eau de toile
background
Eau de Toile is a design inspired by traditional French toile patterns. The name is a pun on the term “eau de toilette,” which refers not only to the lightly scented perfume, but to the word “toilette” translated as the ritual of preparing oneself for the day ahead.
In place of pastoral scenes, Eau de Toile depicts modern women finding respite in a private setting (the bathroom) while preparing themselves to be perceived by the public. Using photos of friends as reference for the original illustrations, Eau de Toile conveys another form of nature.
Color palette
CYMK:
100 96 18 5
RGB:
44 51 124
HEX:
#2c337c
CYMK:
1 1 10 0
RGB:
252 248 229
HEX:
#fcf8e5
inspiration
Toile has referred to several things in the design and fashion industry, but traditionally the French pattern has been printed on white or off-white canvas or linen, and often depicts a detailed pastoral scene, floral arrangements, and other images inspired by nature.
In the early 1900s, not only did the fabric often depict women, but was printed on merchandise associated with them – wallpaper, drapery, china, etc. I wanted to imitate a pattern that I love while fore-fronting the modern woman’s experience.
sad clown/society 6 advertisement
Sad Clown makes another appearance in this advertisement for my (now defunct) Society6 shop (the products are not particularly well-made and the artist-paid-percentage is…low).
Sad Clown attempts to be “outdoorsy” with her stuffed companion. While she struggles to adapt to typical pastoral activities, she recreates the familiarity of an indoor setting with her Eau de Toile linens.