The notion of a tropical Polynesian landscape might conjure up some much-hackneyed cliche like a scene from South Pacific or perhaps a dusky Tahitian maiden in a Gaugin painting, but the effect of Polynesian art, flora, fauna and landscapes in pop culture lives on. It has provided designers with plenty of stimulus for resort and holiday-inspired collections, from shapes (wrap skirts, off-the-shoulder tops, Hawaiian shirts) and prints, an idea that's filtered through several collections this summer.
Going from pool to party in one fell swoop relies heavily on the perfect holiday dress, and this season designers have explored Hawaiian/tropical prints with gusto. The idea this time around is to accessorise accordingly with more organic- looking accessories from straw hats, market bags and the key jewellery item of the season, the artisanal earring. Phoebe Philo of Celine and Consuela Castiglioni from Marni pave the way with statement earrings that have a distinctive art bent, offsetting busy prints for the perfect balance between borderline chintzy prints with a natural elegance.
Local jeweller Zelda Murray is one example of an exciting young jewellery brand that works with homespun materials from stone to ceramic, fitting any occasion.
For some authentic Polynesian print dresses, look to local label Mena for some inspiration with its bold motifs and colourful ode to Polynesia. The Loheni sisters have been much lauded for their commitment to taking pacific fashion to the world, and are the perfect label to look into for holiday dressing.
