Textile Design - Siobhan Bradfield

A vibrant collage titled "Golden Summer" for Print Collection SS27. Includes a colorful swimsuit design, abstract floral patterns, and women in beachwear by the sea.

A Print Collection

Textile Design, Print Collection / Siobhan Bradfield

„Golden Summer SS27“ There is a story behind this collection. There are moments in life that feel like an ending…but quietly, gently, they turn out to be the beginning of something far more meaningful. For me, that moment arrived in 2025. After 7.5 years working as a menswear stylist, my role was made redundant. I had been working as a Textile and Print Designer for years besides my other job. Suddenly things were different. Suddenly I had: Time.Space.And a creative clarity I hadn’t felt in years. Ironically, even without a job title, I was working harder than ever before. I began intensively developing new print collections — slowly, intentionally, and with a clear creative direction. What had once lived as individual watercolour artworks started to transform into repeat patterns designed specifically for swimwear and activewear. This wasn’t rushed creation.This was considered design. Each brushstroke carried years of experience — not just as an artist, but as someone who understands how prints live on the body, how they move with fabric, and how they shape the mood of a collection. That process became the foundation of what I’m now building — and it led directly to my latest collection: Golden Summer – Spring / Summer 2027 An Abstract Mini Print Collection Golden Summer is a collection born from warmth, light, and ease. It draws inspiration from sun-soaked days, soft floral moments, and the kind of summer that feels timeless rather than trend-led. There’s a sense of nostalgia woven through it — but also freshness, optimism, and freedom. Every print in this collection began the same way:with watercolour on paper. Three Intentions That Changed Everything As I moved through this unexpected transition, I set three clear intentions for how I wanted to work going forward: Inspiration over pressureI stopped creating to keep up — and started creating to say something. Less noise, more intentionFewer outside opinions. More trust in my own creative direction. Not letting other people’s views hold me backBecause the most honest work happens when you stop asking for permission. These intentions don’t just guide how I work — they shape the collections themselves. They influence colour choices, scale, motifs, and how each print is designed to support a brand’s identity rather than overpower it. Why This Matters for Print Buyers and Small Brands If you’re a print buyer or small fashion brand, you already know this:customers are craving authenticity. They want pieces that feel considered.Collections that tell a story.Designs that don’t look like they could belong to anyone. Hand-drawn prints carry that difference. They introduce warmth in a digital-heavy landscape. They offer originality without shouting. And they give brands something increasingly rare — a visual identity that feels human. Golden Summer was created with that in mind. These prints are designed to live beautifully on swim and activewear, while giving your collection a sense of soul, calm, and quiet confidence. Building With Purpose — And Trusting the Path Being made redundant felt, at first, like everything had stopped. In reality, it cleared the way. It allowed me to return to the kind of work I’ve always loved — creating prints slowly, thoughtfully, and with deep intention. It gave me the space to build something meaningful, rather than simply busy. And it reminded me that sometimes the most magical things begin when plans fall apart. Let’s Create Something Golden Together ✨ If you’re a print buyer or small brand looking for original, hand-drawn prints for upcoming collections — especially swim or activewear — I’d love to explore working together. Let’s create something that feels warm, intentional, and unmistakably yours. ✨ Get in touch to discuss the Golden Summer – SS27 collection or to explore custom print development.

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Splash Paris 2025

Kommentar verfassen / Print Trends, Surface Design, Textile Design / Siobhan Bradfield

Splash Paris – The Premium Resortwear Tradeshow October 2025 Everywhere you turned at Splash Paris, one thing stood out – the brands drawing the biggest crowds weren’t necessarily the biggest names. They were the ones with clarity. You could spot their identity from ten steps away. The magic? A signature print direction that felt unmistakably theirs. As a freelance designer and print consultant, I went to Splash Paris to soak in the creative energy, see what’s next in textile and surface design, and connect with the pulse of the fashion world. What I didn’t expect was how clearly this pattern emerged – consistency, not complexity, was commanding attention. The Scene at Splash Paris Imagine a sea of colour, texture, and pattern — from delicate florals to bold abstracts, from whisper-soft neutrals to unapologetic brights. But among hundreds of prints, only a few booths stopped people in their tracks. These weren’t necessarily the trendiest. They were focused. Each print echoed the next, telling a single, cohesive story. Whether it was a brand built around romantic hand-painted botanicals or one with sharp graphic geometrics, the effect was the same – immediate recognition. And that’s the quiet power of a signature print: it builds visual memory. When your audience can recognise your work without seeing your logo, you’ve crossed into true brand territory. What Small Brands Often Get Wrong Small fashion brands often fall into the trap of trying to please everyone. One collection leans earthy and minimal, the next bursts into tropical brights, the next goes pastel and delicate. The result? No visual thread — and no identity to hold onto. I hear it often: “We just want to offer variety.” Variety isn’t bad. But without cohesion, it becomes noise. In a world of visual overload, clarity is what cuts through. Why Your Signature Print Matters A signature print is more than a pattern — it’s a visual anchor for your brand. It’s how your audience recognises you across collections, lookbooks, and campaigns. It communicates your aesthetic faster than words can. Think of it as your brand’s fingerprint — the repeated story that becomes unmistakably yours. And when you stay consistent, it doesn’t limit creativity; it amplifies it. The best print-led brands evolve within their own language – adding nuance, not chaos. Quick Win: Define Your Print Identity in One Afternoon Here’s a simple exercise you can do today: Pull up your last three collections or moodboards. Lay them side by side — either digitally or printed out. Ask yourself: What visual thread repeats naturally? Is it your love of hand-drawn lines, coastal colour palettes, vintage-inspired florals, or geometric shapes? Choose one to lean into for your next collection. That one decision will create cohesion. You’ll start attracting buyers and clients who instantly “get” you — and stay loyal because of that visual trust. From Splash Paris to Your Brand Standing there at Splash Paris, I was reminded how discipline creates desire. The most magnetic brands were the ones who knew their DNA – and translated it, season after season, through print. If you’re a small brand building your next collection, this is your moment to define your signature. Don’t chase trends – curate your identity. If you’d love guidance finding that print direction — or you’re ready for custom artwork that tells your brand story — email me at info@siobhanbradfield.com for new prints or to chat about your next print concept.

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Mood board featuring vibrant nature photos, Pantone color swatches, and color blocks in yellow, light green, and coral. The text reads 'Print Design and Mood Boards' and 'SS26.' The tone is creative and inspiring.

Print Design and Mood Boards

Kommentar verfassen / Surface Design, Textile Design / Siobhan Bradfield

The Difference Between A Pretty Print And One That Sells Why Moodboards Matter More Than You Think When most people think of print design, they picture sketchbooks filled with patterns or designers working magic in Photoshop. But here’s the truth: before I ever draw a line or choose a motif, the real magic begins with something far less glamorous — research and moodboarding. This step often goes unseen, but it’s the foundation that makes the difference between a collection that looks pretty and one that actually sells. Moodboarding isn’t about throwing together a Pinterest collage of nice colours and patterns. It’s a strategic step that connects your brand, your customer, and the final product. Here’s what happens behind the scenes: I dig into trend forecasting platforms, colour reports, and even archival references to see where the market is heading. I explore nature, textures, and cultural influences that can bring freshness to a collection. I test how different colour palettes could tell your brand story across swim and activewear. The goal? To create a clear visual language that sets the direction for your prints — and keeps your collection consistent and recognisable. The Common Misconception Many small business owners assume a textile designer just “makes something pretty” based on preference. But here’s the thing: a print collection designed without research can look scattered, off-trend, or not aligned with the audience you’re trying to attract. A moodboard solves that. It’s the roadmap that ensures every stripe, floral, or geometric element fits into a bigger vision. Collaboration in Action When I work with clients, I don’t just keep the moodboard to myself — I share it with you. This gives us a chance to align on direction before we dive into design. You get to see how trends, colours, and references translate into a strategic plan for your collection. That way, you’re not guessing. You know exactly why your prints look the way they do, and how they’ll resonate with your customers. Why This Matters for You If you’re a small business owner in swim or activewear, this behind-the-scenes step is what helps your collection feel intentional and market-ready. Instead of ending up with designs that clash or don’t quite land, you walk away with prints that feel cohesive, on-trend, and aligned with your brand. It’s not just about design — it’s about setting you up for confidence when you launch. Ready to See It in Action? If you’ve been dreaming about a print collection that feels cohesive and truly represents your brand, let’s start at the beginning — with research and moodboarding. Let’s talk. Get in touch with me today to chat about your vision, and we’ll build the creative direction that brings it to life.

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Premiere Vision July 2025

Kommentar verfassen / Print Trends, Surface Design, Textile Design, Textile Design Fairs / Siobhan Bradfield

Print Trends that will shape swim & activewear 2026 Premiere Vision Paris From Paris to Your Collection: Print Trends That Will Shape Swim & Activewear in 2026 Paris in September always buzzes with creativity. Designers, studios, and innovators gather for Première Vision and Paris Prints, two of the biggest events in the textile and surface design world. These shows set the tone for what’s next in fashion — from colours and fabrics to prints and textures. This year, I couldn’t make it in person. But thanks to digital reports and insider insights, I’ve gathered the highlights for you — and more importantly, how they apply to swim and activewear prints. Because while it’s fun to know what’s trending, the real value comes in translating global ideas into collections that actually sell for small brands like yours. Why Trade Show Trends Matter (Even If You Can’t Be There) If you’re running a swim or activewear brand, it can feel like you’re constantly juggling: product development, marketing, logistics, customer service. Trend forecasting often falls to the bottom of the list. But here’s the thing: being in tune with the direction the market is heading helps your brand stay fresh and relevant. Your customers might not know the names of trend themes from Paris — but they feel when a collection is current, and that’s what makes them buy. That’s where I come in. My job as a textile & print designer is to keep my finger on the pulse of these fairs and filter the noise into clear, actionable creative directions for your brand. The Three Big Themes from Paris This season’s reports highlighted three major directions for Autumn/Winter 2026–27 — and each of them offers exciting possibilities for swim and activewear. 1. New Dynasties Think heritage meets futurism. Prints are influenced by architecture, archives, and subcultures like punk or goth — but with a refined, modern edge. Metallic touches, brushed silvers, and bold pops of electric blue are leading the way. – For swim & activewear: Imagine geometric or architectural motifs reimagined in bold, sleek lines. Or a classic floral, but outlined with a futuristic metallic accent. These prints bring a feeling of strength and edge — perfect for activewear that wants to project power and performance. 2. Ego-Eco This theme blends wellbeing and eco-consciousness. It’s all about caring — for our bodies and the environment. Prints draw on biomimicry and natural forms: water ripples, foliage, organic textures. Colours are soft, calming, and translucent, creating a sense of comfort and restoration. – For swim & activewear: Think about soothing, nature-inspired prints that still feel dynamic in movement. Ripple effects across swim fabrics, or leafy abstracts scaled to flow with the body. For eco-conscious brands, this is the perfect way to visually connect sustainability with style. 3. Territories of Expression Personal storytelling and identity take center stage here. Prints look artisanal, imperfect, and deeply human — painterly brushstrokes, collage-like layers, cultural motifs. It’s about connection and individuality, not mass-market sameness. – For swim & activewear: Imagine activewear sets with brushstroke textures that look hand-painted, or swimwear featuring motifs inspired by travel and culture. These designs feel authentic and unique, giving your customers a story to wear. Why These Trends Matter for Small Brands Here’s the real takeaway: you don’t have to chase every trend. In fact, trying to cover them all can dilute your collection. What matters is choosing the right thread of inspiration and translating it into a cohesive direction for your brand. For example: If your brand is all about performance and empowerment → New Dynasties could give your prints a bold, futuristic edge. If your audience values wellness and sustainability → Ego-Eco motifs will resonate deeply. If your brand is lifestyle-driven and storytelling-focused → Territories of Expression gives you the chance to stand out with prints no one else has. This is the magic of trade show insights: they’re not just abstract concepts — they’re tools to help you design collections that connect with your customers and move your business forward. My Behind-the-Scenes Process When I work with clients, I don’t just copy/paste what’s trending. Instead, I: Research across shows, reports, and forecasting platforms. Moodboard the most relevant themes for your brand. Refine colours, motifs, and layouts to work with stretch fabrics and your brand’s unique identity. Design a print collection that feels cohesive, market-ready, and unmistakably you. This means you don’t have to stress about “what’s in” or wonder if your prints will feel dated. You can focus on your business, knowing your collection is ahead of the curve. Ready to Bring Paris to Your Brand? You didn’t have to hop on a plane to Paris this season — and honestly, you don’t need to. That’s my role: to absorb what’s happening globally and translate it into designs that work for your swim or activewear line. If you’re ready for a collection that feels fresh, cohesive, and truly market-ready, let’s chat. Reach out today and let’s explore how these global print trends can transform your next launch.

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