Design + DIY

Behind the Print: Antelope’s Forest

We’re proud to introduce the newest Printfresh pajama collection, Antelope’s forest. Featuring rich Ruby and Emerald fabric adorned with buckhorns, zebras, and bonsai trees, this sleepwear is fun and fanciful for the holidays or any time of year. Learn the story behind this beautiful print.

By Printfresh Staff

October 2021

This whimsical print is a fall and holiday update to our Camel’s Courtyard print which was so popular this past spring. We loved the layout of that print, and decided to design something in a similar fashion, this time mixing the Indian antelope and zebras with bonsai trees and other foliage.

Want to learn more about this whimsical new print? Founder Amy Voloshin answers a few questions about how the print came to be and how you might feel when you wear it.

PF:

What inspired the elements you put into this pattern?

AV:

Some of the elements in this print are inspired by Indo-Persian art and Mughal paintings, but others came to us more organically. Our co-founder, and my husband, Leo Voloshin is an avid bonsai grower and the trees featured in Antelope’s Forest are inspired by his love of tiny trees. We are also frequently inspired by our customers and their requests. The zebra, for example, is frequently requested but this is the first time one makes an appearance in our prints. Finally, the Blackbuck - or White Indian Antelope - is just such a fun and interesting looking creature with its twisted horns.

PF:

What was your process like to actually design the pattern?

AV:

Christiane and I like to spend a couple of days together when we are designing – to help us get out of the office and focus on creative time. This pattern idea actually came about while Christiane and I were cooking in my kitchen. We have a lot of fun coming up with interesting ideas and pairings, and then work on color, painting, and embroidery together once an idea feels complete.

PF:

How much time did it take you to bring all of these elements together?

AV:

The painting process is usually fairly quick. Christiane is an excellent painter and has practiced for many years. Laying out the design and putting it into repeat (like you see on the pajamas) sometimes takes longer.

Then, what I do is work on potential color combinations. That part can take a few hours to land on the right combination. After we arrive at our favorite colorways (and sometimes I’ll work up as many as 10 options for a print) we narrow down, print on paper, and review our top 2 or 3 choices with the team back in the studio.

Behind the Print: Antelope’s Forest

PF:

What was your biggest challenge in bringing this idea to life?

AV:

We wanted to do a design that was going to work really well for the holidays, but because we love for our designs to be worn year-round we had to play with the shades of red and green to make sure there was longevity long beyond the holiday season.

PF:

Who do you imagine being the most drawn to this print?

AV:

Anyone that loves a bold print! The green and pink colorway is especially vibrant and the plants and animals bring about powerful elements from nature.

PF:

What should people be feeling when they are wearing this print?

AV:

Bold and Fanciful! Which is a great feeling any time of the year, not just through the holiday season.

Shopping the collection

Antelope's Forest

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Saturday Tee Knit T-Shirt

Antelope’s Forest is available in two colorways, Ruby and Emerald, and has styles for everyone. We’re offering long and short sleep sets, sleepshirts, nightgowns, and robes so no matter what your favorite style of sleepwear is, you can enjoy this new collection.

If you purchase Antelope’s Forest sleepwear, take a picture of yourself doing something bold and fanciful in your new pajamas and tag us on Instagram!

What other animals would you like to see featured in future prints? Tell us your favorites in the comments.

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PF MAG: Founder Amy Voloshin is passionate about creating a space that speaks to our brand, shares unique perspectives from pattern enthusiasts and finds ways to promote more sustainable living. Our blog PF Mag covers creative topics on all things lifestyle - including behind the scenes looks, fashion, design, travel, and home decor, as well as interviews with some of the people who inspire us most.