Discover Alexandria
Not your ordinary polka-dot, our Alexandria print reimagines references layering of coins worn in 19th-century traditional Greek dress in a fresh palette of turquoise and green.
Not your ordinary polka-dot, our Alexandria print reimagines references layering of coins worn in 19th-century traditional Greek dress in a fresh palette of turquoise and green.
Drawing on references to 19th-century traditional Greek dress, Creative Director, Anna Paola, uses coins as a key feature throughout the Alexandria print. Historically coins would have been widely used for decoration and would be worn by women as necklaces or bracelets, offering a culturally inspired take on the traditional polka-dot.
This fresh and playful design is all things fresh and summery. For those looking for a less print-focused option, this modern design is easy to wear with a broad appeal across ages and body shapes. The combination of the green dots on a fresh white base embodies paired-down chic for those looking for the ultimate in understated elegance.
Based on the Goddess Queen Amphitrite, the female personification of the sea, our Amphitrite print once again explores Anna Paola’s fascination with the Mediterranean Sea, depicted in the style of Italian mosaics.
The Amphitrite print has a nautical theme running throughout and is a homage to the Goddess Queen Amphitrite, the female personification of the sea. Amphitrite, the wife of Poseidon and mother of Triton, was the eldest of fifty ‘Nereides’; sea-nymph daughters. They were goddesses of the Agean Sea’s rich bounty and protectors of sailors and fishermen, coming to the aid of those in distress.
Often depicted in ancient art as beautiful, young maidens, sometimes running with small dolphins or fish in their hands, or else riding on the backs of dolphins and often portrayed alongside symbols of waves.
Further informed by the illustrative style of Roman Mosaics, the blue and orange colour palette depicts the sea and warmth of the Mediterranean in a fresh and whimsical print which can be perfectly styled for day or night.
One of our most striking prints for SS22, Atlantis once again, tells the story of Anna Paola’s fascination with the sea. Drawing reference from a myriad of references from Minoan mosaics to Plato’s lost city of Atlantis.
The defining dolphin design that is present throughout the design was inspired by the Minoan depiction of these majestic creatures, where you would often see their presence placed on frescos and mosaics.
The Minoan civilisation was an ancient Agean civilisation on the island of Crete which saw particular advancements in art, which Anna Paola draws reference to in the stylistic depiction of these fascinating designs.
The namesake of our collection- Plato’s Lost City of Atlantis- has been for many years, if not centuries, a subject of discussion and controversy. While the debate over the existence of Atlantis has been widely discredited today, many theorists have historically argued that the lost city of Atlantis Plato refers to is actually Minoan Crete, out of which the name for our Atlantis print was born.
The Atlantis print is the epitome of summers spent sailing around the islands, with joyful references to history, as well as the delights of the mysterious big blue.
One of the boldest prints from our SS22 Mediterranean Love collection, the Aura combines bold forms, intricate design and a vivid colour palette to bring you this head-turning print to adore from on the beach to in the city.
Inspired by Aura, the Titan-goddess of the fresh, cool early morning air, this bold and vibrant print is guaranteed to make a statement. Inspired by the art and ceramics from Anna Paola’s journeys through Spain, Aura combines bold forms and vibrant colour with an essence of femininity.
Deriving from the word “breeze” this contemporary design draws reference to the many colourful ceramics of Seville, Spain. A city famed for its rich and extensive history in the ceramic and tile industries, Seville attracts more than two million tourists a year who come to admire the beauty of these vibrant works of art.
Hand-drawn by Anna Paola in our London studio, the Aura print is synonymous with the delicately illustrative qualities of these ceramics and represents the vibrancy and beauty of Seville.
Our most illustrative print of this season, Circe’s Garden, is a dynamic and vibrant print which pays homage to the Goddess Circe from Homer’s Odyssey. This statement print is sure to be a summer wardrobe classic your wardrobe will love.
In Greek mythology, Circe, the daughter of God Helios and Oceanid nymph Perse, was a beautiful goddess with a vast knowledge of potions and herbs. Through the use of these and combined with a magic wand or staff, Circe would transform her enemies or those who offended her, into animals.
Like the story of Circe herself, this unique design draws many references to the Greek myth, and like the story, we can also guarantee a total transformation when wearing one of the Circe’s Garden designs.
The Erato print is a bold, illustrative print inspired by the layering of coin necklaces and jewellery worn by women in Greek traditional costume, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Erato print is a bold, illustrative print inspired by the layering of coin necklaces and jewelry worn by women in Greek traditional costume, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
Details such as an ornate repeat paisley motif, inspired by the paisley belt buckles used over the layered and pleated gowns of the time, are interwoven within this psychedelic print.
The perfect print to brighten your summer wardrobe, the Erato welcomes a whole host of brand-new silhouettes for SS22, as well as all our pre-existing fan favourites.
Whether you’re sipping on wine in the Mediterranean or drinking cocktails in the city, these pieces are the summer wardrobe essentials that effortlessly suit all occasions.
One of our most illustrative designs for SS22, this highly detailed and ornate print is sure to turn heads when worn.
With nautical references this stunning design was conceived as an homage to the Aegean Sea which played such a key part in the history of trade in the region of Greece, further reflected by the hand drawn boats and ropes that are central to the design.
Without a doubt, this unique design, steeped in a multitude of cultural and historical references, is the ultimate statement print, guarantee to not only turn heads but spark conversation.
The beauty of old nautical ropes became integral to the Thalia print, drawing reference, yet again, to the Aegean Sea. With a fascination of Greek Mythology, the legend of the “deadly sirens”, who bewitched men to their fate, also features as a core element in the design.
The Zephyr is one of SS22 Mediterranean Love’s most graphic designs and was solely based on Anna Paola’s travels around Seville, and her love of the artisan hand-painted ceramics native to the region.
Seville is well-known for its pottery and handmade ceramics industries with an extensive history. The first known works date back to around the Neolithic period, but it wasn’t until the Islamic Golden Age that Sevillian pottery developed its distinct individuality, and was later embellished by classical styles and formulas. Today, Seville attracts more than 2 million tourists a year who come to admire it’s breathtaking architecture and iconic ceramic designs.
Weather wearing for a day of city strolling or alfresco dinner with friends, this print is the perfect chameleon that can seamlessly take you through from morning to night.
This season founder and creative director, Anna-Paola, draws inspiration from the magical coasts of the Mediterranean. Spanning seven key print stories, The ‘Mediterranean Love’ collection features a host of vibrant hand-drawn designs. Each print story digs deep into cultural and historical references that have become so synonymous with the Paolita brand.
Our mythologically themed Amphitrite and Atlantis prints take inspiration from Greek and Roman mosaics, whilst the Aura and Zephyr were conceptualized after travelling across Southern Spain and Anna Paola’s love of the beautiful hand-painted ceramics, native to the region.
Amphitrite is a homage to the Goddess Queen Amphitrite, the female personification of the sea. Atlantis is a nod to the mystical lost city of Atlantis and also the Minoan depiction of dolphins which were also found placed on their frescos.
Our most illustrative design, Circe’s garden, is a bold hand-drawn placement print that draws reference to Homer’s Odyssey. In Greek mythology, Circe was a beautiful goddess that would lure and bewitch anyone who landed on her island with her singing. However, she would later drug them and change their form.
“My collections are always centred upon storytelling and an exploration of humanity in art, culture, history, across the world and across time“Anna-Paola Founder, Creative Director
Informed perspectives on design, colouring, and ergonomics define the DNA of the PAOLITA brand, whilst Anna Paola’s rigorous eye for detail was obtained whilst working with iconic designers Alexander McQueen and Hussein Chalayan.
Anna Paola’s diverse array of influences informs her extensive research, which ranges from libraries, museums, archives, travels and endless sources of inspiration. Often spending weeks, and sometimes months, researching elements of art history, culture and nature, her proficiency to evoke stories through print has become a core aspect of PAOLITA’s brand ethos.
All our prints are designed in our London studio, hand-drawn by Anna Paola and constructed into garments by our atelier in Europe.