Resort Collection 2019: Inspired by the Oceans.
Deep and mysterious, or bright and crystal-clear. Mighty and stormy, or calm and solemn. The ocean is ever-changing, powerful and of vital importance for the Earth. Covering two thirds of the surface of the globe, hence the name Blue Planet, the ocean regulates the climate, supplies half of the oxygen we breathe and hosts the greatest biodiversity on Earth. It is our planet’s support system.
Our Resort Collection 2019 captures the essence of the ocean in all its forms and colours. Beyond that, this collection aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving our most precious resource. For each SeaCell scarf sold, 10% of the proceeds will support the Blue Marine Foundation’s efforts to protect our oceans.
Founder Katherine Maunder shares what the ocean means for her and how it inspired this collection.
What is your relationship with the ocean?
Being by the ocean has always been where I feel the most content and energised. On family holidays as a child, my mum and dad would always swim in the sea come rain or shine. From the icy cold waters of inner Hebrides of Scotland to the warm waters of the med, it was never an option not to get in the water! Rock pooling was a favourite family past time and I had an obsession with coral and the underwater world as a child. When I finally got to do my first dive in the great barrier reef I was hooked and intrigued by the big deep, from the iridescence of its sun speckled surface to the mysterious darkness of its depth.
How do you turn your inspiration into a collection?
The beginning of the process of building a collection always starts with a mood board and colour palette. An important part of it is spending time with our artisans in Nepal and Kashmir, learning about traditional artisanal techniques which I then evolve and elevate into new levels of luxury.
For this collection, the link between materials and inspiration has taken a whole new level. We have introduced SeaCell, a wellness fibre from the ocean. Derived from seaweed through an eco-friendly process, we have blended the smooth, silky fibre with soft cashmere for a luxurious feel and extra comfort.
Tell us about Tie Dye Tide.
I love how textiles can imitate natural landscapes. This season we have taken our signature hand dip dyes into an ocean palette of lapis blue through to the dark indigo, contrasting with white sand.
We have used the finest wool and silk yarn to elevate this artisan technique from hippy to ethical Luxe. Originally an ancient Asian tradition, our tie dyes mimic the ocean's watery depths of light and shade. The sensationally soft, feather light cashmere is achieved using the finest ply with a diamond weave construction and a felted finish.
Do you have a favourite piece?
The kaftan. Its luxurious drape makes it a versatile piece you can wear with a slip for an event or become the ultimate holiday staple to take you from the beach to the bar. I was instantly smitten with this piece -it satisfies the wanderlust in me! It brings me back to my gap year travelling on a budget, but this time round I would be swapping my thread-bare cotton tie dye sarong for something far more sophisticated!
And what about the Marina line?
Sailor stripes find new life and texture with delicately trapped, contrast yarns. The Belgium linen is hand spun to give a texture like no other. This season we wanted to explore the versatility of our Tibetan heritage wraps, this season in striking nautical blue with matt and shine stripes. This Investment piece is the essential luxury holiday item.
It’s superior drape and lightness means you can tie it as a sarong, a bandeau or just wear it over your swimsuit, another versatile key item glide from one occasion to the next.