Tell us a little about yourself

I am originally from Germany, but I have been traveling the world since I finished school. On my travels I discovered my love for photography and storytelling. Three years ago, on a trip to Costa Rica, I took my first surf lesson and have been hooked ever since. It was surfing that brought me to California (and maybe a cute surfer boy) and I have been living here for a year now.

What surprised you about travelling in this part of Australia?

Firstly how busy the roads are at this time of year! We travelled in the school holidays which made everything very packed and all those highlight destinations crowded. We, however, woke most mornings at first light and did all our exploring then! It made for a much cooler hike too! 

What did you get up to? What is there to do?

We travelled first from Katherine to Umbrawarra Gorge where we did the bitter springs which had beautiful crystal clear blue water and were WARM! Kind of like your day at the spa when living on the road but it’s all FREE.

We then went to the gorge and met up with some friends we met along the way and had campfires most nights. We would star gaze in the beanie and jumper for a good hour as there is minimal artificial light so the sky was incredible. We went swimming in several water holes along the gorge and spent a whole day out there exploring the rock art and lounging in the sun with a good book. There was so much wildlife around and only us, you could hear the sounds of birds and the rustle of the wind but it was utter peace and serenity. 

We then ventured to the famous Kakadu National Park where we spent afew nights checking out Ubirr Rock known for its artwork and then spent sunset on Nawurlandja Rock. We sipped gin and tonics and waved goodbye to the sun, it was something out of this world.

We also enjoyed Litchfield National park, where we did TOLMER falls, Florence falls and Wangi Falls. All so beautiful and the fresh water was so nice to cool off in! The days were a perfect temp up until lunch to which we retreated to the Museum in Darwin for a tour through some incredible young aussie artists and a viewing of the damage from hurricane tracy. It also was free and air conditioned so that was a plus!  

Favourite time of day in the NT:

Sunsets: out the back, the flies go to bed and sometimes so do the mozzies!

Sunrise: when the temp is perfect and we can pop the back open and lay watching the a new day begin

Now for the fun stuff, we want the inside scoop on your top travel tips for the NT:

1. Always where sun protection! We sunscreen up daily, wear hats, long sleeves can be perfect like the mini dress you sent! 
2. As much as it is hot it can also be quite cold inland, so pack something cosy like the Venus Jumper in Lavender- the Venus Beanie in Lavender was great for those bad hair days! 
3. If your travelling in peak season like we did, book your camps via the national parks app (it’s a new system that is online) and it saves the stressful night looking for camp.
4. Get a good playlist sorted and some podcasts for those long days driving! 
5. Immerse yourself into the culture, talk to locals, read the signs and do your research before hand. The people are so caring and giving and the whole top end of the NT has a real sense of community, something we often miss in cities. 
6. Spend your mornings and afternoons walking and doing those bucket list hikes and your lunch time swimming in the bitter springs and the waterfalls. 

We absolutely loved the NT, the change of scenery from blue water was actually refreshing and the sheer size of some of the cliffs and mountains was incredible to see in person. Photos don’t do this place justice, you will have to see it for yourselves! 

Shop Alex's Arnhem Picks 

Travel is back in full swing, we know you’re destination ready! Here is everything you need to have in your bag

Get your Harley Mini Dress  and the Kate Mules in moss for an easy and yet elegant look. 

It’s always handy to have a dress for dinner & sunset drinks. The Farrah Dress is the perfect plain dress for any occasion. Pair it with some sandals or high heels for a more dressy look. Don’t forget to add some sparkle with some jewellery!

Whether is a maxi or a mini skirt, make sure to pack one to go looking for those hidden gems around a new city or simply walking barefoot on the beach. Put on a knit for that afternoon breeze.

SHOP SKIRTS  |  SHOP KNITS  |  SHOP TOPS

Pack a crisp white organic cotton blouse to pair perfectly with your fave print or denim.

Finish the look with some accessories and shoes for the occasion and add a beanie for cooler weather or a hat for those sunny days.

And don’t forget a cozy set for those transit days in the car or the plane. Check out the Monica Belt Bag, it can be worn cross-body, around the waist, or as a shoulder bag with a 75cm custom chain.

The French way is all about being effortlessly chic. That's the reason why we named this collection Je Ne Sais Quoi – there is just something about French style that is so special, it can't be described.

GET THE LOOK

From their voices to their style, these 60s icons were all over our moodboards for this collection. Brigitte Bardot, Francoise Hardy, Anna Karina and Jane Birkin.

SHOP THE COLLECTION

A style of ornamental art that flourished between about 1890 and 1910 throughout Europe. This style is characterized by its use of long, sinuous, organic lines and was most often used in architecture, interior design, jewelry, glass design, posters, and illustration.

SHOP THE COLLECTION

Shot by Mariane Guillon @marianeguillon, Model @claratlan, Makeup by @mariehairmakeup, Styling Assistant @hilarygrigsby, Production by @brynnewman And a huge thanks to our French fashion designer turned translator and production assistant, @helenekonig.

SHOP THE COLLECTION

We have been obsessed with @wildroadwanderers for a while now. Their effortless lifestyle, beautiful imagery, and travel destinations are nothing less than lust-worthy. We were so keen to live the van life like Jess, Jed and Banjo  (jealous much) that we had to ask for some tips on how we could build our very own adventure mobiles. 

Hi! Jess Batheran here! These are our top tips from what we have learnt along the way building our adventure mobiles; 

1. First off, decide what your budget is for your adventure mobile. Figure out what will suit your needs best - whether that be a Van, Bus, Caravan, Troopy or 4wd Truck. Take your time choosing your camper and make sure it's in good mechanical condition. It's always important to check the kilometers, age of the car, tires, brakes, leaks and if it makes any noises.  

2. Next you'll want to measure everything in your camper: length, width and height. Getting all the measurements right is important when you start your build so your equipment fits in right.

3. Make a plan - write down things you want to include in your fit out and head to Pinterest and Instagram for some inspiration. Once you figure out your priorities, you can start drawing up your dream design, like fitting pieces into a puzzle. Play around with some different options until you are happy with it. If your traveling with kids make sure you make a space to store all the fun stuff! 

4. Start your build. Keep the materials you use as lightweight as possible ~ it will keep your camper more fuel-efficient and will save you money when filling up. 

5. Some equipment that's a must is a 12V fridge, a good dual battery system and solar panels to charge your batteries

6. Buy good quality gear, as it will last much longer, be more durable and will stand the test of time across the wild lands. 

7. We recommend going to a rubber and foam shop to test out the mattress's and getting some cut to the perfect size that you need.

8. Get cozy ~ invest in some good linen bedding, put up a few photos and add battery powered fairy lights, makes it feel warm and homely. 

9. We love natural light in our campers, however sometimes you need to block out light to sleep. Curtains are really handy - make them yourself, it's super easy and fun! Head to a craft store, pick some linen and dust off a sewing machine. 

10. Sunset showers are a ideal way to end the day. Solar shower bags are incredible - you can find them at your local camp store. 

Enjoy your home on wheels and take the roads less travelled.

Shop Jess' Looks:

Babylon Maxi Dress in Sunray

Babylon Tunic Dress in Midnight dropping 24th of March at 10am AEDT

To celebrate the launch of our latest Made in Australia collection, Haven, we've asked a few of our favourite travellers to share their must-see Australian destinations.

For the third stop on our Australia Travel Guide series, we’re exploring South Australia with visual storytellers Alex and James, of @twosometravellers

Explore what this dream couple have to say about their latest trip around South Australia in ‘Naia the bus’ their Toyota Coaster campervan. From the wine country, to crystalline waters and the rich dusty outback find out all the insider tips you need for your SA visiting pleasure…

Must explore…

There are so many places that we have visited on our road trip around Australia that deserve a mention, but our more recent travels through South Australia have just blown us away! We have spent time hugging the coastline of the Eyre Peninsula, tasting amazing wines through the famous South Australian wine regions and exploring the beaches on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The Eyre Peninsula is a 7 hour drive from Adelaide, remote enough that it means pristine, white sandy beaches. On both the Eyre & Fleurieu peninsulas, they’re the perfect places to spend your days soaking up the magical coastline and enjoying sunset swims in the ocean. The wine regions are another favourite, driving through the rolling hills with a landscape that is full of vineyards, it is a magnificent sight!

Favorite beaches…

Where to even begin, South Australia is most definitely home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the whole of Australia…. but to name a couple of special places!

Sellicks Beach on the Fleurieu peninsula, South Australia has such a beautiful rugged coastline, the best part is it’s so accessible from Adelaide, it is the perfect place to watch the sun disappear over the ocean.

Almonta Beach is in Coffin Bay National park, another beautiful spot on the southern trip of the Eyre Peninsula. Driving through the National park has you feeling like you’re in Europe! The landscape and terrain feels different to other parts of South Australia, and the white sands at Almonta beach are just something else all together! A special place to spend the day.

Picnic Beach in Point Drummond is the perfect bay to take a swim. We saw dolphins every single day during our stay at the campground here.

Southport beach at Port Noarlunga. It is pretty convenient from Adelaide but when you’re there feels miles away from any kind of city. The stairs leading down to the beach are also a very picturesque spot.

Best places to stay...

For a bit of luxury, we recommend checking out the Greenly Carriage which is the most beautiful converted train carriage turned into a tiny home at Greenly Beach on the Eyre Peninsula. We also fell in love with the areas around the Barossa Valley, where you can camp up amongst the wineries.

Have to taste…

After spending a few days in the vineyards across South Australia, it would have to be the incredible wines in the Barossa and Clare Valley regions. These areas are well known for their resiling and shiraz, there are over 100 wineries to visit and taste the local wines and produce. Jacobs Creek winery was a favourite as you can take a walk around the grounds and learn a bit more about the grapes used.

Best coffee…

I have to be biased and say ‘Naia the bus’ as my husband makes the best Oat cappuccino around! But apart from that, Goodness Coffee at Aldinga is delicious. Drift at Streaky Bay is another great spot overlooking the water.

Do in a day…

Start with a coffee at one of the many good cafes, beach hop down the Fleurieu peninsula and take a long walk along the dramatic coastline. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon with a picnic at the beach and end the day watching the sunset over Sellicks.

For a weekend trip...

Take the 2 hour drive to the wineries in South Australia, our favourites are the Barossa Valley and Clare Valley. If you take or rent a campervan, there are so many awesome places to stay amongst the vines and enjoy a wine tasting session at the delicious boutique wineries. The drive is absolutely beautiful too, the little towns along the away are gorgeous and worth a stop to have some lunch and take a few snaps.

What to pack…

Camera, hat and a gorgeous dress!

Insider’s tip…

As we have been camping in our motorhome during this trip, apps such as Wikicamps and Campermate are so helpful to find beautiful places to stay while visiting this region. It also has other helpful tips including places to visit, beaches and points of interest along the drive.

Don’t miss…

The pink salt lakes at Lochiel. Lake Bumbunga is worth the short detour from Clare Valley - it is such a unique sight in Australia!

If you're feeling inspired to explore SA, in need of some daily wanderlust inspiration, or want to know more about van life follow Alex & James @twosometravellers on Instagram and follow the link in bio for some truly epic resources. 

Loving what Alex is wearing: explore our new Made in Australia collection, Haven online here. 

p.s...

The cute pink floral that visited the vineyards is our Sophia Strappy Midi Dress in Peony. 

And the beautiful, timeless white dress is our Heavenly Midi Dress in Shell. 

To celebrate the launch of our newest Made in Australia collection, Haven, we've asked a few of our favourite travellers to share their must-see Australian destinations.

First up, our girl Ashley took us to Tasmania so for the next stop on our Australia Travel Guide series, we reached out to our long-time love Kirianna of @rileys_travels. A creative mind and prolific wanderer, it seemed only natural for Kirianna to share her incredible travel experiences around Oz, seeing as her whole family (husband & 2 kids) are on their second lap of Australia in their Kombi ‘Izzie’!

To indulge in some escapism, find those must-have Australian experiences to add to the bucket list, and for some family friendly travel tips, read on…



Must explore…
When I think of Australia I am drawn to the textures and colours of the Kimberlys. A place with deep history, rawness and beauty. I believe every child and person should see Uluru, and the Bungle Bungles. There is a feeling and connection made when you visit and admire these wondrous natural formations. Nothing beats seeing it to learn.


Favourite beaches…
Cable Beach, Broome. Now that I have children, I search for beaches to relax. This is where my two built sandcastles while camels casually bumped on past. This is the best sunset beach in Australia.

Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand. Can anything be more iconic than a hopping kangaroo on a pristine beach? I doubt it! You can take vehicles onto the beach, so pop your brolly and BBQ in and unwind right there in the company of baby roos.

Whitehaven, Airlie Beach. It's the most romantic beach in Australia, Being so remote you can also have it to yourself. Access via tours, seaplane or charter. We struggled to leave. Take some bubbles and enjoy.

Turquoise Beach, Exmouth. The home to the whale sharks, Exmouth clearly holds the throne for most pristine waters and saline here in Australia and its beaches are none the less. SUP around the clear seas of Turquoise beach while the kids snorkel with thousands of friendly fish and turtles.

Hutt Lagoon, Yallabatharra. A pink lake is a must see, the children couldn’t believe their eyes. Pull in and have a picnic right there as the crystals of salt sparkle away.

Best places to stay…
Yacht, Queensland. Onboard a yacht is always nice, Queensland Yacht Charters offer catamaran’s for hire. We sailed the Whitsundays for 4 glorious days. As a family this couldn’t have been a more fun idea, snorkeling, whale watching and sunsets on deck.

Tiwi Island Retreat, Darwin. The entire stay is an unforgettable experience. Fish, crabbing swimming and local crocs pop past to say hi.

Zoofari, Dubbo. Wake up to giraffes at your door - say no more. Experience Africa right here in Australia, followed by authentic safari prepared dinners.

Albury, NSW. Free camp the Murray River, have a fire under the stars and enjoy the sound of the slow river passing by.

Eco Cabins, VIC. Tiny homes are a way to feel closer to nature without leaving an imprint; composting loos and luxury views are the idea behind these very low impact stays. We enjoyed Larnook in the Dandenong Ranges where you can see the peninsular.

Monkey Mia, WA. If I told you, you can camp on the water’s edge where dolphins skip past would your jaw drop? Because mine did. This National Park cares for the local dolphins and they are so friendly you can literally be in the water as they sneak past.


Have to taste…
Bicheno Lobster Shack their lobster brioche is return worthy - Tasmania

Burst open those taste buds with a Laksa from Mary’s at Mindil Markets - Darwin

I will never forget the Breakfast tacos and mushrooms on toast from The Little Larder - Port Douglas.

Cheese will be the death of me, and Yarra Valley Dairy sent me straight to heaven. Enjoy a variety of cheeses spread out onto a platter with a perfect backdrop, while they take the kids to feed the goats.


Best coffee…
Allpress 

☕️ I love Sparrow (who use Allpress) located in both Bryon, Bangalow, Burleigh Heads, Nobbys Beach and Port Douglas.


Do in a day…
Every day the kids and I pack lunch boxes, it’s about the only thing I am organised with. Then we head for a morning swim; Riley and Alba love the ocean and it’s a great way to free your mind for the day.

My children love maps and giving directions, they search our destinations and help find the way.


For a weekend trip…
We absolutely love the mid north coast from Yamba to Scotts Head, NSW.

Bellingen has cute cafes and secret swimming holes. Hyde Store has THE BEST caramel slice of my life — also a must eat from above.

Sawtell is a fun summer town with wicked fish and chips.

Valla Beach is a place for peace and blue water; I recommend a nutty slice from The Nourish cafe and grocer.

Scotts Head, we love to stop into Macksville for an old school milkshake from The River Cafe before hitting the surf at Scotts Head.

For weekends in Yallingup, WA, camp seaside and enjoy watching the surfers as the kids have breakfast. It’s a place for relaxation, and perfect beaches.

We also love weekends in Denmark, WA. This quiet and resourceful town is quietly becoming a favourite. The beaches here are mind-blowing with rock pools to paddle in and larger Elephant looking rocks to admire. A great weekend escape.


What to pack…(essentials!)
Good sunscreen and lip balm is always first into the bag, and large reusable water bottles. Haribo gummies for hikes and kiddies. Wandering Folk rug, wet buckets and a good book.

Plus your fave easy to wear Arnhem dresses

Insider’s tip…

1. Packing cubes are your best friend, keeping everything organised and safe.
2. Fire cooking is the most rewarding style of feeding family and friends.

Don’t miss…
Chasing waterfalls in, Karinjini, WA. Hot days and long hikes call for a dip in the glorious waterfalls.

Yarra Valley, VIC. Discover a whole new world of rolling hills and organic produce.

Kangaroo Island, SA. A place for healing and where you will discover sea lions in caves.

Magnetic Island, QLD. Its magic and Maggie will be etched in your heart. Check out the kangaroo sanctuary and enjoy Horseshoe Bay.

Kalbari, WA. Sunrise can be hard but with kids it’s pretty inevitable, so we decided to go for a drive and discovered the beauty of Murchison Gorge. Watch the sunlight slowly open the gorge.

Life's busy, so whilst you may not be able to be at these amazing Australian destinations right now, you can still live life vicariously by following Kirianna's adventures on Instagram @rileys_travels

You can also read some of our previous journal posts with Kirianna:

Sustainable Travel Tips with @rileys_travels

Family Travels with @rileys_travels

Shop our new Made in Australia collection, Haven, as seen on @rileys_travels online here.

To celebrate the launch of our newest Made in Australia collection, Haven, we've asked a few of our favourite travellers to share their must-see Australian destinations. 

For the first in our Australia Travel Guide series, we’re exploring Tasmania with travel, lifestyle and adventure photographer, Ashley Dobson.

Below Ashley shares her fondest memories and visual diary from her expedition to Tasmania including what to see, eat and explore, plus those insider travel secrets that will enhance your next adventure…

 
Must Explore...
Oh where do I even start? I’ll try and make this one short because I could go on and on, but I’ll give you my top 5 places I would recommend if you were visiting Tasmania.

1. Bruny Island - amazing for beaches & oysters! Make sure to grab a fresh loaf at Bruny Baker. It was the best bread I’ve ever had.

2. Maria Island - Beautiful beaches and wombats in the wild, this is a must!

3. Bay of Fires - The beaches here are unreal and I’ve never seen anywhere like it. The fiery red rocks, white sand and turquoise water is incredible.

4. Cradle Mountain - you could spend days here or make it a day trip. I recommend doing the walk around Dove Lake.

5. Richmond - Richmond is the cutest little town and I always find myself going back. You need to check out the famous bridge (make sure to bring duck food), antique shops, and the bakery. It is definitely worth visiting!

Favourite Beaches…
All of the beaches are so beautiful in Tassie. Wineglass Bay is one of my all-time faves. You can get the best view from Mount Amos or a scenic flight. Bay of Fires is incredible, and I’ll never get sick of going here. The best beaches are: The Gardens, Binalong Bay and Jeannette Beach.

Best Places to Stay…
Picking where to stay is one of my favourite parts about going to Tasmania. The Airbnb’s here are part of the Tassie experience. There are so many different Airbnb’s you can choose and every single one of them has something unique. To name a few of my favourites... Captains Rest, Bruny Boathouse, Ship Inn Stanley, Captains Cottage, and House of the Weedy Sea-dragon. 

Have to Taste...
I highly recommend you go to Franklin and check out Franks Cider House and Will Smith’s Apple Shed. You need to try the homemade apple pie at both places and pick your fave. My favourite was at Will Smith’s, but both are so incredible. 

In Hobart I recommend Preachers for the beer and burgers, so delish! Fish Frenzy for the best Fish and Chips and If you’re a sushi fan check out Kosaten Japanese Restaurant, the sushi is so fresh.

If you’re heading to Richmond, I recommend going to the Richmond Bakery to try the vanilla slice and a scallop pie (yes weird combo, I know) but they are to die for.

If you are heading to Bruny Island and are an oyster lover like myself, head over to Get Shucked. If you like beer, cheese and wine go to the Bruny Island Cheese Company.

Best Coffee...
Sisterhood in Hobart, Cubed Espresso Bar in Eaglehawk Neck, The Coffee Shack in Strahan, and Jackman & McRoss in Battery Point.

Do in a Day...
If you have a day to spare in Hobart, go to Mona - Museum of Old and New Art. Then when you’re finished, go up to Mt. Wellington and get the best views of Hobart!

For a Weekend Trip…
Bruny Island - it is the perfect getaway and there’s so much to explore.

What to Pack...
Camera, a jumper, cute dress & duck food.

Insider’s Tip...
If you go to Bay Of Fires, there are so many hidden gems to find. Don’t just stick to the popular beaches, go for a wander. The best tip I can give is go on your google maps satellite version and find some hidden beaches. 

Don’t Miss...
Lettes Bay, Strahan. My #1 favourite place in Tasmania for so many reasons. This place is magical and it’s worth the drive. I recommend staying at Captains Rest or Bushy Summers.

If you're looking for an Instagram travel account that you can live vicariously through follow Ashley @ashleydobson

We’ve forever been inspired by the spellbinding, wonderland that Mother Nature has provided as our playground. When looking at the most beautiful places in the world, it’s often been impossible to decide where to visit next. But with border closures, travel restrictions and ongoing uncertainty, location scouting for our shoots and campaigns has been a challenge in the past year. With the pandemic driving our return to home, and as we all adapt to change, exploring the raw beauty of our homeland, Australia, has been one of our most positive outcomes.

When we started mood boarding Forget Me Not, we began with our girl. An adventure seeker, strong and decisive, playful and romantic, with an absolute lust for living. With a deep connection to Mother Nature, we saw her steeped in shades of earth, in carefree silhouettes collecting memories and extraordinary experiences. We let our wanderlust run free as we thought about where she might explore.

Taking cues from those sorely missed days of travel, Arnhem began flicking through photographs from her 2018 family trip around Australia…

"This is it, one of the most magical places on earth - Cape Leveque – it’s truly unforgettable."

Cape Leveque is at the northernmost tip of the Dampier Peninsula in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Situated some 240 kilometres north of Broome, on native title land, Arnhem recalled the astonishing diversity, pristine wilderness and unique landscape with such warmth and longing, we knew we had found the location.

"Cape Leveque was my favourite part of Australia. It’s a land of diverse and stark beauty, where the red earth meets the pure blue sky. As we were driving in, along this remote dirt road, hours from Broome, we were met with a traditionally dressed indigenous man holding a spear on his way to fish the Cape. It’s a place that transports you to a world that feels so far away right now. I love the wild landscape and the traditional owners still living off and in harmony with the land. Completely deserted white sand beaches, rugged red cliffs, clear turquoise water and sunsets that set your heart on fire. I’ve never felt so connected."

So, when the opportunity presented, our team of four headed off to WA to capture our new collection, Forget Me Not.

From Broome our team travelled to Lombadina, before heading on to Cygnet Bay and our final destination Cape Leveque. The sandy red road led us to a wonderland that we couldn’t wait to explore. Crystal clear waters, white sand beaches and iron red rocks that punctuated wide open spaces only later to be burnt by the deep, rich shades of sunset.  

Isolated and idyllic, Cape Leveque is cared for by traditional custodians, the Bardi Jawi people. Originally known as Kooljaman, it’s believed to have been first populated by Indigenous Australians 40,000 years ago, with the history of sacred song lines and places of dreaming shared through lore.

We are showered every day with the gifts of Mother Earth, and it is eminently present at Cape Leveque. The Bardi Jawi culture understands and preserves the covenant of reciprocity. Their way of life is conducted with the inherent knowing that for the Earth to stay in balance and for the gifts to continue to flow, we must give back in equal measure for what we take. The indigenous communities of Cape Leveque share their knowledge and stories with guests through guided tours, and open invitation to spiritually connect with country.

We were able to connect with that sense of spirit as we experienced this wonderful part of country. Respectfully using the canvas that Mother Nature has provided to capture the beauty of our sustainable collection Forget Me Not, our intention to live in reciprocity was strengthened evermore. Everything that we choose to create is done so in balance with the ecological systems of Mother Earth so that life as we know it can flourish, and to this we will forever be committed.

This collection was born of freedom and adventure and became a celebration of one of the most beautiful places on earth. Crafted from natural, organic fibres we hope that each piece from Forget Me Not  inspires unforgettable moments and are worn in homage to Mother Earth.