpacks, I still wonder if and hope that there is more that can be done. Mission Workshop is pushing the boundaries around storage and functionality, creating packs with detachable accessories and expandable features that allow bags to double in capacity. Similarly, Cote et Ciel has pushed backpack design and functionality with their rucksack, incorporating multiple compartments and a very organic appearance. That said, I believe that there is more opportunity to innovate around shape (in a vein similar to but perhaps not as progressive at Cote et Ciel), organization (having more pockets, sleeves and compartments so that all of the things you carry have a place) and wear (having the optionality to wear as a traditional backpack, messenger or briefcase with all three looking natural). I'll plan to elaborate on more specific thoughts and ideas in coming posts.

KILLSPENCER daypack

Haerfest Collection B 

Pants: Inspirations

As I continue to iterate on functionality, fit and design, I want to share some items that are serving as inspiration and guidance. 

There are also some details that I alluded to last time that I hope to incorporate:

More than one zip pocket: For the times when I need both my iPhone and keys but don't want them together. It's not that other pants don't have multiple zip pockets but the placement and size of them deserve more consideration.

Elasticated cuffs: Lots of running / athletic pants have ankle zips which are great for ease of on / off but for me sacrifice fit and form. I prefer that my running pants not be too baggy and these cuffs would help the pants hold their shape during motion.

Waistband: An internal drawstring is probably best, which is nothing unconventional. That said, minimizing the aesthetic impact of the elastic waist will be a focus.

Piping: No contrast piping