When it comes to your holiday suitcase it takes approximately 14 minutes (or the time you have before your Uber arrives to drop you at the airport) to sweep the pile of clothes on your bedroom floor into your bag. Then it takes approximately three months to unpack. As your travels approach, you think to yourself: "This trip I'm actually going to put together a carefully considered holiday capsule of versatile, stylish pieces and be the best dressed on the beach. I can and will look as polished as Jessica Alba on her family getaway." But hours before you're meant to take off, you're still rummaging for a sorry-looking bikini and the same crumpled kaftans that come away with you every year. Next year, yeah?
Well that's why we've put together this list of seven brands that will spruce up your holiday wardrobe in an instant so you don't have to scrabble around last minute like the best of us. Say goodbye to ropey old swimwear, boring summer dresses and battered sandals and hello to a few effortlessly elegant, easy pieces that will revitalise your summer looks for both the beach and a city break. Whether it's a printed shirt to pair with your favourite cut-offs, a billowing blouse or a ruffled, print dress, these are the brands you should know about if you're jetting off this summer...
Dodo Bar Or
Israeli actress turned fashion designer Dorit ‘Dodo’ Bar Or launched her eponymous brand in 2009 with a shop in Tel Aviv. And much to our delight, this year Dodo Bar Or finally launched in the UK at Matches Fashion and Net-a-Porter. Inspired by the Middle Eastern keffiyeh scarf, Dorit creates pretty printed kaftans, skirts and shirts and hand-embroidered garments that can be dressed up or down. Just wait for the compliments to pour in.
Photo: via @candela
Réalisation Par
You've probably heard us harping on about this brand already. Founded by Aussie model and blogger Alexandra Spencer and designer Teale Talbot in summer 2015, in less than a year Réalistation Par has become the cool girl's go-to for wardrobe staples.
The brand doesn’t operate in seasonal collections like most, instead focusing on offering the individual pieces the dream duo felt were missing from their own wardrobes and putting them into ours. If you like the style of Bella Hadid, Alexa Chung or Phoebe Tonkin (let's be honest, who doesn't?) then you'll love this.
Photo: via @realisationpar
Pampelone
Pampelone clothing was started by former fashion publicist, Holly Anna Scarsella who was inspired by her frequent family holidays to St Tropez. The entire collection is made from the highest quality cotton and ethically produced in India. Get instant Riviera chic in off-the-shoulder blouses, floaty tunics and knotted dresses. Team with frayed denim, suede and raffia for the ultimate summer wardrobe.
Photo: via @pampeloneclothing
Asceno
If you're in the market for some luxury loungewear and swim pieces then Asceno has your name all over it. The premium casual wear and swimwear label was conceived by Poppy Sexton-Wainwright and Lauren Skerritt and offers a modern twist on classic shirts, pyjama sets (that can be worn on the beach/to dinner/to the office/you name it) and bikinis.
Photo: via @ascenolondon
Lemlem
Ethiopian supermodel, mother and activist Liya Kebede founded Lemlem in 2007 after a trip to her native country where she recognised a need to preserve the almost defunct craft of traditional artisans while simultaneously creating job opportunities. The brand quickly took off and has recently expanded beyond just hand-woven pieces, while still maintaining production in Africa. Now stocked at Matches Fashion and Net-a-Porter, lemlem offers cotton scarves, women's clothing in silk and jersey and children's dresses. As the founder and face (she's always seen in New York wearing lemlem), Liya Kebede is the perfect poster girl for this ethical brand.
Photo: via @lemlemnyc
Talitha
Fashion editor Kim Hersov ’s quest to find well-made, luxurious holiday pieces led to the birth of Talitha, a bohemian-inspired line for the stylish traveller. Hersov's business partner is embroidery expert Shon Randhawa and you'll notice her expertise in the hand-embroidered kaftans' intricate needlework and cotton blouses, produced by artisans in Randhawa’s New Delhi atelier.
When your Topshop floral print tea dress just won't do, head to Talitha for floaty, glamorous pieces that will look just as beautiful as your exotic setting.
Photo: via @talitha_official
Solid & Striped
Solid & Striped launched just three years ago in NYC but it's already made waves. Central Saint Martins graduates Isaac Ross and Morgan set up the swimwear brand, crafted in France and Italy and have already collaborated with Poppy Delevingne and Hilary Rhoda. Yes, we've seen the Instagram girls in metallic, cut-out, high-waisted thong one-pieces that may look good in heavily-edited pictures, but Solid & Striped is the real deal when it comes to elegant, comfortable and incredibly flattering swimwear.
Photo: via @solidandstripedLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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