A time of year for escaping to warmer climates - and having your instagram feed filled with friend’s visits to sandy islands and beaches - it can almost feels as though summer is prematurely upon us.

The Christmas and New Year break is often the first glimpse of swimwear, kaftans and summer wardrobe planning, despite at the same time hoping for a merry white festive period here in the UK. Once the 1st Jan arrives and a fresh new diary is started, the shops are still a mess (online and offline) and although the daffodils may be fooled in making an early appearance, our bare legs still have a remaining 4 month wait before they see a dress. The winter wardrobe has almost run its course so whether a flight is booked or not – it’s time to dream of dressing in 1 item of clothing rather than 10.



Kalita is designed with the world-travelling woman in mind, with pieces that effortlessly translate from city to beach. For global nomads who are always searching for the perfect items to roll up in a case. Since the launch in 2016, chances are you have seen somebody wearing the signature voluminous trapeze dresses and whimsical colour palettes.

London-based Kalita Al Swaidi and Bali-based Raechel Temily’s label is about billowing silks and gauzy cottons in custom shades - ranging from soft mint and surf blue to deep pomegranate and jade – they are proof that glamour can be found in breezy silhouettes.

These two women are making clothes that we will take to a destination event or far-flung exotic place, but the difference is they want us to still wear the dresses when we get home. Add a leather jacket and ankle boots, or a white t-shirt with trainers. The laidback silk dresses in muted tones have also been a hit for bridesmaids.



With an ethos very much grounded in not just the resort aesthetic, but also in practicality and versatility, the pieces are finished with French seams and can be worn inside out. Each piece alludes to sophistication and thoughtfulness and they use toiles for development, pinning and cutting directly on a mannequin so they can see how the fabric drapes and falls.

The fabrics are hand-dyed - not an easy task when dresses have six, or ten metres of fabric in them. Many pieces are cut on the bias, which is a nightmare for fabric consumption but results in the most sublime fit.



Kalita describe the brand as Minimal, Inspirational, Memorable. These are all true. Everything I want from a dress... as well as versatility and comfort. The Brigitte backless dress is the dream and my absolute favourite of the collection: one in every colour please... I also love the jumpsuit.

Modern and uncomplicated, I have spotted this sleeved dress in the sale, perfect for my London office life.



You will find me in Kalita all summer starting from now!

January 2019