{ Colour of the Week }

One of my all-time favourite colour combinations: mustard, dusty blue and navy… Made even better when paired with an adorably dressed Polar bear boy! The wonderful work of French photographer and stylist, Aurélie Lécuyer. Check out her lifestyle blog, Le dans la for a weekly dose of inspiration.

Sally x

{ Inspired By }

Abandoned North Brother Island, New York City

Over the weekend I stumbled upon these amazing photographs by Christopher Payne. These abandoned buildings, situated on an island only 10 minutes away from the Bronx's Barretto Point Park, operated as a hospital between 1880-1930. The hospital treated patients for diseases such as smallpox, typhus, scarlet fever and leprosy.

The DIY/Renovation enthusiast in me goes a little weak at the knees seeing these images – oh the potential! However, the undeniable beauty here is in the century old decay and the hauntingly empty overgrown spaces.

To view more of these incredible images click here.

Emma x

{ Snapshot }

This morning I arrived at work, innocently wearing my striped T-shirt, sat down and glanced across at Emma. 

"Hey!" I said, "We both have our stripes on!" 

Then one by one, the others each popped up from their desks with a "Same!" and a "Me too!" 

It turned out that we weren't the only ones… Abby and Katrina from marketing soon walked in, also wearing stripes! It definitely warranted a fun Snapshot post.

Ah, Friday… it brings out the silly side :)

Have a great weekend everyone!

X
Amy

{ This & That }

Amy totally rocks her double Constellation shirt and scarf ensemble and it's pretty neat that she designed both of them too! The print was inspired by the sparkling Copenhagen night sky and is featured on lots of our Citta Design products this winter – I even have it on my bed!

Click here to view online: Constellation Shirt available in stores, Constellation Wool Scarf, Constellation Duvet

Emma X

{ DESIGN POST }

Totally in awe of this photoshoot for Architectural Digest Russia combining sumptuous interior and upholstery fabrics. The images are incredibly ornate through the combination of rich colours and juxtaposition of prints. 

Sarah x

Images via http://honestlywtf.com/editorials/head-wrapped/

{ Snapshot }

OK, who can guess what on earth these weird creatures are…? No idea? OK, I'll tell you: potato stamps from our art experiments months ago, found in the depths of our art box! It was so fun getting a little bit crafty that day...

They're almost too interesting to throw away!

X
Amy

{ Inspired By }

TADAO ANDO

I was lucky enough to see a film festival doco on Tadao Ando, a well known Japanese Architect. His style is sometimes referred to as 'Brutalism' – a movement which flourished between 1950-1970. I love his use of light and form. He has such a sound understanding of shapes and proportions that makes his spaces so interesting. They seem very fitting for a large busy city, where the need to retreat to peace, self-reflection and less stimulation is a necessity.

BY HOLLY CLARKE

{ This Week in the Office }

Crikey, it's all go in the office this week! Apologies for the late post today… 

Let's see, what's been going on? For the last few days Emma has been completely head-down working on photoshoot prep for the upcoming summer catalogue (pics above); Sarah has also been flat out helping Emma and team with painting; and Holly, Sally and I have been making great progress on new designs for next winter's collection… Busy times! 

Have a great weekend everyone! See you back here on Monday.

X

Amy

{ Work in Progress }

I always find the steps an artist goes through before reaching their final design fascinating. Sometimes a piece is resolved within minutes, other times it may be worked over and over before it reaches its final form. Holly's woollen Kilen Scarf was inspired by the city of Copenhagen as well as by an aerial shot taken of the public park, Superkilen. These beautiful scarves sold out fast online but are still available in-store!

Sally

{ CONTEMPORARY ART }

Yvonne Todd

One of my favourite New Zealand photographers is Yvonne Todd. I always seem to stop and stare at her works, taken by their story. Initially they make me laugh – however I see the darker content. The appeal for me lies in their faded glamour. Sixties stars trapped in a hay-day and persona that is all they know, avoiding a truth for fear of potential misery, like a Telenovella soap-opera living in the 'burbs. 

BY HOLLY CLARKE

{ Colour of The Week }

I randomly came across this fabulous lady and just had to share this with you all! Watch Tova Kaye share some of her amazing outfits, while she speaks about all sorts of things – from her life growing up in Beverly Hills, to her thoughts about personal style and menopausal hormonal issues, and getting to wear pants to school for the first time in 1969. This is a lady not afraid to express herself – how utterly refreshing!

I have a major crush on her '60s print dress – and being Colour of the Week, I couldn't help pulling out the colour palette… Yum!

X

Amy

{ Inspired By }

This season our Auckland and Wellington stores are stocking some beautiful Scandinavian themed books. My favourite read so far has been this beautiful cook book called FÄVIKEN by Magnus Nilsson. It is filled with stunning photography of Swedish landscapes and beautiful dishes from the Faviken restaurant based in a tiny hamlet in northern Sweden.

Filled with sensational dishes such as Grilled Pine Mushrooms with Vinegar Matured in the Burnt-Out Trunk of a Spruce Tree, Fish and Green Juniper and Pine Bark Cake, FÄVIKEN provides a lesson in cooking from the earth, with ingredients that have been foraged from the surrounding landscape. As well as being inspiring for cooking, it's also lovely to look at - each page presented with simplicity and beauty.

Abby x

{ This Week in the Office }

Hello!

My name's Sally, I've recently joined the Citta Design team as a textile designer while Imogen and Carina are on maternity leave. 

Here I am (looking a tad silly) with a few of my favourite designs that the team designed for this Winter's Copenhagen range.

This week I've been working on some ideas and sketches for next year's winter collection - I'm really looking forward to seeing everything come to life! 

{ Snapshot }

When Abby told us that she had come prepared to do the decorations for the BLOC winter party tonight, I didn't think much of it, until I saw her shuffling like a robot in her full length rubbish sack, ski googles, mask etc... Go girl! For further information go to bloc.co.nz

{ DESIGN POST }

This month In My Humble Home

TA-DAAAAA! Following on from last month's post, I am so pleased to show you the results! We decided the String system would fit really well in the space. I love how it doesn't feel heavy and it's rather fun rearranging the display to create different looks. We made and installed the shelves and the cupboard unit ourselves which saved us a pretty penny or two.

The String system is Scandinavian and was designed in 1949. It's designed as a component system so you can easily mix and match to suit your requirements. The official website is really inspiring – check it out here.

See you again next month!
Emma x

{ Work in progress }

Our Mt Eden store within BLOC is having an event on Thursday to welcome Winter, so I've been working on point of sale and artwork to go alongside our table styling. Come along for a fun shopping night with special promotions and lots more goodies in store! Click here for more info about the event.

Posted by Sarah

{ Inspired By }

WOW. Sometimes I find myself wishing I was a dancer. Especially when I see people busting moves with this much passion, beauty and heart. Watch the clip here.

X
Amy

{ This Week in the Office }

Today being Imogen's last day before going on maternity leave, we felt we HAD to indulge in some Petal cupcakes - wow those puppies pack quite a punch!

We'll certainly miss you Imogen, but wish you all the best with #2! :)

X
Amy

{ Colour of the Week }

A selection of product and fabric swatches in Citron – a lovely greyish-green zesty yellow. 

Posted by Sarah