A love letter to the ocean. That’s what you could call Evarae, sustainable swimwear brand founded by Georgia Thompson.
With a love of travel and water at the core of her brand, Georgia was inspired by a childhood spent by the sea travelling to exotic places as part of her family’s yacht design business, Evarae being the name of the boat they spent their summers on.
Georgia studied womenswear at Central Saint Martins, perfecting design and cut. She went on to hone her skills and acquire industry knowledge working for many established brands, before creating Evarae, in response to a need for sustainable and beautifully constructed swimwear – easy straight off the beach into evening pieces, with ultra-flattering cuts, belted waists and asymmetric straps, and casual silk and cotton breezy dresses.
If you’re looking to make a stylish comeback this summer, barefoot and bohemian brand Evarae is the label set to become your summer essential, to be revisited year after year.
We delve in Georgia’ suitcase psyche..
What is the first trip you remember taking?
I remember going to South Africa when I was probably 2 or 3 to see family, I remember the journey there and being at my aunties house, lots of wildflowers and colours in her garden.
Which holidays have been your favourite and why?
I have been lucky to travel a lot; however, it has been less since I started Evarae. I travel so much for work that I love being at home and having down time. My favourite holidays have always been in Asia, I have spent a lot of time in Bali, Thailand and The Maldives.
Where or what is your escape?
My mother lives in Ibiza full time, off the beaten track, I escape there when possible, it’s like a second home to me and we do a lot of our shoots there on the quieter side of the island that’s wilder and more rural. There is a magical side to the island away from all the parties. I plan to move there eventually myself.
I also love to escape to the English Coast (Cornwall) and countryside at weekends with my dog. Having a dog has changed my travel patterns drastically. My boyfriend and I just want her there. Silly I know, we had so much fun with her in February in the rain on Cornish beaches, then heading into the warmth of a real fire and home cooked food.
I live in London, but I am really not a fan of noise and crowds. I love the great outdoors.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve taken from your travels?
Plan, read the small print and check bookings. Don’t book in a rush. I have spent so much on mistakes. Remember to check for visas! I had to make quick decision to fly straight from a trade show in NYC to London and immediately on to India. I bought a connecting flight and my visa had run out. It was an expensive lesson and I never got there.
If I could go anywhere tomorrow I’d go to…
The Maldives, there’s something about the islands that immediately make me feel like I am on a proper holiday and I disconnect from work and relax.
View this post on Instagram
What’s your idea of a luxury holiday?
It has to be relaxing, I spend so much time working or stressed, a luxury holiday can be anywhere, but it’s got to be peaceful, have good service and amenities, the little touches matter. We recently used Unique Homestays in Cornwall and I was blown away by the extra details. We rented a lodge that was on a cliff overlooking the wildest beach and the interior and details were pure luxury. It is up there with any 5* hotel I have stayed at.
How do you recover from jet lag?
I suffer really badly, I carry melatonin with me, try and stay up as long as possible and have a couple of glasses of wine with friends before heading to bed.
View this post on Instagram
Your flight’s delayed an hour and your phone’s out of battery. How do you pass the time?
I carry a portable battery with me and a charger, I almost electrocuted myself in Delhi airport, unplugging one of their lamps!
Favourite Hotel? Why?
La Residence in Franschhoek South Africa. There’s honestly nowhere else like it, it’s old fashioned luxury. Extreme attention to detail and incredibly romantic. It’s rumoured to be Elton John’s favourite hotel in the world. I think he’s got pretty high standards!
Favourite airline?
Qatar or Emirates, there’s a different attention to detail and service compared with BA. Much more comfortable and modern.
What’s on your travel playlist?
Sunny feel-good tunes, currently listening to French Kiwi Juice.
I’m currently binge watching…
The whole of Netflix! I have seen everything in lockdown. I do like documentaries over fiction, something I can try to emotionally relate to and learn from.
What are your must-have travel picks?
Firstly, a Goyard tote for travelling – it fits everything in for the plane journeys. And then the rest goes everywhere with me.
As consumers, how can we make a difference in protecting the future of our planet through our travel and shopping choices?
Everyone needs to shop more consciously; we all need to care how and where our products are made and in what materials. Not everyone can afford to shop from sustainable and luxury brands (where the supply chain is transparent), however everyone can change this mindset that you always need to be seen in something new and everything is disposable. It’s a shame the future generation have been led to think like this, rather than quality over quantity like our ancestors. We don’t appreciate skill and attention to detail like we used to. That’s something that’s at the core of our brand identity.
What is your vision for the future of sustainable fashion? And if you could make one change in your own industry, to make it better, what would that be?
We need to cut down all these crazy delivery seasons and sales cycles, after the aftermath of COVID-19 Gucci has announced they are reducing down to one summer and winter season to allow more time and creatively. The want to move away from the idea everything has a short life cycle. Myself and many brands I know are breathing a sigh of relief for this change from the major players in the industry. The British Fashion Council is also calling for the seasons and sale markdowns to be re-aligned with the actual weather seasons again. Why are we putting summer product into sale in July! The English summer has only just started. If anything positive has come out of COVID, we are all assessing the supply chain and impact on the environment more.
Where next?
First trip will be Ibiza to see family and relax or Cornwall with our dog. If we can get a booking as everything is completely full now. Or we will just wait until its safe and easy again.
First thing that comes to your mind
Hand-luggage essential?
A charger.
Packing: roll or fold?
Fold.
Inflight book or inflight film?
Film.
Music or podcasts?
Music.
Time killer on a long-haul flight?
Wine.
Holiday tipple of choice?
Wine.
Bucket list top destination?
Mexico.
Best shopping gem found abroad?
Something for the home from an old market.
Beach or City?
Beach.
Ultimate holiday treat?
Spa time.
Any Questions or Tips to add?