Author: Sofia Chapel, Design Assistant
Published: 19th Feb 2026
Behind the Curtain: A Photoshoot Diary from Mallorca
INTO OLAF'S WORLD
From the moment we arrived in Mallorca, it was clear why this landscape would frame Olaf Hajek’s collection so beautifully - the island carries the energy and backdrop of his inspiration. We were surrounded by an outlook and atmosphere that seemed to cling to you: pale stone, sun-washed walls, and air faintly scented with salt and citrus.
When we planned this photoshoot in Palma, Mallorca, Olaf’s home, I had the exciting opportunity to fly there and meet Olaf Hajek in person. It was an honour to do so in his creative habitat, where he finds his visual inspiration and develops his narratives long before they reach the paintbrush. Speaking with Olaf where he feels most comfortable and seeing the studio where his art unfolds across paper, was mesmerising. It offered me an intimate and inspiring insight into the world where his ideas take shape. It helped me see his designs not simply as textiles, repeats, layered digital files and technical production, but as a world, one that transforms into product and offers others the opportunity to bring his art and illustrative storytelling into their own homes and interior spaces.
When we planned this photoshoot in Palma, Mallorca, Olaf’s home, I had the exciting opportunity to fly there and meet Olaf Hajek in person. It was an honour to do so in his creative habitat, where he finds his visual inspiration and develops his narratives long before they reach the paintbrush. Speaking with Olaf where he feels most comfortable and seeing the studio where his art unfolds across paper, was mesmerising. It offered me an intimate and inspiring insight into the world where his ideas take shape. It helped me see his designs not simply as textiles, repeats, layered digital files and technical production, but as a world, one that transforms into product and offers others the opportunity to bring his art and illustrative storytelling into their own homes and interior spaces.
FROM STUDIO TO SUNLIGHT
Visiting the island at the beginning of January felt like a rare gift, trading grey London skies for winter sunshine and clear Mediterranean light. It quickly became apparent how deeply the landscape feeds into Olaf’s work. The views were breathtaking, and the gentleness of the January sun gave me the immediate urge to stop and paint what I was seeing. As one creative observing another, I began to understand more instinctively how he translates his vision onto paper.
As a print designer, I am used to seeing pattern within the controlled light of the London studio - pinned neatly to boards or viewed digitally on a screen, measured, adjusted, perfected. Seeing the Olaf collection against weathered limestone and beneath an open sky was a kind of magic. The textiles seemed to exhale.
As a print designer, I am used to seeing pattern within the controlled light of the London studio - pinned neatly to boards or viewed digitally on a screen, measured, adjusted, perfected. Seeing the Olaf collection against weathered limestone and beneath an open sky was a kind of magic. The textiles seemed to exhale.
IN THE STUDIO: LAYERS & LIGHT
The colours, rhythms and atmosphere of the island gave me a deeper understanding of him as both an artist and a storyteller. It was important for us not only to capture the beauty of the island, but working studio too where the magic of his creations happen.
In Olaf’s studio, I was immediately drawn to the permanent layers of paint on his colour palette. Layers upon layers built up over time felt like a subtle reflection of a creative process that develops and evolves gradually. In contrast, the studio itself surprised us. It was far cleaner and more minimal than we had imagined - light, airy and calm. At first, this contrast felt unexpected, but once inside the space, it made perfect sense. The simplicity allows the views and the light to breathe, and within that calm you cannot help but imagine ideas quietly forming in Olaf’s mind.
In Olaf’s studio, I was immediately drawn to the permanent layers of paint on his colour palette. Layers upon layers built up over time felt like a subtle reflection of a creative process that develops and evolves gradually. In contrast, the studio itself surprised us. It was far cleaner and more minimal than we had imagined - light, airy and calm. At first, this contrast felt unexpected, but once inside the space, it made perfect sense. The simplicity allows the views and the light to breathe, and within that calm you cannot help but imagine ideas quietly forming in Olaf’s mind.
SET THE SCENE
Arriving on the first day to set up, my aim was never to change or manipulate the studio, but to let it translate naturally through the camera. The challenge was finding the right balance between communicating the new collection clearly while respecting the integrity of the space.
When we first placed one of the Trees of Wonder panels on the wall, it felt completely natural. Olaf loved it immediately and said he wanted to keep it there permanently. Sitting alongside his existing paintings and artworks, it simply felt right. In that moment, I knew that was all we were going to put on the wall, and that we would need to be creative in other ways to show the rest of the collection, keeping the space simple, just as Olaf usually has it.
When we first placed one of the Trees of Wonder panels on the wall, it felt completely natural. Olaf loved it immediately and said he wanted to keep it there permanently. Sitting alongside his existing paintings and artworks, it simply felt right. In that moment, I knew that was all we were going to put on the wall, and that we would need to be creative in other ways to show the rest of the collection, keeping the space simple, just as Olaf usually has it.
IN THE STUDIO: LAYERS & LIGHT
The photographer and videographer were brilliant from the moment they arrived. They clearly understood how we wanted to communicate the collection - clean yet creative, considered but engaging, and able to express the heart of the story within a short format. The resulting film, moves seamlessly between moments of stillness and energy, showing the prints in context, the studio environment, and the connection between the artist, the landscape and the collection itself.
One of the most moving moments behind the scenes of this shoot was seeing the original paintings that inspired the collection. Until then, I had only experienced them on a computer screen. Seeing them first-hand felt incredibly special. It became immediately clear that this needed to be captured for the film, to show the origins and narrative behind the prints, and the journey from artwork to textile.
One of the most moving moments behind the scenes of this shoot was seeing the original paintings that inspired the collection. Until then, I had only experienced them on a computer screen. Seeing them first-hand felt incredibly special. It became immediately clear that this needed to be captured for the film, to show the origins and narrative behind the prints, and the journey from artwork to textile.
A CLOSING NOTE
As a company that acts as an ambassador for artists, travelling to Mallorca to tell the story of Olaf Hajek felt essential. Behind every finished campaign image lies a series of small, thoughtful decisions - moments of adjustment, observation and collaboration. This journey reminded me that design continues to evolve long after it leaves the drawing board. Through the photography and film, we hope this collection brings warmth, joy and a sense of whimsical, playful charm into homes around the world.
