Nature has long been a source of inspiration for fashion. It’s a relationship that makes floral patterns so appealing, contributes to the popularity of green colour palettes, encourages designers to let nature dictate silhouettes, and so much more. Such was the thinking behind Next’s latest collaboration with the National Trust, Europe’s largest conservation charity.
The Leeds-born brand has created a limited edition womenswear collection that reimagines British heritage style (with a focus on the seaside) through a contemporary lens, while also bringing the work of the National Trust to the high street. Drawing inspiration from the spaces, architecture and fascinating stories of coastal landmarks looked after by the Trust, each piece is its own exploration of the charity’s history.
This is the second drop from the collaboration, with the first being a sartorial lesson in the earth: khaki colourways, fluid silhouettes and bold prints brought to us first by Mother Nature herself. The new collection has been largely inspired by A La Ronde, a characterful 16-sided house and grounds in Devon, built in 1796 by cousins Jane and Mary Parminter, now cared for by the National Trust.
Drawing on the eclectic charm of the house, which is filled with Grand Tour mementoes and handcrafted shell decorations, the collection is somewhat of a curated archive. Also taking influence from the ocean and marine life (a style our fashion editors here at HELLO! often refer to as ‘marine chic’) the prints feature highly detailed renderings of scallops, whelks and conches pulled directly from the cousins' findings.
These are paired with faint cursive script, inspired by the original handwriting of the cousins themselves, to give the pieces an elegant, storied edge. The patchwork designs further this narrative, resembling a gathered collection of mudlarked objects that beautifully mix block prints of sea life with weathered, tactile textures.
The colour story of Next’s new collaboration with the National Trust is soft. Instead of deep and intense ocean blues and algae greens, the tones are desaturated – think bottle green, understated blush hues, woody shades and sand-inspired finishes. The colours also bleed into one another no matter what the pattern is, creating a hazy finish across the collection that’s replicative of a day at the coast.
This collection is style with purpose, with 5% of the selling price from each piece being given to the National Trust to support their work for generations to come.
Ahead, our favourite pieces from the new National Trust collection at Next…
I love the combination of the specimen-patchwork print and raffia buckle on this premium top. For a balanced evening silhouette, I’d style it with the matching mini skirt and minimalist gold jewellery - let the print do the talking.
Editor's note
I like the mish-mash grid of shell motifs here; it feels more like a scientific study than a standard print. Of course, you can wear it with the matching bandeau, but I’d also style it with a simple silk camisole and tortoise-shell sunglasses for a laid-back look.
Editor's note
I love with how this linen-rich shift dress captures the vibe of a rock pool with oversized illustrations. For a polished seaside look, I’d style with sculptural silver jewellery and neutral sandals. Better yet, it's available in petite and regular length.
Editor's note
The botanical-style shell print on this linen-blend shirt dress feels like a coastal garden in bloom, while the tie-waist and tiered hem create a feminine shape. I’d recommend styling it with simple leather slides and a woven clutch for a relaxed (but still eminently chic) summer vibe.
Editor's note
The shirring on this top provides a clever textural nod to coastal ripples whilst ensuring a structured yet comfortable fit. The puff sleeves add a bit of flair. I’d pair this with high-waisted white jeans and a simple straw tote for a tonal summer look.
Editor's note
Balloon trousers are all the rage at the moment. I adore these ones because they have movement that complements the sun-bleached shell pattern perfectly. To keep the proportions sharp, I’d style them with a fitted tee and flat slides.
Editor's note
The long sleeves and relaxed notch neck make this top an ideal choice for cooler days where you still want to feel a breeze. I’ll be tucking it into high-waisted denim shorts and rolling the cuffs to keep the oversized shell illustrations the focal point.
Editor's note
The intricate embroidery on this denim gilet offers a tactile, almost topographic, take on marine chic. I’d style it with floaty linen-blend pieces (there's plenty in the National Trust x Next range) and light trainers for a play on textures and proportions.
Shop the National Trust Collection available exclusively at next.co.uk.
