Wild At Heart

Animal print is always a fall prerequisite that never goes out of style. We need those bold patterns as a reminder of warmer days, and to guard us from the imminent crisp, cool air, whose swift appearance we’re never quite ready for. Helping to introduce those instinctual statement prints into homes is Ngala Trading's latest line of fashion-forward textiles produced entirely in South Africa: The Thanda Collection.

Named in reference to the game lodge in northern Kwazulu Natal, a beautiful location where Ardmore founder Fée Halsted celebrated the marriage of her son in 2020—during the height of the pandemic. Thanda—meaning love in Isizulu—celebrates its namesake through a deep reverence for family and friends as we collectively continue to make strides in this post-pandemic era. The patterns within the collection reflect the lush wildlife and wildly express the personal stories and experiences intrinsic to the region.

“Anytime Ardmore’s renowned ceramic artists collaborate with the product team to introduce new patterns is a highly anticipated event,” says Lawson Ricketts, creative director and co-founder of Ngala Trading. “To see new representations of wildlife, such as the pangolin and weaver birds, introduced into the designs in the North American market further allows us to share the many stories of Africa and its natural inspirations.”

Run wild with these untamed textile additions... Thanda Nests: Thanda Nests tells the story of African summers when male weaver birds work tirelessly building many nests until its bride accepts a nest suitable to raise their future family. Available in linen, velvet and outdoor fabric, Thanda Nests represents the sanctuary that is our homes, and the nurturing love they provide our families. Colorways include midnight, delta and plum.

Pangolin Park: The pangolin is the star of the collection’s most robust pattern. It is Ardmore artists’ tribute to the rare and endangered pangolin, which has regretfully been highly trafficked for its scales. In African culture it symbolizes protection. Pangolin Park comes in a vast array of six colorways, plum, rust, silver, chalk, night and ash, and is offered in velvet, linen and outdoor fabric.

Safari Spot: Ardmore’s take on a timeless leopard print, Safari Spot is available in two colorways, midnight and gold, and two fabric substrates, linen and velvet.

Thanda Toile: Available in three colorways, plum, stone, and tanzanite, Thanda Toile represents the common sightings on an evening game drive through the Thanda reserve, known for its densely populated array of habitants including elephants, giraffes, zebras and rhinos. Thanda Toile is offered in linen and outdoor performance fabric.

Thanda Tortoise: Available in two colorways, silver and plum, Thanda Tortoise is an interpretation of the leopard tortoises’ shell and their instinct to retract into their safe home, shielded from outside harm.