For Swedish artist and print designer Karolina Kling, inspiration isn’t just a fleeting notion, it’s also a destination. Her latest print collection for our pre-summer drop is rooted in the glowing shores of southern France, where colour, craft and culture meet in sun-drenched harmony.
“I love to spend time in the south of France,” Karolina says. “Especially Nice and Marseille, and I also spend a lot of time in Hyere. Those are places where I paint, sketch, and gather ideas. The prints in this collection are inspired by that world.” “The food is incredible, and I love the cultural mix you feel there, especially the African influences. It’s different from Nice.”
Karolina’s tips? Visit Jogging (half fashion store, half restaurant), and explore A Moro, Ippon, Mercato, or La Cantinetta. Stay at La Relevé in town, or Tuba Club that offers a dreamy stays by the sea. Art lovers shouldn’t miss Château La Coste or LUMA Arles – just a train ride away.
This unique collection for NA-KD captures that warm, nostalgic feeling often experienced when in Marseille. The textured prints are pulled from sketchbooks, then refined and layered digitally. From abstract coastal shapes to delicate botanicals, each piece feels like a page from an artistic travel journal.
“When I create patterns, I mostly use watercolour and acrylic ink. Sometimes I know exactly what I want, other times I work from small sketches that I later build together digitally.”
One standout: the full-length kimono print, born from an A1 watercolour painting later scanned and turned into a digital repeat.
The result preserves the hand-painted softness, while wrapping the wearer in art.
The result preserves the hand-painted softness, while wrapping the wearer in art.
Though the collection is personal, Karolina’s years in fashion companies, ensure the wearer is always considered. “I always try to picture what the customer would like, but I also thought about what I enjoy wearing. It’s a summer wardrobe with a little extra.”
Her personal favourite? A layered transparent skirt and matching blouse featuring her favourite print. “The design team had the idea of two layers. So when you remove one, a new print is revealed underneath. I love it.”
Similar to the design's construction, the prints are great visual manifestations of the art of layering. The intricate details and captivating colors leave the mind wandering and evoke an urge to explore every little detail. In that sense, the collection's artwork is indeed similar to the atmosphere exuded by the streets of Marseille. While the full coastline is dear to Karolina, Marseille holds a particular charm. This unique collection, like Marseille itself, is warm, expressive, and full of a colorful soul.
Tune into the mood with the playlist created by Karolina, exclusively for this collection: Listen on Spotify
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🎧 By playing the playlist, you agree to Spotify’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Spotify may collect data in accordance with their policies.
