Treasures from the tide

This summer, FatFace and the V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum, London) reunite for a collaboration that celebrates the magic of the shoreline and the marvels hidden within it. Drawing inspiration from 17th-18th century artistry, held in the V&A collection, the range transforms pressed seaweed specimens, botanical illustrations and wave‑inspired artworks into modern occasionwear designed for sunshine, celebration and curiosity. The result is a collection that feels expressive, fluid and full of wonder - a contemporary Cabinet of Curiosities where every piece tells a story. From rippling water florals to layered seaweed prints, this is a range made for those who love the marvellous, the unexpected and the beautifully crafted.

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The perfect collaboration

We’ve always loved a good print, and now we’re working alongside the V&A again and its ever evolving collection, exploring every creative discipline to celebrate prints and patterns in the most stylish way possible. As one of the world’s most renowned fashion history destinations, it’s no surprise it’s one of the FatFace design team’s favourite places for inspiration. Known for its vast collection of applied and decorative arts, the V&A's unique mix of objects showcase everything from pattern books and designs for textiles, decorations, wallpapers and prints, which provide captivating stories on the diversity and beauty of pattern and serve as inspiration for this 'tapestry of style'

Inspired by the shoreline

The starting point for the season was simple: the magic of the coast. The shimmer of water. Shells glistening in the sand. Delicate seaweed caught in the tide. These small wonders became the foundation for the textures, colours and prints throughout the range. But the design team didn’t stop at the shoreline. They went deeper… Into the V&A archives. Into the history of botanical study. Into the world of Cabinets of Curiosity. Where collectors once gathered the marvellous and the bizarre with no boundaries or rules. These early “wonder rooms” were the precursors to museums themselves, and they celebrated the joy of discovery. That same spirit runs through every piece in this range. The palette reflects this sense of exploration: layered aquatic greens, soft washed neutrals and a spectrum of sea blues from pale aqua to deep indigo. Subtle highlights of metallics and sun-warmed tones add warmth and luminosity. Fabrics play with opacity and shine, from sheer, airy layers to softly structured surfaces and fluid finishes that catch the light like water.

How it all came together

Spoilt for choice, FatFace designers selected their favourite objects, allowing inspiration to guide their choices. From there, the creative process unfolded organically. Hosting a hands-on creative session with the rest of the team where they pinned up favourites and ideas were sketched, refined and reimagined. They then paired them with product ideas, and layered boards full of raw concepts. Resulting in a messy, creative playground that led to some truly standout ideas. The result is a collection that embodies the essence of FatFace’s imaginative vision. The design approach includes filter techniques and layering, all adding depth and originality. The designers led a playful, experimental approach with colour and scale, which transformed the original imagery into something completely new. But rather than simply placing artwork onto garments, they wanted to reimagine it in a way that felt truly FatFace - rich with crafted details. The result? A product range that feels layered, hands-on, and full of character.

Each item is a FatFace-designed product created using artwork from the V&A’s collections. It’s a range rooted in creativity, thoughtful design and a genuine love for craft - made to be worn, lived in and enjoyed.

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A look back - A tapestry of style

Working with the V&A last autumn for the first time became one of the standout moments for us as a brand, bringing together our design team and the V&A’s textile archives to reimagine classic British prints for a modern wardrobe. Inspired by British artists and designers’ take on the natural world, our design team selected prints from the 18th to early 20th centuries and reimagined them through embroidery, jacquard, laser work, and playful experimentation with colour and scale. The collaboration brought the whole team together in a hands‑on, idea‑filled creative process, resulting in a warm, textured, craft‑led range modelled by Pearl and Daisy Lowe, with a menswear feature from Danny Goffey. The final collection blends artistry, storytelling, and contemporary style - designed to be lived in, loved, and worn with a sense of history.