Trend Forecasting, Launching the Nala Collection, and How to Style!
Right on time, every 20 years we watch trends that we thought were long dead, make their way back into the spotlight. The 2022 runways proved that the trend cycle has spun its magic again and gifted us the 2000s classic leopard print. The obsession with “y2k”, or early 2000s, fashion has tightened its reigns on the direction of 2022 trends. Viral mood boarding of 2000s supermodels, such as Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss, has brought the leopard print phenomena out of the dark and back into the limelight this summer/autumn. Prowling down the runways of Celine, Christian Dior, and Richard Quinn, the repeated flash of animal prints outlined a more playful and experimental approach to fashion, post lockdown. Tom Ford, driving the traction of a maximalist fashion era, shared with Vogue “the last thing I want to see is boring clothes”.
Fashion is going to be loud this year and Adrift has something to say with the launch of the Nala Collection! We have made sure to get swept up in the fun of outspoken textiles and maximalist detailing whilst maintaining the cohesive Adrift wearable style. The venture into abstract colourful leopard prints with our latest Nala Collection is right on the money of Kendall Becker’s trend forecasts for 2022. According to Style Caster, Becker shares “say hello to eye-catching distortion and colouration when it comes to animal print. This may not be straight from the safari but it’s certainly fresh off the runway”.
The Nala Collection is certainly an experimental approach to leopard print. The Nala Blue print is a petite barely recognisable leopard, in shades of baby blue and hints of navy. The Nala Neutral is a more traditionally inspired leopard print marrying both cool and warm tone browns to create the textured textile. Styling leopard print might seem daunting at first but the secret is confidence and crisp basics to class up this wild print. Let’s style!
STYLING THE NALA COLLECTION
Leopard Dress and a White Tee
Layering a sleeveless leopard dress over a clean white tee is the perfect way to put a 2022 wearable spin on the outspoken leopard print. The Nala sleeveless styles come in three variations of the leopard print; Nala blue, neutral or mixed. Pair with the Adrift Swing Tee in White ($49) to complete this fiery, put-together summer/autumn ensemble.
Leopard Mini Dress and Skirt
The Nala collection’s Brianne Frill Dress ($130) is a striking mini frock, perfect to throw on with a sandal to get you through the summer heat. This frock can be paired with one of our longer skirts to transition the style from a mini to maxi length. Pair with the Lani Tiered Skirt in Black ($155) and a black ankle boot to segue from summer to autumn styling.
Button-Down Blouse and Basics
If animal print intrigues you but committing to a full leopard dress look is a daunting prospect, then try dabbling in a button-down leopard blouse. Slip the open button-down over a neutral outfit, and you’ll find animal print can certainly find its place in your wearable wardrobe. The Zelda Oversized Shirt in Nala Neutral ($109) is a breezily light top made from 100% cotton voile. Throw on over an outfit of basics to add texture and layered visual interest. Pair with the Katie Bias Cut Skirt in Whitehaven ($129), the Swing Tee in White ($49), and the Alfie and Evie Pixie Sneaker in Animal ($159) for an effortlessly chic autumn outfit.
Sara Shirred Sleeve Top in Nala Blue
Billowing sleeves and bubbly smiles, the Sara Shirred Sleeve Top ($99) is a style that will soak up the compliments. The breathable, loose-fitted cut is classy and easy to wear. Style with denim; the Adrift Cropped Cut-off Straight Leg Jeans in Navy ($159) or the Adrift Cut-off Shorts in navy ($99) to dress down. Or try pairing with the Camille Wide Leg Pant ($99) in white, black, or navy, to class up the look for a comfy chic Sunday brunch vibe.
Maxi’s: Let the Leopard Shine
Sometimes the nicest thing about a loud print is that there really is no styling needed. These dresses speak for themselves, no need to overdo it, pair with any black strappy shoe and stop there. From wraps styles to billow sleeves and voluminous tiered skirts, the Nala Collection has a maxi style for every woman. There’s something about wearing leopard print that makes you feel like the queen of the jungle, so twirl as you walk into a room and let the flowing light-weight 100% cotton voile catch the wind and make for a memorable entrance.
At Adrift we believe that style is a reflection of your state of mind, so ask yourself how will my style blossom and transition post lockdown? Our recommendations: be experimental, start a conversation, dress unapologetically, and embrace the liberty that this year has gifted us. We hope to see you rocking some leopard print from our Nala Collection this Summer/Autumn.
Love, Adrift xx
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