BEHIND THE DESIGN: RIVER ISLAND X DEL MAAR

Last year sold out. This year? It’s back and even better. Inspired by Peruvian folklore and handcrafted tradition, our second limited-edition collection with Del Maar blends bold floral prints with sun-washed tones and natural textures. Think breezy silhouettes, artisanal details and woven raffia accents made for effortless, head-to-toe holiday dressing, while celebrating the richness of Latin heritage. To celebrate the launch, we caught up with Del Maar founder Pamela Davila Uyen to talk storytelling, craftsmanship and the inspiration behind the new collection.

Shop The Collection

This is your second collab with River Island! How does it feel to be working with the team again?

It feels incredibly special, especially after the amazing response to our first collection. Working with the team again feels very natural because we share the same excitement for creativity, innovation and making fashion feel expressive and empowering. What I love most is how open they are to celebrating cultural storytelling and craftsmanship in a fresh, modern way.

How does this collection differ from last years?

It’s even more personal, artistic and globally inspired. Last year was mainly about celebrating Latin American culture. This time, we wanted to go even deeper into the idea of cultural connection through fashion. The concept behind this collection is Threads of One, the idea that fashion is a universal language that connects us all, regardless of where we come from. We explored inspirations from different cultures around the world while still keeping the soul of Latin American craftsmanship and folklore at the heart of the collection.

swimwear

Your Peruvian roots are a huge part of your brand identity. How do they show up in this collection?

My Peruvian roots remain the soul of everything I create. Even though this collection explores inspirations from cultures around the world, it’s still deeply rooted in the vibrant energy, craftsmanship and artistic spirit of Latin America.

Are there any specific elements, motifs or patterns in this collection that hold special meaning?

Definitely. Many of the prints and textures were inspired by folkloric art, nature, ancestral craftsmanship, and the unique visual language different cultures use to express identity and heritage. One print that holds especially deep meaning for me is a world map-inspired design we created for the collection. It incorporates artistic motifs and symbolic elements inspired by different regions of the world, celebrating the beauty and individuality of each culture.

beachwear

How do you approach storytelling through your designs?

Storytelling is the soul of my designs. I don’t create pieces simply to follow trends, I create from emotion, culture, memories, energy and human connection. My creative process is very intuitive and organic. I let the essence of each collection guide me naturally, trusting creativity and emotion rather than restrictions. I always want the final result to feel soulful and authentic, something that tells a story beyond fashion itself.

How do you blend the surf-inspired Aussie aesthetic with Latin American craftsmanship?

I think the fusion happens naturally because both cultures share a deep connection to freedom, nature, artistry and self-expression. Living in Australia had a huge influence on me creatively. I fell in love with the relaxed coastal lifestyle, the effortless energy, and the freedom that comes with surf culture. At the same time, my Latin American roots are deeply connected to craftsmanship, emotion, vibrant colour, and rich cultural storytelling.