V&A | Petit Pli: Patterns in Play Collaboration

V&A | Petit Pli: Patterns in Play Collaboration

 

Designed in collaboration with the V&A, this limited-edition range celebrates the power of creativity and invites families to see celebrate curiosity and discovery.

Behind the scenes, we’ve been dreaming up an AW25 collection with the V&A that champions creativity and play.

Each expandable garment features a print adapted from artwork by: Katsushika Hokusai, Kathleen Kersey and Mary Yonge. Together, they form a range that guides LittleHumans through design history with a playful hidden‑in‑the‑scene game amongst the pleats.

Photographed by Ana Margarita Flores

Introducing the People Behind the Prints

Each limited edition print of the Patterns in Play collection is adapted from original artworks from the V&A archives.

  • Mary Yonge (1908-2010), had a long and distinguished career as a designer at Courtaulds Textiles, as a teacher at the Central School of Art and Design, and as a successful freelance textile designer. known for her bold, playful patterns of the 1960's and 70's, Yonge's Puzzle Weave print is full of fun, where hidden spaces invite a second look. 

  • Kathleen Kersey (b. 1889) was one of the most talented designers working in the Morris & Co. studio in the early 20th century. Known for weaving animals and floral motfits into intricate Arts and Crafts textiles and wallpaper designs, Kersey's Woodland Rhapsody invites LittleHumans to spot layers of detail and tiny surprises within a world of colour. 

  • Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) is one of Japan's most famous artists. His work not only epitomises the Japanese ukiyoe printing technique but has also had a significant impact on European artists such as Van Gogh. Drawings in One Stroke is a testament to how creativity can transform the everyday into something extraordinary. 

Each artwork was handpicked to capture the V&A's collections, and to speak in a visual language little eyes can understand. We hope to spark moments of wonder, inviting LittleHumans to discover familiar shapes, colours and stories that echo softly from their clothing into the world around them.

 

The V&A’s 5,000-year-old story of creativity

The V&A celebrates design and creativity in all its forms. It was founded in London in 1852 to advance cultural knowledge and inspire makers, creators and innovators everywhere through a diverse collection of objects from around the world.

Today, the V&A continues to share a 5,000-year-old story of creativity, through its ever-evolving collection spanning every creative discipline, from art, design, fashion, photography and furniture to theatre, performance, architecture, and ceramics. 

Its archives provide unrivalled inspiration, sparking the imagination of people across the world.

From Albertopolis came Petit Pli

The V&A sits at the heart of Albertopolis, Prince Albert’s vision of a district where art, science and education would advance together. Stretching from the museums and music institutions to the Royal College of Art and Imperial College London, it remains one of the world’s most creative cultural centres.

Petit Pli was born on that very street, in the Royal College of Art and Imperial College. What began as an experiment in material technology has become a movement in responsible design for LittleHumans.

This collaboration with the V&A feels like a full circle moment. To be part of an institution that shaped London's city’s creative legacy and now holds Petit Pli within its archive, is a huge milestone in our journey. Perhaps one day, our work will spark the imagination of the next generation of creators!

 

Patterns in Play is more than a range. It’s an invitation for families to explore design, discover hidden details, and grow a little closer to the world of creativity together. Designed to grow with their imagination, and keep curious minds engaged while you take a moment to focus.

The Pattern in Play collection of Clothes That Grow is available in sizes:

  • TinyHuman (Newborn 0 to 1 Year)
  • MiniHuman (Toddler 9 Months to 4 Years)
  • Little Humans (Child 4-9 Years)

 

Shop the Pattern in Play collection in store at Petit Pli’s Flagship store in Battersea Power Station, as well as online.