Summer’s here! And somehow, we’ve survived this year – just. As the school holiday begins, those in the Southern Hemisphere will be heading straight to the beach or pool. But before they head there, they’ll be looking at their beach attire. For me, I was missing the perfect coverup. I wanted something I could easily throw on after I’d been for a swim. Enter the robe...
This was exactly the conundrum mother of two Beccy Iland had. She found the solution when she was travelling in Turkey with her family (yes long before a deadly virus took over the world). “I just wanted something chic and effortless to cover up a bit with when making drinks, lounging around, and sharing meals. It was the perfect solution. And it’s so soft and light on the skin,” says Beccy. And so, Robe Around The World was born, just in time for Christmas.
There are pieces for men, women and kids, and the robes are available in a variety of gorgeous hues (the rainbow is our favourite). “I love the idea of a whole family robing around, in all the beautiful colours. Robes have also had significant meanings throughout history in different parts of the world. I really enjoy the symbolism,” she says.
We caught up with Beccy to find out about the launch of her new brand.
To order your Robe Around The World robes, you can message Beccy directly via @robearoundtheworld
Where did the idea for Robe Around The World come from?
Travelling around Europe with my family, (remember those good old days?!) we happened upon a small remote coastal town of Turkey. Wandering around a sea of cotton, I found this robe that I immediately fell in love with. It was so chic for kids, such a welcome alternative to those very ugly towel hoodies I’d been putting my kids in for a few years! It was special because I was there and was able to meet the head of production, I even met his children. And we instantly bonded. Sometimes you have those magic moments and you just have to take a risk and follow your gut. Although it didn’t feel like a risk, because I knew it was an essential item that was needed and wanted. I knew straight away I wanted to create a business bringing them home to Sydney. I bought some as samples and we wore them non-stop on the rest of our holiday, to test the fabric, the drying, the colours and just to see when we’d actually wear them.
On holidays we were in villas with a large group of family and being in a bikini all day in the European summer, I just wanted something chic and effortless to cover up a bit with when making drinks, lounging around, and sharing meals. It was the perfect solution. And it’s so soft and light on the skin. And the colours, especially the rainbow, just made us feel happy. I love a bit of relaxed beachside glamour.
My brand name says it all, robe around the world. It’s a piece you can wear anywhere, take anywhere, use beach and pool, or just after the bath to get cosy. We can’t travel now but the robes can, and I love the idea of bringing the Mediterranean to us here in Sydney. Or anywhere really. My background is mixed European, my husband’s family heritage is Greek, and we live in Australia. I love the idea of a whole family robing around, in all the beautiful colours. And the matching adult and kids rainbow robes are an exercise in pure joy! They make perfect gifts. Robes have also had significant meanings throughout history in different parts of the world. I really enjoy the symbolism.
Can you talk us through the process behind each piece?
The robes are made in Turkey, along with my tote bags that they come in. They are loomed with 100% cotton. I’m very selective about colourways, and my signature rainbow will always be a part of the core collection. At the moment they come in one size for women in apricot and rainbow. One size for men in charcoal, which also looks super chic on women. And the kids’ robes come in one size in rainbow, pink and blue. My children have been very much a part of the selection process and the way we are managing the business. I love listening to their young opinions because they actually know what kids want and have a good sense of style already. As for the adult robes, I trust my styling and feel the colours look beautiful on all skin tones and colours on people from all around the world. I’m excited to grow the offering and develop new pieces to party with the robes.
How would you define effortless style?
It definitely comes from the inside, when you feel good you look good. Some people have an innate sense of style with the way they choose colours without giving it too much thought or what they are naturally drawn to. Even watching how customers style their robes, rolling up the sleeves, or leaving it hanging open and flowing gently in the breeze. I find all that sort of inspiration makes up effortless style for me. The robes themselves are effortless, they are all you need to accompany you to the beach, pool or resort. For me, effortless style also means a special sense of composition, when an outfit is put together, and it just looks amazing without really understanding why, like an artwork or an architectural space. I love the robes because they are complete look, that really just work. My background in fashion is in jumpsuits, so I am absolutely a huge fan of the effortless way of an all-in-one look. Effortless style is not about trends at all, it’s about timeless pieces that you will always love and wear. And they will make you feel good, you simply look forward to throwing them on.