Ibizian creatives Jana Sascha and Laura Castro launched their eponymous fashion label in 2017, as a tribute to their shared love and appreciation of the bohemian culture they grew up with.
Now available to shop at major luxury fashion destinations worldwide, the duo’s statement designs that transcend from beach to bar are the core of many holiday wardrobes, offering its wearer the free-spirited island life for which the brand is best known.
Ahead of their debut bridal collection, which launches on 6 March 2024, we speak to the De La Vali founders about their travels, from their most memorable trips and dream holiday locations to the De La Vali dresses they always pack.
What is the first trip you remember taking?
Jana Sascha: Costa Rica with my parents when I was four. My mum always recalls a story of me walking into the jungle naked except for a pair of tiny, red, high-heeled flamenco shoes.
Laura Castro: Chile to see my South American family on my dad’s side.
What’s been your most memorable trip and why?
JS: The first trip to India on which we created De La Vali.
LC: Also India; when I was 18 I went by myself for three months.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve taken from your travels?
JS: Triple check your tickets and travel times, I have missed a flight or two.
LC: Don’t arrive at the airport too late.
Where or what is your escape?
JS: Ibiza, living in London can get hectic so I’m always grateful when I go back home to Ibiza and spend some time with my parents to recharge.
LC: Ibiza is always home and can also be an escape.
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If you could go anywhere tomorrow it would be…
JS: Islas Secas (a really small island in Panama) for French toast followed by an afternoon of swimming.
LC: Mexico is always a good idea, it’s the best vibe. Eat some ceviche and enjoy a juice by the beach. So simple, but so stunning.
How would you spend your ideal afternoon in your home city?
JS: Lunch at The Wolseley in Mayfair, followed by shopping in Liberty or Selfridges, then off to the theatre.
LC: In London I love to walk around the markets and go shopping, followed by dinner with friends – at my home or theirs.
What’s your idea of a luxury holiday?
JS: Somewhere I can truly unwind and disconnect in nature.
LC: Adventure and relaxation in a different country and not checking my phone for three days.
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Where do you get your holiday inspiration?
JS: Often from my friends. I also love looking at Citizen Femme and the travel pages of Vogue.
If you could sit next to anyone – dead or alive – on a long-haul flight, who would it be?
JS: David Bowie.
LC: I would love to sit next to Vali Meyers, our brand muse, and tell her everything we have been doing over the years.
How do you recover from jet lag?
JS: Try to get onto the correct time zone by making sure I stay up late, so I (hopefully) don’t wake up in the middle of the night.
LC: I am a pretty active person and like to do activities to burn energy, but I am also lucky enough to be a good sleeper so I can always sleep somehow.
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What’s your in-flight beauty routine?
JS: Georgia May Jagger‘s new brand May does the most nourishing all-natural face products and they do travel-sized products too. I don’t go anywhere without my May face oil, balm, and daily dose of moisturiser.
LC: I try to bring a sheet mask to moisturise my skin and have a nap.
Your flight’s delayed an hour and your phone’s out of battery. How do you pass the time?
JS: Shopping. Or I find a corner to sit down in and read.
LC: I’ll walk around the airport, go shopping or have a drink.
Favourite hotel?
JS: Islas Secas Panama, it’s the only resort on this tiny island. It almost feels like a James Bond island, it’s so stylish and chic. It’s completely isolated in the middle of the Panamanian Sea with the most unbelievable aquatic life and nature. Pure paradise.
LC: Villa Treville in Positano is so luxurious and idyllic.
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Favourite airline?
JS: British Airways is trustworthy and I can collect my air miles.
LC: Emirates – the food is good.
What’s on your travel playlist?
JS: Depends where I go. I like to make playlists inspired by my location.
LC: A lot of African music, songs like My Love and Music by Ebooks Taylor.
What are your must-have travel picks?
JS: Our Jolene dress with hook and eyes down the front, to wear casually over a bikini or dressed up at night. The Bouganville dress is another De La Vali holiday staple that feels versatile and I always carry it with me. Alaia diamond studded ballet flats go well with everything and jazz up every outfit. Isa Boulder bikini as I love their ruched designs. Celine cat eye sunglasses (which they have discontinued), and a Back Gammon board – Nobel Macmillan do a chic one.
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JC: A cotton mini dress that doesn’t take up much space and is fresh, like the Chiquilla dress which is cute and easy: we make one every spring/summer collection. Reina Olga’s black halter neck bikini is super flattering, and a sarong from Vicente Ganesh in Ibiza is easy to put on when you want to go to the beach or walk to a restaurant. I love bringing shirts on my travels, I have two vintage YSL ones that I love. It’s been a year of Birkenstocks; once you try them that’s it, you’ll wear them all the time.
FIRST THING THAT COMES TO YOUR MIND…
Hand-luggage essential?
JS: Book and headphones.
LC: Face creams, iPad, AirPods and chargers.
Packing: roll or fold?
JS: Fold.
LC: Roll.
Inflight book or inflight film?
JS: Film.
LC: Also a film.
Music or podcasts?
JS: Music.
LC: Music.
Time killer on a long-haul flight?
JS: Sedatives.
LC: Having a great intimate conversation.
Holiday tipple of choice?
JS: Piña colada.
LC: Aperol spritz.
Bucket list top destination?
JS: Brazil.
LC: Brazil or Japan.
Best shopping gem found abroad?
JS: Vintage clothes in LA.
JC: My gold necklace from Mexico City.
Beach or City?
JC: We’d both say the beach.
An ultimate holiday treat?
JS: Both of us like to have a massage.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?