We spoke to the the gorgeous Holly Scarsella, founder of Pampelone Clothing, which has been the runaway hit at Beach Cafe this season. Growing up between, London and St Tropez, Holly shares her Cote D'Azur secret haunts, holiday style tips and inspiration behind the brand.
What inspired your to leave the world of PR, and launch your own collection?
Straight after university, I started my career as a Fashion Publicist looking after some amazing brands including Puma, UGG Australia, Tiffany & Co and luxury jewellery brand Astley Clarke. I absolutely loved seeing how brands could grow from getting them on the right people and in the right magazines. I always knew deep down that if I could find the right idea, I could start my own business .
There were two reasons I started PAMPELONE clothing. Firstly I spent my youth living between the UK and French Riviera. Growing up In the south of france, I absolutely loved looking at the St Tropizienne women wearing the most gorgeous linen dresses. They always looked so chic yet effortless - this is the key look we try to emulate with PAMPELONE clothing. Secondly the catalyst for starting the brand when I did was getting married and going on my honeymoon. When planning my outfits I spotted a real gap in the market for well priced, good quality Resortwear. We had the high street, and then very expensive brands which you wince at the thought of throwing in your beach bag. PAMPELONE clothing aims to bridge this gap.
Bridget Bardot is your style icon, if she was to wear one piece from your collection what would it be?
Naturally it would be the BARDOT dress. This was the piece I designed with her in mind. I've grown up looking at all the vintage pictures of Brigitte and Jane Birkin meandering the streets of St Tropez and think this dress really captures their look from the 70's.
Your family home is in St Tropez, what are your local insider tips for anyone visiting in the area?
Some of the best places to go in St Tropez are actually the most hidden and unassuming, I also named a lot of our first collection after my favourite spots. Here are my go-to places:
- St Tropez Market in the Place de Lices. Get there early to avoid the crowds, buy fresh flowers and enjoy the freshest smell of olives and slow roasting chicken. Then wander down to Seenequier for a fresh croissant for breakfast.
- Les Graniers beach. It's a secluded beach just outside of the main town. It has a great view of the bay and doesn't get too crowded
- Le Ferme Douceur restaurant. It's a really intimate restaurant hidden within an old vineyard. There is a set 5 course menu using produce from the adjoining farm, and unlimited wine from the vineyard. The only choice you need to make is Red, White or Rose!
- You HAVE to visit the hilltop old village of Grimaud. The cobbled streets are reminiscent of the movie 'Chocolat' and the view of the bay from the top of the hill is just unrivalled. It's best to visit in the evening when it's cool air and have dinner at the cutest restaurant called BouBou - no frills but the BEST crepes in the whole of St Tropez.
- The best ice cream in St Tropez (because you can't go on holiday without ice ceam) is BARBARAC on the port in St Tropez. The very best.
What will you be reading this summer?
Reading is my absolute luxury! I have a very eclectic taste in books from crime thrillers to girly books to business books. The next on my list is 'The Glitter Plan' which may sound like a barbie memoir but it's actually the story of Pam and Gela, the founders of Juicy Couture, who went from making handmade maternity jeans (yes!) to making a 250 million dollar business.
What holiday essential could you not do without?
My holiday essentials are: My leather strapped Panier beach bag bought from the market in St Tropez. It's the perfect bag to throw in your bits & pieces to go from the market to the beach. A great sunhat - I'm loving Yosuzi and Eugena Kim. Sunglasses - my favourites at the moment are vintage MiuMiu's and Taylor Morris Zero's. Lastly, I always carry pawpaw cream which I stock up on when I'm in Australia - it's perfect for sunburn, dry skin and to nourish your lips after being in the sun.
The summer 2016 collection has had an amazing response, what do you have in store for us next?!
Thank you so much! Our aim is to create a full beachwear warbrobe, so PAMPELONE is the only brand you need when packing for your holiday! Watch this space for skirts, shorts, sunglasses and hats... SS17 cannot come soon enough!
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