Behind the Print: Miami Stripe

 

Our Creative Director Eliza shares the design process behind Palmera’s first design, Miami Stripe.

While stripes might seem like a bit of a basic, you might be forgiven for thinking that they require less design time or effort given their ubiquitous nature and seeming simplicity. However, it is often the exact opposite case: they are so integral to the range as they provide a key foundational layer to the rest of the collection, and so often require a longer design process with more working and re-working than other, bolder prints.

When designing our woven stripe for the Palmera range we took care and time to build a stripe that fit the art deco inspiration while still sitting easily in a modern, summer context.

Miami Stripe mood board

For colour, all the references came from the pastel colour throughout Miami Art Deco Architecture. Peachy coral hues feature heavily in the beachy Miami context, along with lilacs and sandy, neutral tones to ground everything. I love some of the images of Miami motels and hotels from the eighties and nineties, where there would be these pale blue or lilac neon signs hung from coloured buildings. Greens tend to feature heavily in our Mosey ranges too given their versatility in a range of home environments, so it was only natural to incorporate a soft olive tone in our stripe as well.

 Miami Stripe bedding + Sherbet bath mat 

While we kept the bedding to a tricolour design to create a sense of calm in the bedroom, I added a few more colours into the bathmat (which we later named “Sherbet”) to inject a bit more fun and vibrancy into the bathroom. It also means the mat goes with more of our towelling prints, which is always a consideration when designing for the bathroom, so we maximise the mix-and-match potential of the range.

The Golden Girls set 

As for the stripe style itself, I’ve somewhat channelled an eighties vibe as well. I imagine it sitting well with spikey indoor ferns and other plants that were typical of that era. One member of our Mosey community commented that the stripe reminded her of the Golden Girls, which I can totally see! They were based in Miami, Florida so it feels like it checks out.

 Miami Stripe bedding & Loungewear

We went through a few versions of the design before hitting go on production, trying to get the stripe scale just right so it felt modern and versatile for 2024. While I love an eighties moment, we ended up reducing the scale of the stripe from the original drawings to ensure it didn’t feel too nostalgic - hinting to its retro inspiration as opposed to living within it.

Miami Stripe bedding, bathmat and cosmetic bag (coming soon)

I can’t wait to get this one on my bed at home – it feels so right for the spring and summer season ahead. Plus our fun accessories and lounge means I get to wear it too; I'm especially looking forward to adding the slip dress to my summer rotation!

Explore Miami Stripe here