Working with textile print designer, Sydney Lowe of SOAN, was a natural synergy in understanding wanting to combine elements of nostalgia with the LAND signature seaside sensibility. From brief, through to concept, and final design, Sydney worked with our founder to dream up a print that brings together elements of texture, vintage imagery, and soft, minimalist, shades ~ becoming our much-loved Seashell print. We spoke to Sydney about her design process, and inspiration.
How would you describe your design style in three words?
Expressive. Considered. Timeless.
What makes a print feel timeless rather than trend-driven to you?
Timeless to me is something subtle but powerful, a quiet confidence. A sense of individuality.
Print has the ability to shift mood. It can feel nostalgic, bold, grounded, joyful. If someone feels more like themselves in something I’ve created, that’s the greatest reward.
What’s your go-to creative ritual when you’re stuck?
I go to the library.
There’s something about being surrounded by old books, quiet corners, and shelves of forgotten imagery that resets my thinking. I’ll wander slowly through art, history, textiles, even geography sections! Not searching for anything specific, just letting something find me. Normally a shape or a colour combo from a brief will remind me of a certain art movement from the past. I will then get every book possible on that art movement and start researching it.
For the Star Fish Land brief the moodboard gave me an initial thought of the Bauhaus design era (1919–1933). Bauhaus design revolutionised modern aesthetics by uniting art, craft, and technology under the principle that "form follows function". It is characterised by minimalist, geometric forms and colour. This played a huge role in the initial inspo for this design.
How did the LAND brand values shape or guide your design decisions?
Collaboration is a conversation. Every brand has its own language and energy. My role isn’t to override that. My role is to listen closely and translate it visually. The most successful projects happen when there’s trust and openness on both sides.I see myself as a creative partner rather than just a supplier. When a print truly aligns with a brand’s identity, you can feel it.
How do you translate movement, texture and softness into a print?
Texture is often suggested through layering and subtle imperfection. I like leaving evidence of the hand, even in a refined digital outcome. That slight irregularity creates connection knowing somebody took time and thought over this. Movement for me is all about how the eye travels across the artwork. You can’t have too many bold elements that fight for your eyes attention. With strategically placed elements or colours it allows the eye to move across the piece making it a visually pleasing piece!.
If the LAND Seashell Print were a destination, where would it be?
I’ve always imagined it as Greece.
The colours, terracotta roof tiles against impossibly bright blue seas.
The textured, white washed walls and tiny shells scattered along shorelines.
The story, Greece as an ancient history held within its cities.
The Seashell Print feels at home in that landscape. Textural, sun-washed, and quietly timeless, like it belongs to a place where sea, stone, and story have existed together for centuries.
What’s your favourite unexpected way to wear or use a sarong?
Over the summer holidays I was constantly going from the beach to cafes or sushi bars! hahaha I loved to be able to just wear my sarong as a mini dress over my bikini! Therefore I did not feel self conscious walking into a food establishment in just a bikini top and sarong skirt.
What’s inspiring your creativity right now?
I recently got back from an amazing trip to Japan. The posters, flyers and restaurant signages definitely had a major play on my inspo right now!
