Fall 2009 BLB Color & Trend Forecast #3 - Anime Luxe

"I owe my color sense to crayons." - Angelo Rafael Donghia

BluLabel Bungalow continues this week with the Fall 2009 Color and Trend Forecast with #3 Anime Lux. If you happened to miss #2 - Exotic Destinations (click here), and #1 - HD Elegance (click here).

Anime is an abbreviated pronunciation in Japanese of "animation," but the world outside of Japan refers to anime as Japanese comics. Visual stylizations in anime typically consist of characters with exaggerated features and facial expressions and are often illustrated in bold colors. The widespread popularity of digitized anime is the design influence of today's trend I like to call "Anime Luxe."

Accessorize your space using colors in this fun-loving palette which proves to be upbeat and vibrant. If you're looking to liven up your space with bold color without it appearing juvenile, reupholster your accent chairs with this beautiful "pop fabric" Metro by Alexander Henry {#5}. To further the design without being too theme-y use a dark wood frame to display a large piece of Uzu Kanji fabric also by Alexander Henry {#7} as instant artwork! Illuminate your space with this modern daisy-shaped Margarita Lamp by Miguel Herranz {#4} made from natural wood veneer and comes in numerous colors. For a table lamp that makes a statement, opt for the Tube Top Color Lamp by Pablo {#1}. Its sophisticated, acrylic base comes in 6 colors...gotta love options! Wanna splurge? Anthropologie's Antwerp Chair in Bloom {#2} has a gorgeous, feminine shape and the upholstery fabric isn't too shabby either! Serving your guest a beverage in one of these tumblers {#3, source unknown}. The festive design will carry the lively theme of any party. This high-gloss green lacquer table {#7} from cb2.com will certainly be a conversation piece at any gathering. It's always a good idea to take risks with small scale furniture in gutsy colors before making a commitment with a larger scaled item.

On the fashion tip, here's an example how anime has influenced the fashion world. Takashi Murakami, a Japanese illustrator, created the canvas for Louis Vuitton's Multicolor Palette heavily based on anime. Check out the Matsuya Department Store in Ginza (below) decked out in LV's colorful , iconic logo!


Murakami has recently produced an anime short entitled Superflat First Love that celebrates their six years of collaboration. Check out the video below.