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.

It’s been a long wait but London’s Oxford Circus finally has an opening date for the much-anticipated arrival of Ikea, albeit 18 months late.

May Day will see the Swedish furniture/homewares retail giant opening the doors to one of the capital’s prime retail locations to give a further boost to Oxford Street’s ongoing regeneration.

Three floors totalling 62,400 sq ft  of the former Topshop/Topman store will feature the retailer’s popular furniture and homewares with stock amounting to around 6,000 products, around 3,500 of which will be available to take away, with the rest available for home delivery.

It will also feature a 130-seat Swedish deli and showrooms, as well as offer one-to-one design consultations. The upper floors of the building will be rented out as office space.

Peter Jelkeby, chief executive of Ikea’s UK business, told The Guardian newspaper that the new store was part of the retailer’s efforts to get closer to where its customers live, work and shop, in places accessible by public transport.

“We have worked carefully to ensure we maintain the character of this historic building while creating a modern retail environment for customers to explore and be inspired,” he said.

Ikea’s parent group bought the site for an estimated £378 million in early 2022, but renovation plans have been complicated, delaying the opening. The retailer said it had installed new insulation and a heat pump, and dealt with water ingress problems in the basement floors.

The store will employ 150 people after receiving 3,730 applications in just five days, a record for the retailer, when recruitment opened earlier this year, the report said.

Adjacent to the flagship Nike Town store, the space will also feature a ground floor store for beauty retailer Space NK.

Calvin Klein unveiled on Tuesday its spring 2025 campaign starring global superstar and three-time Grammy award-winner Bad Bunny.

Shot and directed by fashion photographer Mario Sorrenti, the campaign captures Bad Bunny in an immersive world where sensuality takes center stage, with the campaign film set to his hit song ‘EoO’.

As part of the campaign, the multi-platinum recording artist is styled in Calvin Klein’s new Icon Cotton Stretch underwear, a modern evolution of the brand’s iconic designer underwear. The new line features a stitch-free Infinity Bond waistband, a supportive contour pouch, and enhanced shape retention for optimal comfort and fit. The line is available in various styles including briefs and trunks. 

The campaign launches online, with exclusive content featuring Bad Bunny rolling out across the brand’s social media channels throughout the week. The campaign will also be showcased in high-impact out-of-home placements worldwide. 

“This has been in the works for some time now, seeing it finally come to life has been gratifying,” said Bad Bunny. “I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to be part of this brand’s iconic campaign, and getting to shoot it in Puerto Rico made it that much more special and genuine.”