Some of my most cherished memories are rooted in the South of France. Childhood summers spent wandering sun-dappled villages, sketching flowers in quiet gardens, and exploring flea markets with my family sparked my love of colour, light, and storytelling - a place I return to often.
Dreamt up during a recent stay at the iconic Colombe d’Or, this year’s Provençal collection is a heartfelt love letter to the region, inspired by the elegance, beauty, and richness that fill every corner of this landscape. From shimmering coastal bays to quiet mountain villages, from olive groves to grapevines, bees to doves - each motif is a memory, an ode to the enduring sense of peace, joie de vivre and inspiration Provence has always given me…
Surrounded by lavender fields and rolling vineyards, ‘La Galinier’ in Lourmarin is a place that captured my heart immediately. A home-from-home and a little haven where time stands still, you feel such a deep sense of relaxation and peace among the beautiful landscaped gardens and gently weathered buildings (even with two young children in tow!). You can also take a bike out to explore the prettiest local villages.
Pretty as a postcard, Provence’s beautiful villages helped fill up my sketchbook with details for this collection. Lourmarin is one of my favourites, and the inspiration for my Provençal Bee design - discovered on a trip to the brocante (local flea market) where I stumbled on some beautiful old plates. I love the blend of rich navy and blue, evoking the feel of a well-loved heirloom, passed from hand to hand. These are a few more of my favourites…
St. Paul de Vence: A must-visit for history & art lovers
Grimaud: The perfect place for a Sunday meander - dotted with beautiful old medieval houses and crumbling golden walls
St. Tropez: For a taste of the lively local scene and shimmering blue oceans
“Bathed in golden light and beauty, this region is a canvas of all the artists who came before - with this collection, I’m adding my own brushstroke.”
No trip to Provence is complete without a visit to the local markets, my favourites are St.Tropez and Grimaud - the best place to experience the textures, colours and heady flavours of the region first-hand.
Steeped in history and art, last summer I was lucky enough to visit Colombe d’Or - this iconic hotel has played host to some of the world’s greatest artists who would often leave a work of art in return for their stay. More than its namesake, the dove design is woven into its story and a recurring motif for Picasso (a regular guest). I created my own version in ode to its incredible heritage - a symbol of hope, peace and beauty.
(If you’re interested in its full story, I recommend reading Assouline’s beautiful book, La Colombe d’Or.)
Rustic and relaxed, Les Salins restaurant in St.Tropez is the sort of place where I could happily spend all afternoon sipping on an ice cold rosé, wrapped in the laidback atmosphere and warm sea breeze - fresh seafood, summery touches, and spectacular seaviews across the Mediterranean.
For shopping Le Club 55 is a treasure trove of independent brands, accessories and homewares you won’t see anywhere else. My favourite find was a beautiful silk scarf that I love to style with a simple white tee and jeans.
Lightweight layers are key to match the laidback atmosphere, along with plenty of linen, throw-on-and-go sundresses, and, of course - a big raffia basket! For days exploring, my essentials are a sun hat, sunglasses and comfortable tan shoes for wandering the cobblestones.
My Packing Essentials:
- A big raffia basket bag filled with my Elizabeth Scarlett pouches
- Plenty of sundresses - many from the Elizabeth Scarlett x Nobody’s Child collection
- Lighter layers to throw on for cooler evenings
- My favourite SPF for a golden glow: Supergoop Golden Hour Glow Cream
- Comfortable tan sandals and a sun hat for days exploring
A haven of art, culture and beauty, whether it’s your first time or your fifth, Provence has a way of finding its way into your heart. A place I return to time and time again for inspiration, grounding, and gentle joy.
I hope our new Provençal collection brings a touch of South of France joie de vivre into your everyday, wherever your summer adventures take you…
S H O P T H E C O L L E C T I O N
