Woodland Camo

The natural world, in particular the forest floor, are key influences inspiring designers in fashion and home furnishings in recent times.

There has been a real desire to surround ourselves with nature for all the comforting and soothing properties that lie there. We feel reconnected and grounded when walking through woodlands and breathing in the fresh air. Riccardo Tisci spoke about how living through the pandemic in the past 12 months reminded him and his mum of what it was like living through a war.

I found out that, around the world, the young generations moved to the countryside, to forests and beaches, where they could feel free. In spaces with no buildings, they could see reality. In these places, they built their own universes inspired by the animal world.”

Riccardo Tisci

Felipe Oliveira Baptista for Kenzo's Fall21 ready to wear collection was also inspired by nature and drew on folklore and cross-cultural references. His collection focused on getting ready to face the world again, teaming loud floral painted garments with bold street wear.

Fashion inspired by the natural world

The V&A museum ran a special exhibition from April to January 2019, to quote - "Nature's beauty, diversity and power have been a rich source of inspiration for fashion for centuries. Today flowers, feathers and animal prints are rarely absent from the lists of seasonal trends. These fashions convey our shared delight and fascination with the natural world but they also tell a more nuanced story about how we interact with nature and our relationship with it.