Jackie Shapiro: Bold Tableware French Bull Collection

Textile and graphic designer Jackie Shapiro doesn't see her psychedelic French Bull collection of melamine plates, bowls, tumblers and platters as retro, but rather, "Very up, colorful patterns taken from a happy time and re- introduced in a new way."

It's difficult not to label it a modern visit from the past. The bold, tiny detail of her Delight design is pure Peter Max. And the tangerine, chartreuse, hot pink, and chocolate brown of Kiss and Shadow Flower are an utter 1970s kick. Two-tone serving bowls in orange/pink or brown/aqua are mod and European. And the mesmerizing swirl of Fantasia could have easily served the sandwiches on the Yellow Submarine.

French Bull -- named for the dog breed that the designer finds both "so ugly and so beautiful at the same time" -- is Shapiro's first product line for the home. Her design career includes style guides for Barbie and the PowerPuff Girls, a stint with Fiorucci in Milan, freelance work for Tommy Hilfiger and Japan's Itokin fashions.

Since its New York debut in 2002, French Bull's vibrant color and outstanding affordability ($7 for small plates and about $24 for large serving trays; platters shown above and below; $18) have made it the darling of hip, independent gift stores and museum shops in the United States, Europe and Asia.

"People (at stores such as Bed, Ba

more: sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2004/09/08/H (964)

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