StyleNest chats to Lisa Ispani and Zoe Holborough, founders of chic holiday wear brand, Tallulah and Hope.
We’re always dreaming of warmer climates here at StyleNest so when we stumbled across stunning resort wear brand, Tallulah and Hope we couldn’t quite believe our luck. Bringing together style, practicality and a true passion for holiday wear, Tallulah and Hope offers a range of chic kaftans, dresses, coverups and more – effortlessly taking you from beach to bar.
StyleNest caught up with the brand’s founders Lisa Ispani and Zoe Holborough to find out why after 10 years of friendship they decided to launch their label and of course, nab some style tips on how to look chic on the beach.
We’re big fans of Tallulah & Hope here at StyleNest. Tell us, how did the partnership and brand come about?
ZOE: It all started when we were on holiday together in France, with a simple discussion on how hard it was to find beautiful beachwear that looked good and still retained one’s style credentials. It was a conversation we had tirelessly throughout the whole holiday and we had hatched a pretty good outline for the business by the time we got home.
What are your top tips for looking chic on the beach or by the pool?
Z: Understated glamour is a winner in these sartorial situations. A wide brimmed hat, a good pair of sunglasses and a refined kaftan will do it.
You both come from very different career backgrounds. Tell us about those and how you made the transition.
Lisa: We had reached a point in our respective careers, Zoe as a costume designer and stylist and me as a PR, where we wanted a completely new challenge but still use our skills. The pleasure we get from designing is without compare and the more we understand our product and customer, the more exciting and satisfying the design process becomes.
Any top tips for packing the ultimate holiday wardrobe?
Z: A day on holiday is not like a day at home, there are often several crucial outfit changes but it stills needs to be easy. With this in mind, most of our garments are effortlessly versatile and can readily be worn by the pool or out for dinner later that evening, with the addition of some accessories.
Beauty-wise, are there any hero products you could not live without?
Z: Moroccan Hair Oil for my unruly hair – it’s genius. And when I’m on holiday a high quality suncare lotion is a must, we love the French brand Institut ESTHEDERM.
We love your bold prints and the vintage feel to your kaftans. Where do you get your creative inspiration?
Z: We love sifting through old art books for colour combinations, but try and stay away from vintage/retro fashion as it can be too self referential. We design all our own prints and get a lot of inspiration from nature, travelling, past holiday memories and being outside taking in the big skies, birds, sunsets, oceans, water and beaches.
You also stock some vintage pieces on the site. Are you keen collectors of vintage fashion?
L: We stock some 70’s vintage Ascher cotton scarves which compliment our main collection, Ascher was the leading textile design house of the post war years and we are both obsessed by scarves. Zoe’s years as a stylist and costume designer has allowed her to collect some really great vintage pieces which are always inspiring to look at and wear.
What’s your failsafe workwear look?
Z: I am a big fan of men’s tailoring and will always be most comfortable in jeans, shirt and brogues.
L: I’m petite and curvy so If i need to look smart I wear a pencil skirt or some Vivienne Westwood tailoring.
Where’s your ultimate holiday destination?
Z: I used to go the Canadian outback with my family as a child. Those holidays were always the best – swimming in the lakes, walking, making fires and falling asleep dreaming about bears at the window.
L: My family is Italian so I have spent a lot of time in various parts of Italy. I recently discovered Puglia, a very earthy part of Italy with great food.
How do you relax when you’re not working?
Z: Making things with my kids like paper mache. I will often continue after they are in bed.
L: I live in East London with my husband and we spend a lot of time cycling, hanging with friends, going to the park and eating out.
How can mums dress little ones on the beach to ensure they are comfy and protected?
Z: I am a big fan of all day sunscreen. Once I know their skin is properly protected its whatever they can happily swim and play in. Also, our cotton kaftan for kids is wonderful, my daughter has been wearing hers for years. Once it was a dress, now it’s a tunic.
Lisa, your husband founded the hugely successful restaurant group, Canteen. You must live in a real foodie household, any failsafe recipes up your sleeve?
L: Yes I cook one of Canteen’s most popular signature dishes ‘pie with mash, greens and gravy’ from the Canteen cookbook Great British Food. It is a really easy dinner to make, so delicious and never fails to impress friends.
Zoe, we hear you worked in the costume department on one of StyleNest’s all time favourite TV shows – Ab Fab. Tell us, what was it like working on such an iconic show?
Z: It was such a blast working with Jennifer and Joanna. I was costume design assistant to Rebecca Hale and we all laughed, all the time.
Whose style inspires you?
Z: I am very fickle with my style crushes and they can change over night. Currently it’s stylist Ameena Kara Callender , as her colour and print combinations are amazing. It’s a joy when someone’s personal style is a beautiful and accurate reflection of who they are.
Lisa – Carine Roitfeld, I can’t think of anyone who does that fashion chic meets rock ‘n’ roll babe look better than her.