Introducing Natalia Lydford, creator and owner of Island Boheme, an uber stylish swimwear label hailing from the Byron Bay coast. You can find Island Boheme at The Village Markets this Sunday and beyond.
Proudly owned and created by Natalia Lydford, Island Boheme draws upon a minimal aesthetic with injections of eclectic prints. Natalia draws upon her own love of avant-garde fashion producing collections for the modern rebel at heart. Made only from the softest fabrics Island Boheme embodies modern ideas with a chic blasé appeal, and is designed on the Byron Bay coast. Mixing chic minimalism with a bit of Parisian attitude, Island Boheme swimwear acts as a foundation to enhance your inner and outer goddess when poolside, hitting the beach or globe-trotting.
Tell us about how and when your label was created?
I found myself struggling to find affordable eclectic swimwear pieces that catered to my love of minimal lines and Brazilian cuts, so it was then that Island Boheme was born in 2014.
What pieces are included within your range?
For our first collection ‘Heavy Love’ I tried to create my ideal range with a style that caters to all styles of beach goers. It features no-tie, minimal line bikini pieces as well as seamless finishes and a tie side bottom for the traditional island girl. We have a backless one piece in a range of colours that can be worn back-to-front for a jumpsuit appeal (extra safe in the rough waves instead of a traditional bikini pant).
What is your creative background?
I grew up in a very creative, fashion forward family and studied Fashion Design myself. Swimwear design was a natural progression for me as its what I know and love so much.
Where is the label designed and made?
Island Boheme is designed on the Byron Bay coastline and made overseas.
What inspires you?
So many things! Island Boheme is the essence of what I love in my heart. All things Parisian, by the beach, blasé and chic.
Latest collection consists of?
Our current collection ‘Heavy Love’ is a meeting place between my love of minimal, simplistic cuts and modern eclectic prints. It is Island Boheme’s interpretation of essential basics.
What's on your mood board?
Everything Ann Demeulemeester! Black and white images, and at the moment high contrast vintage images..Think glowing skin and over-shadowed faces..perfection! Im a little obsessed with everything French too, so lots of street scapes from my travels.
What’s your creative space like?
My beautiful stone desk is rarely seen by the sun, due to the sea of fabrics and bikinis making it their home. I have an embarrassing amount of Apple products dominating too (Mac desktop, pro, air, two iPads and a phone eeek its insane) I blame it on the fact that I’m a visual person! Im a little obsessed with Peace Lilys and Maidens Hair Ferns too so I work in a mini jungle!
What music do you listen to while designing/creating?
I download edited playlists from Grizzly (Grizzly Mix) He’s a european DJ who blows my mind. Think Lou Reed, The Bees and Chromatics but with glitter sprinkled on top!
A day in the life of you consists of?
Its non stop. 6am up with my 1 year old Olivier, starting the day with Instagram and attacking emails. All orders are out by lunchtime, and then its creative time! Working on our next collections and marketing plans. By the afternoon I try to get a beach break in with my boy, then Im often back on the computer working till late!
Favourite TVM stall (besides yours of course)?
Wild Heart Jewellery and Maison and Maison
Favourite reads/blogs?
oooh thats tough..My favourite book of all time is Green For Life by Victoria Buetenko — it’s literally my bible. And Caroline De Maigret’s Instagram is amazing - full of funny quotes and cute videos - she’s an instant mood-lifter for me.
What are we likely to find you wearing on market day? Any favourite labels?
My favourite go-to’s are black jeans with sheer black knit singlets or sculpted midi skirts or pants. I love to layer. I will usually layer my swimwear pieces with sheer tops. Favourite go to’s for me are my Damir Doma singlets, T by Alexander Wang dresses, Bassike singlets, and Assin everything and my vintage designer pieces I stole from my mums wardrobe!
What can we expect from the next collection/what are your plans for 2016 and beyond?
Oh I’m so excited about our soon-to-launch collection! I truly believe in listening to our buyers wants and needs. It is a little more refined. We have some new bikini styles and a new one piece that I’m so obsessed with. We are also introducing some new fabrics and textures which I think all our IB girls will love. It is a little more sultry..a bit more vintage vixen! Stay Tuned for our November launch!
Why TVM?
It is perfect for us as it is a smaller, more curated market. To be amongst so many creative brands is in itself inspiring, and we feel the TVM shoppers come for that designer feel, that we love and appreciate.
What do you love most about attending TVM?
We have received really good feedback from our shoppers, and at the end of the day thats what inspires us to keep creating. Theres a great following that comes every week and we love being on their go-to list!
Connect with Island Boheme:
Website - www.islandboheme.com
Facebook - facebook.com/islandboheme
Instagram - @islandboheme
[Images provided by Island Boheme]