Radical Russian Nesting Dolls by Designer Katya Malakhova.

Russian freelance graphic designer and photographer Katya Malakhova has designed a series of Modern Matryoshkas which combine items that at first seem contradictory.


above: Katya with her "Brain" matryoshka

Using imagery that one would think incompatible with the well-known Russian souvenir icon, Katya has turned medical organs, superheroes, Playmates and S&M Dominatrices into Nesting Dolls.



Her stylized Batman Matryoshka:


The Gene Mutation Russian Doll turns a Cheburashka into Mickey Mouse:

Corsets, lingerie and breasts decorate her Playmate Matryoshkas:

Swarovski Crystal Russian Nesting Dolls:


A special thanks to Collabcubed for bringing Katya's work to my attention.

See all of Katya's work at her website.

Proof That The Love For Ryan Gosling Has Reached Epic Proportions.

The memes, the Hey Girl sites, the fan clubs. And now, Time Warner Cable has a dedicated genre channel to the Gos. That says it all.

Modernist Healdsburg Home With Pool on West Dry Creek Road by Dowling Studios.

This lovely modernist 3,500 square foot custom home with detached carport and a swimming pool in Healdsburg, California has expansive views of the Dry Creek Valley.



Designed by Julie and Leslie Dowling of Dowling Studios, the modern home with double sided indoor/outdoor fireplace is positioned atop a knoll on an 8 acre site.






The steeply graded property is lined with fir and oak trees and has a private driveway leading to an open hilltop site with panoramic views.



The Central great room opens to the pool and covered patio with expansive vineyard views to the south.



The bedrooms on the north and west sides of the home face more wooded views. Sustainable design was a high priority and every attempt was made to use the most energy efficient systems and materials.







The beautiful project was completed in July 2011.

Julie and Leslie Dowling:

all images and information courtesy of Dowling Studios

It's Called Photoshop, Not Angelina Being Goofy.

The above right image has been making the rounds on the internet with hundreds of thousands of people believing it was an actual pose struck by Angelina Jolie the night of the Oscars. Let me put the rumors to rest. The image was merely a copy, flip horizontal and paste job on Photoshop from an original Getty photo - artist unknown.

The original photo:


The altered photo, by yours truly:

In case you were wondering.

My Little Pony + Origami = Fred Butler's Womenswear for Autumn Winter 2012.

Accessories designer and prop stylist Fred Butler just showed her latest collection at London Fashion Week. Crazy and colorful, it pushes the envelope with fashions and accessories I'd never consider wearing, but might make great props and styling for an editorial or event. With wacky origami-like structured textiles and colorful knitware, it's a bit like My Little Pony meets Fractals.








The following designer profile and interview is courtesy of London Fashion Week

Designer name: Fred Butler

Origin: Colchester, Essex, England.

Career highlight: “Winning New Gen sponsorship!”

Design background: Fred studied at the University of Brighton and worked with Shona Heath and As FOUR (New York), before setting up her own label.

What are your design signatures? “Wearable sculpture, intricate textures, material manipulation, graphic shape and pattern, strong colour contrast with black and white highlights, iridescence and metallics.”

How would you describe the Fred Butler woman? “Anyone who enjoys enhancing their look with an exciting addition to an outfit.”

Three autumn/winter 2012 inspirations: “Getting cosy, quilting and layering.”

What does 2012 hold for your brand? “Spreading the colour further.”

What is your favourite decade in fashion? “The sixties.”

Where do you go in London to seek artistic inspiration? “I go to my yoga class because it's a chance to switch off; that's when I find my inspiration.”


above: fashion and accessories designer Fred Butler (photo by Mishkin)

www.fredbutlerstyle.com
83-84 Berwick Street
London
W1F 8TS

Fish For Font Lovers. Stylized Wooden Koi Hand-Printed With Type Characters.

House Industries is offering beautiful stylized wooden Koi hand-printed with air-dried inks in a variety of prints using their own type designs. Characters such as ampersands, letters and brackets are printed on the objets d'art in a mid-century modern style.





They are unable to guarantee the availability of specific dye and pattern combinations. Please email your preference and they will try to accommodate your request.

8 x 4 in, (203 x 102 mm)
1.375 in thick, (35 mm)
Hand printed with air-dried inks
$75 each
buy them here.