High end beachwear brand Tallulah & Hope has collaborated with The Luxury Collection Resorts to design a limited edition range of kaftans inspired by four of its Asia Pacific destinations.
The idyllic tropical resorts include The Naka Island in Phuket, Vana Belle in Koh Samui, Laguna Nusa Dua in Bali and The Andaman in Langkawi, Malaysia.
The digitally printed silk kaftans capture the spirit of the exotic landscapes and bring a touch of effortless chic to the poolside, beach or sundown cocktails. Not only are the prints stunning, but the one-size kaftans drape beautifully and are perfect for travelling light.
Behind the British brand are former fashion PR Lisa Ispani and costume designer/stylist Zoe Holborough. The two friends dreamed up the concept for a chic holiday capsule wardrobe while on holiday with friends and went on to launch Tallulah & Hope in 2010.
Lisa worked with Versace and other luxury clients before going freelance to work with her husband’s restaurant group Canteen and his product design studio Very Good & Proper.
Meanwhile Zoe began her career working with Parisienne stylist Camille Bidault-Waddington and has styled for clients such as designer Russell Sage and the Osbournes and was head designer and stylist for London 2012 Summer Olympics.
The design duo’s background in fashion and stylish travel gave them an insight into what was missing from the luxury traveller’s suitcase and their cool collaboration with The Luxury Collection Resorts is a perfect match.
Zoe Holborough spoke to Chérie City about the inspiration behind the new collection and her travels…
How do you define luxury travel?
Space, time and beauty.
Which special items do you always pack in your suitcase for a luxury trip?
I don’t go anywhere without several super-size T&H pareos in both cotton and silk and loads of sunglasses.
What is your favourite memento that you’ve brought back from a trip?
Handmade tan leather clogs with small horseheads embossed on them from Dordogne and handpainted christmas tree decorations from Delhi.
How did each destination inspire your kaftan designs?
Each of the hotels offers the ultimate in refined relaxation. The collection contains motifs and gestures that reference the tropical fauna and flora unique to each hotel. We wanted to capture the romantic beauty of a perfect holiday.
What would you add to a kaftan to go from poolside to glam sundown cocktails?
Amazing earrings and a splash of perfume!
What are your tips for an easy beach chic look?
Scarves in the hair, great sunglasses (Prism, Oliver Goldsmith, vintage Persol), oiled skin and well polished toenails.
Which destination has surprised you the most?
I was in Georgia in Eastern Europe with my family last summer; breathtaking landscapes, incredible food, wine, weather, people, history…I’m hooked.
Which destinations are next on your ‘must see’ list?
For a weekend away with my other half Seville or San Sebastian and for a long-haul family holiday we’re keen to try out The Andaman in Langkawi, Malaysia – one of the destinations which inspired the Luxury Collection kaftan range.
The resort is surrounded by ancient rainforest and coral reefs, where families can take part in The Andaman’s coral nursery programme, guided coral reef walks and snorkelling sessions – as well as enjoy the hotel’s waterslides, hilltop spa and Malay seafood at the beachside restaurant.
Where is your favourite beach in the world?
Tulum, Mexico the beach is natural and unspoilt, it has powder white sands the waters are crystal blue and you can look up from the ocean and wonder at the ancient Mayan ruins — some from as early as A.D. 250 – which dot the cliffs above.
What do you like most about The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts?
Each hotel or resort feels totally unique and really reflects the destination & local culture in terms of decor, cuisine, service and vibe. They are a stylish base to explore a destination from.
The collection has some of the world’s most historic hotels such as the Gritti Palace in Venice, Hotel Imperial Vienna & The Astor in Tianjin and yet also has ultra-contemporary ones like the Frank Gehry designed Marques di Riscal in Spain and Twelve at Hengshan by Mario Botta in Shanghai. Plus some gorgeous beach resorts from Mexico to Malaysia to Thailand too.
The four limited edition silk kaftans are available exclusively at The Luxury Collection Resorts boutiques and online at www.tallulahandhope.com.
