Best known for her collections of dreamy nightwear blurring the lines between boudoir and bar, Olivia von Halle put luxe pyjamas on the fashion map when she launched her label in 2011.
Her slinky styles are loved by A-listers worldwide and are the epitome of decadent evening dressing, with after-dark pieces taking inspiration from the iconic pyjamas worn by 1920s Hollywood stars.
Here, Olivia tells us about the time she swapped a copy of British Vogue for eight lobsters in Panama, where she loves visiting in London, and the St. Tropez hotel she chose to set the scene for her latest collection.
What is the first trip you remember taking?
When I was two my parents packed up their lives in Newcastle, bought a motorhome, and we travelled around every state in America in it. I have pretty hazy memories from it, but we went for almost a year and it felt like a really formative trip to have at such a young age. Although it was amazing to be with my parents all the time, I remember being desperate to meet and play with other children and made up two imaginary friends called Ali and Pally. Ali was my best friend and we both hated Pally. So weird!
What’s been your most memorable trip and why?
In 2005 I sailed from Panama to Cartagena in Colombia via the San Blas Islands. We were on a tiny sailing boat with an alcoholic Captain who was taking backpackers between the two places to save up money to cross the Panama Canal. It was an extraordinary seven days; we were accompanied by hammerhead sharks; saw Colombian pirates and drugs being run in the sea on speedboats and in the air; woke up to an entire flock of migratory birds taking a rest on every inch of our boat; and were constantly sea sick. I don’t think I managed to eat a single thing the whole time that we were on the water. When we arrived on the San Blas Islands, we were taken in by this amazing matriarchal society where the tallest person couldn’t have been more than 4ft 6″. They had no monetary system but bartered, so we swapped a copy of British Vogue for eight lobsters and ate like kings. It was incredible.
Where or what is your escape?
I love horse riding and find it so relaxing – almost meditative. I have an Irish draft called Herman and ride whenever I can at home, it allows me to truly switch off from whatever has been going on that day, and I always come back with renewed energy and clarity. I love a super laid-back beach holiday but if there is any opportunity to go horse-riding in a new beautiful location – whether on a sandy beach or in a mountain range – that to me is the ultimate escape.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve taken from your travels?
That you never regret the things you do. Climb the mountain, it’s always worth it when you get to the top.
If I could go anywhere tomorrow I’d go to:
Marrakech. I’ve been going there for years now for holidays and wild weddings in the desert and I just love it. There’s something really amazing about the energy of the place and the colours are beautiful. Selman is my ultimate hotel destination.
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How would you spend your ideal afternoon in your home city?
Claridge’s is always my favourite go-to on a free afternoon in London.
What’s your idea of a luxury holiday?
I have three young children so time relaxing alone is a very rare thing. True luxury is having time to spend lazing at the most beautiful hotel, with time to relax and catch up on reading.
Where do you get your holiday inspiration?
Anywhere and everywhere. But mostly from friends – you can’t beat a first-hand recommendation from someone you trust.
If you could sit next to anyone on a flight – dead or alive – who would it be?
The late Queen Elizabeth. I imagine she’d have no end of fabulous tales to tell…
How do you recover from jet lag?
Book a massage – the key is to do something relaxing but not to fall asleep.
What’s your in-flight beauty routine?
Drink plenty of water and sleep as much as you can. I always pack my Olivia von Halle silk eye mask which is a dream to wear and is a home-from-home comfort. I never wear makeup on the plane and take a super-rich moisturiser to prevent my skin from drying out – I love everything from Sarah Chapman.
Your flight’s delayed an hour and your phone’s out of battery. How do you pass the time?
Get stuck into a good book. Or failing that – find the cocktail bar!
Favourite hotel?
At the moment it’s definitely Hotel la Ponche in St. Tropez. It’s a little paradise away from the glitz and hubbub, which also formed a crucial point of inspiration for our latest “Azure Collection” – so much so that we even shot this season’s campaign at the hotel. I love how it’s been the backdrop, playground and endless source of creative inspiration for so many artists (including, of course, Pablo Picasso). I find it so inspiring myself and I really think there’s no better place to enjoy our pieces than such a legendary location. The hotel shares a natural affinity with Olivia von Halle as a brand – we both display a devotion to craft, quiet luxury and timeless beauty, with no detail overlooked.
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What’s on your travel playlist?
I’m definitely a disco nut and always love a good playlist of disco classics, to include my favourite song I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do) by Daryl Hall and John Oates.
What are your must-have travel picks?
OvH Eye Mask Signac – I love the playful combination of pink and orange on this eye mask, plus it comes with a matching silk pouch to keep the eye mask clean when it’s not in use. OvH Gia Shanghai silk-cashmere tracksuit – I live in this style; it’s butter-soft and the silk-cashmere blend keeps you at the perfect temperature in flight. A good book – my all-time favourite is The Pursuit of Love by Nancy Mitford, it’s a delight to read and offers pure escapism. La Mer The Lip Balm – incredibly indulgent, but so nice to have something spoiling when on a long journey. Apple Air Pod Pro – I couldn’t travel without them! Gucci Diana Tote Bag – I have a vintage 80s one in white leather that I adore, it’s the perfect size for housing in-flight essentials.
FIRST THING THAT COMES TO YOUR MIND…
Hand-luggage essential?
Olivia von Halle silk eye mask, of course.
Packing: roll or fold?
Fold.
Inflight book or inflight film?
Book.
Music or podcasts?
Podcast.
Time killer on a long-haul flight?
Sleep!
Holiday tipple of choice?
G&T, always.
Beach or City?
Beach.
Ultimate holiday treat?
Phone off.
Any Questions or Tips to add?