CREATIVE FUEL 2014

MINERAL
WORLD
Mineral World can be seen as a development
from THE New Age Cosmic trend we explored
in Creative Fuel 2013, which drew inspiration
from new age crystal imagery.
This style can be characterised by a strong interest in
natural mineral effects, surface patterns and materials
such as marble, agate, malachite and other semiprecious
elements.
In many ways the appeal of mineral patterns is that they
have a timeless, eternal quality – absent in today’s digital
culture. Elements of the trend were last seen in interiors
and graphic design in the 1980s and in this sense can be
seen as part of a link to the post-modern style. We are
seeing mineral patterns being re-appropriated and used
in contrasting or unusual and unnatural contexts. For
example, the inclusion of Nike’s Roshe marble sole design
acts as a kind of visual pun when applied to a high-tech
object, such as the shoe. The use of a mineral trompe
l’œil effect can also be seen in the work of experimental
jewellery designer Guinan An who uses latex to recreate
a range of mineral-like effects and finishes. Expect to see
natural mineral textures being used in everything from
fashion to graphic design to household products over
the next year as the trend continues to be influential.
Opposite: [46] Nike Roshe ‘Marble Pack’. nike.com. Above: [47] Acne Studios, Tokyo, acnestudios.com.
Bottom Left: [48] Ill Studio, Graphic Design. ill-studio.com. Bottom Right: [49] Bodo Sperlein, for Dibbern,
‘Carrara’ marble plates. bodosperlein.com.
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