Printed Silk Kaftans and Kimonos by Holland Street

Exclusive magazine talked to the founder and designer of Holland Street, Lauren Barfoot to find out the inspiration behind her beachwear brand and what's on her summer holiday checklist.

Tell me about your business...
Holland Street is London’s designer brand of silk loungewear and beachwear. The luxury printed kaftans, robes and kimonos are handmade in Britain and use a minimal waste manufacturing method that was developed when founder and designer Lauren Barfoot studied textiles at the Royal College of Art. She launched an exclusive range for Fenwick of Bond Street at London Fashion Week in 2014 and since then the prints and products have been seen in publications such as the Financial Times ‘HTSI Gift Guide’, Fault Magazine, Elle Decoration and many more.

What are your inspirations?
Pattern and colour gets me really excited! I am constantly inspired by design, travel, culture and historical influences and I love visiting the V&A -  that treasure trove of ideas and influence! I am also drawn to the beauty of flowers and floral motifs appear in the majority of our designs.
Each collection is named after it's inspiration- 'The Camellia Collection'- with a English country garden theme of roses, camellias and foliage, offset with geometric borders. The Ikko Collection inspired by Japanese graphic designer Ikko Tanaka and the Casati Collection influenced by the flamboyant life of Marchesa Luisa Casati, an Italian heiress.

Where are you going on holiday this summer?
I have just returned from a week in the South of France, my boyfriend and I stayed in a small town called Saillans, East of Valence, a 2 hour drive from Lyon. The weather was beginning to get very warm but we enjoyed spending time exploring the snow capped mountains, kayaking down the Drome and sampling the local Clairette de Die, a regional sparking wine as well.

What are your holiday packing essentials?
My black leather Carvela ballet pumps, they can be worn day and night and perfect to slip on for a evening of dining and dancing. 

I have pale skin and burn easily, I always pack sun cream and use Neom Organics soothing Lavender and Jasmine body lotion to stop peeling, I love their brand ethos. Holland Street's products connects with their similar health benefits of welbeing and relaxation .
I will always have a Holland Street cover-up to throw on pool side, my current favourite is the silk 'Pink Camellia' kaftan.


What are your holiday fashion fixes?
I love Gingham, I took a pair of pastel pink gingham capri pants away with me! Great to be worn with a white shirt or boho peasant blouse if the weather is cooler. I tend to only take an item of clothing away with me if if goes with something else in my suitcase. I often travel light and just take hand luggage to avoid the long wait at the airport. Light silk cover ups are great for this as they don't weigh much or take up much space.

What's your holiday reading?
My latest holiday read was Brooklyn by Colm Toibin. I have heard such beautiful things about the film that I wanted to read the book first to make my own vision of the characters. 

Must have beauty products?
My boyfriend bought be me back the Auriga gift box from Australian brand Aesop from his last trip there. I cant get enough of the Mandarin and rosemary handbalm and rose body wash.

What was your most memorable holiday?
Visiting Essaouira, Morroco with a groups of girlfriends aged 20. With backpacks on back, we dined on fresh fish and tajines and spent hours sauntering around the small streets and markets taking in the fresh colours and smells of the sea. Pure naive escapism from the university pressures and deadlines.