The Ground Beneath is a Kowtow collection and an ode to the countless skilled hands that bring each garment to life. From the hands that pick the organic cotton, to those that pin fabric on the mannequin, to those who fold and tie the finished pieces, this season honours the artistry present at every step of the journey.
For this collection, our design team drew inspiration from traditional craft techniques. Guided by an artisanal mindset, the collection champions single-fibre, plastic-free design while celebrating making in its purest form. Every detail is intentional; every choice is shaped by the belief that clothing should be made both beautifully and responsibly.
The collection took shape through a hands-on exploration of nature, making and materiality — grounded in the landscapes, materials and processes that guide Kowtow’s sustainable design approach. Rather than a single reference point, the season draws from multiple craft-led processes, from basket weaving and patchwork to painting, collaging and traditional textile construction.
“We celebrated the art of handicraft in this collection – so it was all about the hands that make the clothes, the hands that pick the cotton.”
– Dayne Johnston, Head Designer
Scale is pushed and pulled throughout the collection. Small-scale checks echo the structure of basket weaving or soften and stretch like shifting landscapes, while stripes are enlarged beyond expectation.
Texture grounds every piece. Light voile florals sit alongside structured tailoring and sculpted poplin, while the season’s signature brown denim takes its cue from potting soil — rich, earthy and utilitarian.
A grounded colour palette anchors the collection, inspired by natural dyes and the colours found in nature — soils, foliage and minerals. Earthy khakis and deep mineral tones are layered with Kowtow’s signature colour pops: Nasturtium Orange, drawn from vibrant blooms, and the clarity of Factory Blue. Together, they bring warmth, contrast and modernity, reinforcing a season where nature, craft and considered design meet.
