When I boarded a one-way flight to New Zealand back in February 2014, I thought I’d be there for just a few months. I had no real plan—just a backpack, curiosity, and the feeling that I needed to see a bit more of the world. But New Zealand had other ideas.
What was meant to be a quick trip turned into three unforgettable years that shaped me in ways I never expected. From the beaches of the North Island to the rugged, wild coastlines of the South, I found myself falling in love with the rhythm of life there—laidback, grounded, and deeply connected to nature.
Finding Home on the Other Side of the World
I’d never felt so safe, so welcome, or so seen. The people, the pace of life, the way everyone seemed to truly live outdoors—surfing, diving, hiking, exploring—it was infectious. I backpacked up and down the country, made friends who felt like family, and slowly discovered bravery and confidence that I hadn’t realised I had been missing at home.
The Māori culture left a huge impression on me. The respect for the ocean, the land, and community—the idea that everything is connected—resonated deeply. It changed how I looked at the sea, at adventure, and even at my own roots.
From Memories to Designs
Fast forward to now, and those years have found their way into my work with Driftwood Deep. The Driftwood Deep × New Zealand collection is a love letter to that chapter of my life—a blend of sea creature elements, surfing and diving culture, and subtle nods to Māori phrases and values.
Each of the four designs tells a small part of that story. They’re made with neutral, earthy tones—shades that remind me of driftwood beaches, volcanic sand, and long evenings watching the sun sink into the sea. I wanted the collection to feel calm, effortless, and full of soul—something that laid-back divers, surfers, and granola-hearted adventurers could instantly connect with.
A Blend of Roots
What makes this collection even more personal is the quiet blend of influences that sit behind it. I’m half English and half Jamaican, and while that mix doesn’t always show up overtly in my designs, it’s there—in the rhythm, the language, and the way cultures meet and blend together naturally.
In this collection, I’ve subtly woven Jamaican and Māori phrases together—two island cultures that, in their own ways, share a deep respect for the ocean and community. It’s something that feels true to me, even if most customers won’t know the full story behind it.
For the Adventurous Souls
Ultimately, the Driftwood Deep × New Zealand collection isn’t just about where I’ve been—it’s about the feeling of belonging everywhere. It’s for the travellers who find home in hostels and on beaches, for the ones who fall in love with places they can’t stay forever, and for everyone who’s ever felt changed by the sea.
This is my tribute to the country that taught me courage, connection, and calm—and to the wild, wonderful adventure that started it all.
Shop the Story
The Driftwood Deep × New Zealand collection is more than just a set of designs—it’s a reminder of what it means to live freely, chase the tide, and carry a piece of your travels wherever you go. Explore the full collection now, and I hope each piece brings a touch of that same energy and wanderlust into your world.
- Jade
