Issue 259: Ed's Letter

As I write this, I am finally enjoying some real sunshine…

…I’m in Sicily, spending some quality time with my family over the half-term holiday. This is a break I always look forward to because it's the opening of my summer. Often, the weather’s not that great in the UK, so I get to savour a little bit of warmth and wear my first swimsuit of the season.

We start off this issue with a brand that encapsulates summer in a truly contemporary way – Sea. Petro flew to NYC earlier this year to shoot creative director Monica at her home and take a look inside her wardrobe, which you can see on page 2Perfect WardrobeMonica Paolini. I remember a few seasons ago she did a beautiful tie-dye co-ord that I still regret not buying.

We then have our Swimwear Edit on page 5, rounding up the best pieces to buy this season. We’ve also got our ICONS Guide to the ultimate beach capsule wardrobe on page 4Icons GuideYour Ultimate Beach Capsule Wardrobe, which outlines the absolute must-haves for days by the sea. Polly’s done a great job of highlighting those key pieces that make up the perfect holiday wardrobe.

Talking of holiday wardrobes, I’m currently wearing my Mondo Corsini Vera dress, which is all I’ve wanted to put on – such a beautiful, easy shape and it doesn’t crinkle in your suitcase. It’s a grab-and-go item and works for everything from the beach to countryside strolls to dinner in town. We showcase how to wear it four different ways in Style Sheet on page 6Style Sheet4 Ways to Style The Vera Dress.

For more dresses, on page 3Trend ReportSummer Dress Trends 2023, we’ve got a whole trend report focusing on summer styles that you can wear everywhere this season. But if denim skirts, chinos and jeans are more your thing, turn to page 7Top TenBohemian Blouses to discover the 10 best bohemian blouses to pair with them.

Our guest edit comes courtesy of Luminaire founder Sukeena Rao – with decades of experience in personal shopping, she has an expert eye for the best pieces around. Take a look at her hotlist on page 8The Guest EditSukeena Rao's Hotlist. Turn to page 9Spotlight OnLoewe & The Art of Craft for this issue’s Spotlight On, which shines a light on LOEWE, a brand we love for its timeless bags and exceptional quality and craftsmanship. And, finally, don't miss your chance to win £500 to spend on one of our favourite sustainable swimwear brands, Away That Day, on page 10CompetitionWin with Away That Day.

I hope you’re reading this issue in the sunshine, but if not, it’s the perfect companion to help you plan your wardrobe for your next getaway.

Laura (& Petro)