A note from Naomi reflecting on the creation of Miss Pamela: In Bloom.
Some collaborations feel written in the stars, and working with Pamela Des Barres was one of those moments.
Pamela has always been an inspiration to us at The Hippie Shake. Her self expression, feminine energy and unmistakable style have always drawn me in, and for years I found myself sharing photos of Pamela with flowers in her hair. A few years ago, when she was visiting London, I reached out to see if she might like to meet. We ended up sitting together in a North London pub talking about clothing, music and all the things we both love. It instantly felt like something special was meant to come from it.
That meeting planted the seed for what would become Miss Pamela: In Bloom, a collection that has been quietly in the works for well over a year. Seeing it finally come to life feels incredibly exciting.
Designing With Pamela in Mind
When I began designing the collection, I wanted to go back to Pamela’s roots. We spoke a lot about the pieces she wore and even made herself in the 1960s. The fabrics she loved, the prints she collected, the way she styled her clothes. Pamela’s style was always brave and experimental but also incredibly soft and feminine. She mixed vintage garments from the 1930s, 40s and 50s into her wardrobe long before that became common, and I found that mix of eras really inspiring.
Looking through old photographs of Pamela became a huge part of the design process. I worked closely with Erin on the prints and embroideries to make sure everything felt true to the references we were drawing from. From the soft sheers and romantic ruffles to the embroidery and flowing silhouettes, every piece was designed to capture a little of Pamela’s spirit and the way she dressed during those years.
Stories Woven Into the Collection
Some of the most special pieces in the collection came directly from Pamela’s stories.
One of my favourites was hearing about the very first vintage piece she ever owned. It was a blue velvet dress that she shortened and customised with a lace collar and flower appliqué. That story inspired the Nightshade Black Velvet Mini Dress, which echoes that original idea in a way that feels very true to both Pamela and The Hippie Shake.
Another story we loved was about Pamela making a dress from vintage handkerchiefs she had collected. She sent us some of her favourite handkerchiefs, which Erin used as inspiration to design four vintage style handkerchief prints. Those prints became the Secret Garden Handkerchief Dress and Skirt, which are some of the most joyful pieces in the collection.
The Meaning Behind In Bloom
The name Miss Pamela: In Bloom felt perfect for this collection.
Spring is such a magical moment when everything begins to change again. Colour returns and things start to feel lighter and more hopeful. For me, being “in bloom” is about transitioning into something new, something brighter and more colourful.
Pamela embodies that idea beautifully. Every time I speak to her I’m reminded that getting older does not mean losing your spirit. Her smile, her stories and her style are just as captivating now as they were in photographs from the 1960s. She shows us that we can be blooming throughout our whole lives.
The Pieces I Love Most
There are so many pieces in this collection that feel special, but if I had to choose a personal favourite it would be the Marigold Black Prairie Maxi Dress. I love the handcrafted feel of it, the ribbon trims and the way it looks like it already has stories to tell.
Pamela herself looks incredible in the Rosewood Burgundy Embroidered Penny Lane Coat, which was actually one of the first pieces we spoke about designing together. She loved our Penny Lane coats and the idea of creating a velvet one in a rich burgundy tone felt perfect for her.
I also have a feeling the Nightshade Black Velvet Mini Dress will become a favourite with you dreamers. Black velvet, embroidery and statement sleeves tick all the right boxes.
Styling the Collection
One of the things I love most about this collection is how versatile it is. The pieces were designed to feel soft and comfortable on the body and to mix easily with one another.
The dresses can be styled casually during the day with boots or flat sandals, then layered with a vest or jacket as the evening arrives. The idea is that the collection gives you lots of freedom to style the pieces in your own way.
Back in the 1960s Pamela often styled her clothes a little more daringly. She loved wearing lingerie as everyday clothing, so I can easily imagine her wearing the Wildflower Black Wide Sleeve Duster over a silk teddy with a feather boa. It was fun exploring those ideas while also creating pieces that feel wearable for all ages today.
Capturing Pamela in Her Own World
The campaign imagery was captured in Los Angeles at Pamela’s beautiful home in the California sunshine. Jo, who we have worked with before, photographed and filmed the day alongside stylist Georgie, who has long been a friend of the brand.
Seeing the images and footage afterwards was incredibly special. Pamela has such a captivating presence and the clothes truly felt like they belonged to her. She looks just as magical wearing them now as she did in photographs from the 1960s and 70s.
A Little Escapism
The world has felt quite heavy recently, and I think people are craving moments of joy and escapism. I hope this collection offers a little of that.
I want women to feel the same excitement you get when you walk into a vintage shop and discover a piece you know you will treasure forever. That moment when something feels completely right.
Whether you style the pieces in a soft romantic way or add your own rock and roll edge with leather and boots, the most important thing is that they help you express your own story.
Because in the end, we are all the muse in our own lives.
And I hope this collection helps you feel a little more romantic, dreamy and feminine every time you wear it.
Miss Pamela: In Bloom Launches 2nd April 2026
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