Postcards from Costa Rica
Sit down with búl designer Virginia Martin for our latest SS26 collection, a vibrant homage to Costa Rica. Inspired by years of travel and surf trips through the country’s jungles and coastal towns, the collection captures the raw beauty, bold colour, and relaxed spirit of pura vida. Here, she shares the stories behind the prints, the textures that bring the pieces to life, and how nature continues to shape her design philosophy.
Q: Tell us what drew you to Costa Rica. Was it work, wanderlust, or something else?
Virginia: I’ve been to Costa Rica three times. The first trip, in my mid-20s, was to surf in Santa Teresa. The second time, in my late 20s, I returned with friends from Torquay, where we surfed again and explored the jungle on quad bikes. Most recently, in my 30s, I crossed the border from Nicaragua by bus and ended up on a car trip that included getting stuck in a river. We quad-biked, swam in waterfalls, and explored the jungle. The surf, food, and people are vibrant and memorable. Each visit gave me a different perspective.
Q: In what way?
Virginia: Costa Rica had a wild and untouched beauty. You wake up to howler monkeys and the air smells like rain and fruit. I wasn’t focused on design while I was there, but thinking back on those trips years later made me want to create a collection inspired by this place.
Q: How did that energy translate into the collection?
Virginia: The collection started with colour across jungle greens and Pacific blues, from oiled khaki to lime checks and deep greens. Bright orange tones are balanced by rust and volcanic charcoal. I chose textures like cotton, linen, and soft silky blends suitable for warm weather. Two prints were designed in the studio: one with hibiscus and jungle leaves, the other showing a street scene with caiman crocodiles and howler monkeys. Each fabric, colour, and print reflects the energy of Costa Rica.
Q: The silhouettes for SS26 feel both timeless and modern. What was your approach to shape and structure?
Virginia: I aimed for a mix of fluid and structured shapes. Tops twist and wrap; dresses feature belts, gathers, and scrunch details in both short and long lengths. Bottoms range from fitted to loose, while tailored shirts, outerwear, and structured dresses contrast with softer pieces. Summer knits add texture with coordinated sets featuring scalloped edges and fringe while footwear has clean, sculptural lines to complete the look. Customer favourites also return such as the Leo Midi, Mocanal Onesie, Ha Sandal in new colour ways and fabrications.
Q: búl has always stood for considered, thoughtful Australian design. How does this collection build on that?
Virginia: All pieces are designed in our Fitzroy studio in Melbourne and made in partnership with responsible offshore manufacturers I’ve worked with for years. We prioritise natural fabrics and thoughtful design, creating pieces that will last and remain relevant over time.
Q: What do you hope customers feel when they wear SS26?
Virginia: I want them to feel comfortable and confident, natural, not overly styled. The pieces should feel easy to wear but still special. There’s a connection to nature in the collection, so I hope it brings calmness and a sense of presence.
Q: One last thing, how would you describe ‘Pura Vida’ in your own words?
Virginia: To me, pura vida means being present and appreciating the simple things. It reminds me that life doesn’t need to be complicated to be meaningful. That’s the feeling I want this collection to express.
