Dutch studio Raw Color has an exquisite eye for unique and memorable colour palettes. I love their identity for TextielMuseum and TextielLab and the wide palette created by using different intensities of five dusty bright hues and pops of neon. Cerulean blue and neon pink? Yes please! The typography is also beautiful as letters T, M and L overlap in varying opacities to create distinct colour combinations and overall patterns that mimic textile weaving. The opacities are turned up or down depending on if the lab or museum is the focus of the collateral. Entrance cards, stationery, stickers, publications, tea towels, building flags – the identity is wonderfully flexible and reflects modern textile patterns.

(image via raw color)

The neon trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere and I am excited to see some diversity in the hues explored. Often, the term “neon” is focused on four or five colours but there is actually a wide spectrum to consider within the vibrant hue family. I love this old neon thread card on the design center at philadelphia university blog as it highlights just how many directions one colour (like “neon pink”) can go in…

(image via the design center at philadelphia university)

I love this photograph of vibrant sarees scattered across the stairs of the Ahilya temple in Maheshwar, India. Captured by photographer Eli Shams, the contrast of old stonework and drops of rich colour create one smashing palette…

(photograph by eli shams; via imagekind)   

Sometimes, it seems the many options that brands have for displaying colourways are sort of neglected. That’s why I’m always thrilled when colours are not only displayed but showcased in design-focused and 3D ways. J.Crew is tops in that department. I love how they cut squares from actual fabrics, pop in real pins and snap a photo (allowing one to see texture and hue). I made the above mashup of their Spring 2013 and Holiday 2012 wedding hues. So many fabulous palettes for fashion, home and design (and some great colour names too)…

(images via j.crew)   

I seem to be smitten with modern hologram effects lately and I am downright mesmerized by the Stella McCartney Olegram Hologram Clutch. Part of the designer’s Resort 2013 Collection, it is a gorgeous kaleidoscope of constantly changing colour. Click here to watch it turn in dreamy fashion…

(video and screenshots created via saks fifth avenue; photograph via new york magazine)  

Toque is a distinctly Canadian word and describes what are otherwise known as beanies, knitted caps or stocking hats. Hmm… But toque is just way more fun to say! Whatever the name, it is hard to resist these superbly knit, patterned hats from ALL Knitwear by Annie Larson. Modern 80′s winter fashion (with some rather awesome pom-poms)…

(photographs via ALL knitwear by annie larson)   

Oops, I am slightly behind in my palettes of the week! But I think this fantastic photograph taken outside the shows of SS13 Paris Fashion Week makes up for it. Captured by Kuba Dabrowski, the image is a smashing combination of sidewalk grey and vibrant blue (with a pop of red). Birds-eye fashion photography might become my new obsession…

(photograph by kuba dabrowski via women’s wear daily)

Two unrelated but equally fantastic objects of desire caught my eye today: Timber Serving Platters by Treehorn Design (love the colour trim and hole interiors) and Geo Rings by A Merry Mishap (love the handcrafted geometric shapes). Perhaps the two can mingle in a rather chic cooking session?

(photographs via the design files and a merry mishap)

I love a pop of colour among neutrals and bright laces are a surefire way to inject vibrant detail into fashion. I love these Stolen Riches laces and their gold/silver aglets. The Canadian company has been making high quality laces for four generations and showcase how 100 years of craftmanship can mix with high fashion. Menswear could particularly benefit from a jolt in the colour department and I would love to see a suit with a colourful pocket square/shoelace combo. A pop of colour can truly make an outfit…

(photographs via stolen riches, union, pinstripe mag & union)    

I posted about brilliant modern embroidery talent Karen Barbé last year and after yet another visit to her inspiring site, spied this image of embroidery thread spools. I fell in love with the palette created and decided they felt like colours of the 1960′s made fresh. I can almost see some fabulous Mad Men scene starting…

(photograph via karen barbe)   

I am a huge fan of the gorgeous thread installations created by Mexican artist Gabriel Dawe. The ornate layering and depth of colour created using just regular sewing thread is astounding. I love the many rainbow pieces in Gabriel’s “Plexus” series but find myself particularly drawn to the installations of three or five colours and especially the very high ones and those that wrap around staircases. What beautiful magic can be created with simple sewing supplies and a little insane dedication…

(photographs via gabriel dawe)

In my latest post for Rena Tom, I explored two subtle trends that have caught my eye lately: Constellations and Honeycomb. From sequin pants to abstract mobiles, there appears to be no shortage of unique applications possible. They may currently bask in the spotlight but classic hexagonal patterns and the long-held love affair with the night sky ensure a timeless quality for both honeycomb and constellations designs. If it tickles your fancy, read my post here…

(photographs via 100 layer cake, riches for rags, lauren haupt, matsys design, viasnella, bec brittain, mochi things & julie nolan)