Last week I showed you some shots from a photoshoot I did for Tallulah & Hope, so I thought I’d also ask the designers, Lisa & Zoe a few questions about their brand. They are both so lovely, they really deserve the attention!
Lisa & Zoe
Introduce yourselves & tell me a bit more about your background
Lisa – I was as a fashion PR working with brands like Versace. After 8 years I had had enough of fashion! I became freelance when my husband opened his restaurant Canteen and design studio Very Good & Proper. I did the press.
Zoe – I was a costume designer and stylist and worked on commercials, TV and private clients. When I had my daughter I wanted to travel less so I set-up Lady Sew & Sew, a local sewing club. I took the club to festivals, events and private parties.
How did you meet?
Lisa – Through my husband Patrick who is one of Zoe’s oldest friends. They met when they both lived in Bath.
Where did the idea for Tallulah & Hope come from?
We were together with friends on holiday in the Dordogne and one afternoon after too much white wine we started talking about the kaftan and the perfect holiday wardrobe. We believed that with a fresh, new approach we could transform the kaftan into something that the modern women would want to wear.
Where does the name come from?
They are classic sounding names and felt very British which was important to us. We love the idea of Tallulah & Hope being two different women. They could be friends, mother/daughter, daughter /granddaughter, anything and they would wear the kaftans in their own way. Age is irrelevant.
What are your inspirations?
We spent a summer in Devon in a friend’s house and we were surrounded by the very green, lush British countryside, stones, rivers, moss, rabbits, otters and we wanted our colour palette and signature prints (Starling and Sandgrouse) to reflect a more refined and sophisticated approach to beachwear.
Starling and Sandgrouse prints
Could you describe your creative process?
We started with many, many ideas and kept refining until we had 4 kaftan styles that we thought would deliver perfect wearability, luxury detail (pin hems and French seams), flattering cuts and classic, easy elegance.
Who would you love to see wearing your designs?
Angelica Houston, Susan Sarandon (in Chiton in Africa) and Vanessa Paradis.
Favourite holiday destination?
Lisa – Italy my family are Italian and I have spent many great holidays all over Italy. Also, the food is incredible!
Zoe – Wales with friends and family.
Beach or Countryside?
Beach! We both love the sea and sun!