Quick! When I mention "initials" what do you think of?
Perhaps antique silver:
Or maybe a vintage "initial pin"? (Did you wear these on your cotton round collared blouse?)
Skip forward a few years and what appears on the shelves? All kinds of letters and initials in all kinds design products. I think it first appeared in stationery: the single initial on a notecard. I wondered how a retailer was going to display this: would they have to purchase the entire alphabet? Would they?
(donovandesigns)
(mainstreetcollection)
Yes, I would say it has been very, very successful! From paper products, stationery, ceramics, to floor coverings, bedding, decorative pillows, serving pieces, jewelry and wall art.
Here is a great variety of letters and words for the table. I love those coasters with the scribbly almost-writing look:
Pillows, wall plaques and wall art, rugs, throws... all are embellished with initials and numbers.
These are from Three-Potato-Four: French enamel house numbers. Especially nice with that orange planter!
How about these recycling bins?
Great wall art from New Tricks Editions:
What do you have with initials or numbers? Something different than what I've shown here? Do you think this trend will continue, or will it become part of some larger trend?
In Staples buying pens this weekend - a young man had on a lettered hoodie as well as lettered t-shirt. As I tried to read the message, I got the usual "what you looking at?" retort. Script and fonts are decorative elements and have virtually lost their actual meaning.
Posted by: Monica Dietrich | 02/22/2010 at 10:18 AM
Agree! Agree! It can get a little embarassing, staring at various body parts, trying to actually READ the words!
Libby Wilkie
845.485.3279
www.libbywilkiedesigns.com
Posted by: aneyefordetail | 02/22/2010 at 11:51 AM
I think this is here to stay - it's such an easy way to personalize otherwise ordinary things. I am working on a post re: monogrammed china. I'd be worried about the trend factor monogramming something so expensive but I do love it for things like stationery! Marija
Posted by: marija | 02/22/2010 at 12:01 PM
I guess when it first appeared it seemed so...preppy... and that turned me off. But now it is definitely here to stay and I do love the bright colors in the stationery, and have bought some cute notepads (although the L is hard to find, and they dont always look great!) Your M is a nice one!
Libby Wilkie
845.485.3279
www.libbywilkiedesigns.com
Posted by: aneyefordetail | 02/22/2010 at 01:56 PM
I am a nut for letters and numbers, actually did a post on this very subject a while back. Love anything with a number or a letter. Kathysue
Posted by: kathysue | 02/24/2010 at 04:15 PM
Design using letters, initials and numbers is classic and timeless - everyone has initials. It's part of man's desire to mark and brand.
Here's a an unique twist on the classic monogram font-style by Victor Stabin:
http://www.stabinmorykin.com/products/letters.html
Posted by: Joan Morykin | 02/26/2010 at 04:39 PM
Very positive blog! I'm really impressed )
http://rapidqueen.com
Posted by: Lexie | 03/11/2010 at 09:28 AM