The ethos of picnic-core is really a central part of the KULE brand: playful, fun, doesn’t take dressing too seriously but still looks put-together. Think of the process of planning your outfit out for a picnic itself: you want to be comfortable but photo-ready, and definitely prepared to have a second slice of pie.

Which is why it made so much sense to me when I learned that Nikki looked back at gingham designs from her former kid’s clothing when designing this collection. There is a youthful flair to the designs, a sort of sense of happiness stitched into every piece.

These children’s pieces are still relevant, fifteen years later, which proves how classic and relevant gingham is as a print. Perfect for a timeless brand like KULE 😉.

Dressing in athleisure has become a trend over the last several years, mostly because it’s easy and comfortable. But leggings with a sports bra is not always the most versatile, nor creative or fun way to dress. Tennis-wear, however, turns sporty dressing on its head with its ability to be dressed up or down. There is a style to it that is also expressive, rather than boring or bland. Think: sneakers, a skirt and a windbreaker or, a tennis sweatshirt with shorts and Mary Janes!

There is a sort of je ne sais quoi that makes this specific KULE collection so day-to-night appropriate throughout the spring and into the summer. And it’s not all about tennis! There are collegiate sweaters, striped waffle sets, striped tees, classic blazers, and cashmere sweaters. Tennis-inspired doesn’t have to be literal, though we do of course have our bestselling tennis logo-wear if you are a fan 🎾.

Nikki looked to classic tennis photography and fashion when creating this collection. A windbreaker inspired by Farrah Fawcett appears in the collection, as does hints of tennis court-green and tennis ball-yellow.

As always, we use only the best quality in clothing, so even a T-shirt feels luxurious (ours are always 100% cotton). You will feel like you’re in pajamas wearing the striped sets, soft knitwear, and cozy-but-cool accessories. Luxurious daywear is always KULE’s goal. A knit blazer that feels like a cozy sweatshirt or a windbreaker that makes you feel like a million bucks, both of which you can dress up or wear to — well — tennis, is the best kind of spring wear.

And so, it’s no surprise that Nikki looked to icons like Farrah Fawcett, or perfectly manicured tennis courts, or quirky tennis props and art when designing this collection for Spring.

The connection between the two brands started when Nikki and Alix met for dinner in Mallorca, where Alix was based. The two designers wanted to develop a special product that would incorporate the playful classics of KULE with the handcraft and folk art traditions of Alix of Bohemia.

The daisy motif was inspired by the iconic costumes of Marcel Marceau, as well as the exploded floral motifs of 1970s Marimekko and Ossie Clark. Alix told with me that she came across a poem years ago when she was living in Hong Kong entitled “Falling Flower,” and the visual always stuck with her: the romance of the falling flower, creating a shower of joy in the cycle of the seasons. The rainbow centers are a a playful nod to pop art and bring the poem to life across the capsule. 

This collaboration took over a year during the pandemic, and over 5,000 individual daisies were hand cut, and stitched in India, and then sent to Portugal for attachment. Quite an amazing feat, and a labor of love 🌼 ❤️.