Independent British fashion retailer Palava has launched its first ever collaborative collection with London’s Natural History Museum.
The marine-inspired collection is the result of the brand’s founder, designer and nature lover, Bryony Richardson gaining exclusive access to the museum’s extensive archive and rare books library.
Poring over a “treasure-trove of illustrations filled with incredible creatures from the depths of the ocean”, the result is a “unique capsule collection of three, marine life-inspired prints” – ‘coastal migration’, ‘ocean jellyfish’, and ‘the coral reef’ – which feature on the range’s signature silhouettes.
“When the opportunity presented itself, we knew we had to go for it,” said Richardson. “Collaborating with the Natural History Museum felt just up Palava’s street and to have special access to the incredible archives to pick and choose from was a total joy. With our fascination for the natural world, coupled with our tendency to collect all sorts of weird and quirky specimens and objects, it feels like a match made in colourful heaven.”
So the collection “pays homage to the talented illustrators and scientists whose important work has helped develop our understanding of the natural world”.
Maxine Lister, head of Licensing at the Natural History Museum, added: “Given our aligned values and dedication to sharing the wonder and beauty of marine life, it should come as no surprise that we’ve collaborated on a wonderful collection showcasing the incredible archive of illustration at the Museum. Creating a collection which is both sustainable and striking was and continues to be key for the… Museum, and this new collection is no exception.”
The current Palava x Natural History Museum collection will see a further drop arrive on 5 April on the brand’s website and into its North London store. Prices range £89 for its Coral Reef Kit shirt and Coral Reef Peggy blouse to £198 for the Coastal Migration Louise Dress and Ocean Jelly Fish Cynthia Dress.
