A shared love of summer dressing was the starting point for my new collaboration with brand consultant Amanda Woodward-Brown. We met in London a few years ago and since then we have been dying to do something together. 

Our collaboration has been to design the perfect holiday dress designed with effortless elegance in mind. The print is 70's inspired floral print, with a playful oversized bow tie on the shoulder.  

As a mother herself, Amanda included in the collaboration matching dresses for children - the perfect twinning moments for happier times when we can meet our family and friends again.

I had a quick chat with Amanda about her style and influences;

Who have been your style influences?

My mother has definitely influenced how I approach fashion. She always looks so chic and pulled together. I used to love escaping into her wardrobe when I was little to play with her jewellery and silk scarves - they always had a lingering perfume of YSL Opium - the scent she wore at the time. My sister and I also used to dress up in her wedding gown - it was by Laura Ashley and she found it when it was featured on the cover of Vogue Australia. She is still one of my defining style influences today - I blame her for the reason I just can’t get on board with the trend for loungewear, even in lockdown, I have to get properly dressed each day. 

What inspires you?

If I am honest I feel like I have been really lacking in inspiration these past few months. With two homeschool schedules and work, I literally have no spare time to think, let alone read or write. I find winter incredibly difficult here as I love the sun and the lack of light really affects my mood. That said, spring in England is so incredibly beautiful, so I am holding out for the return of warmer days. 

What do you miss most about Australia? 

So many things, both tangible and intangible, it is almost impossible to list them all. Australia is a country that steeps deep into your soul. Although I live in London I am never happier than when I am home.

Where is your first wish list destination when we can travel?

After a long stop in Sydney, Ischia would be next on my list. It encapsulates everything I love about Italy but feels like a secret still - like the Amalfi coast without the crowds. We stayed at the sweetest family run hotel there the summer before last, where my daughters were completely spoilt by the staff. We all can’t wait to go back. 

Who would be your dream guest list at your gathering of 6?

I was going to list a group of amazing women past and present like Gabrielle Chanel and Augusta Savage but after so many months of not seeing friends my dream guest list would actually be a table of my closest friends with lots of wine, plates of delicious food and talking into the early hours.

What do you consider luxury?

In a world where trends move so quickly, to me, timelessness is luxury. Whether that is a beautiful design or impeccable hospitality, something that is thoughtfully considered and of the highest quality will always be desirable.

What are your 3 luxury must haves?

Travel - there is nothing comparable to visiting other countries and learning about cultures, architecture, food and traditions that are different to your own. I have also deeply missed getting dressed up and going to restaurants this past year, so lunch or dinner out is a luxury I can’t wait to have back. Lastly, a Chanel 2.55 bag, which I have coveted since I was a teenager but don’t actually own… I was planning to buy myself one for my 30th birthday, but a baby and a mortgage intervened - maybe for my 40th!  

Shop the look below.