Les vacances d’Irina is a brand that makes your holiday dreams come true. Looking to the Mediterranean for inspiration and drawing on style in the fifties and sixties, Les vancances D’Irina is all about simplicity and the dream world using only the best natural fabrics.
You have said it all started with a basket found in a flea market but when did you decide to start your own brand?
True. It all started with a beautiful vintage straw basket.
Almost 3 years ago I decided to start the Les vacances d'Irina brand. Before creating my own brand, I worked with a Romanian designer for almost 5 years and this helped me to understand the business but the idea of Les vacances came from a person very close and dear to me. They introduced me to the Mediterranean and made me fall in love with natural materials, the noisy taverns on the beach and everything that means good taste but in a very simple and sophisticated way.
The hardest thing when I started was the fact that I had to do everything myself and I was working very, very hard. Everything I earned, I had to reinvest right back in to the business. I didn't have initial investment capital I could count on. That made growing the business difficult and slow, but it also gave me the opportunity to fully experience and learn from every step of the way.
How do you get inspired?
I must admit that I find much of my inspiration in my vacations but also in everyday life. I like to walk a lot and observe people. I happen to find details in simple people, that inspire me enormously. I also love museums and I always take little notes when I visit them.
What is your biggest achievement?
Les vacances d'Irina à Tokyo is my biggest achievement, there is no doubt.
For me, getting my own branded store window in Tokyo, at the International Gallery Beams, was what seemed an impossible dream come true. The entire collaboration with the Japanese taught me so much - it really upped my game and is something I will always be grateful for. It brought with it big improvement in the products, the quality of the materials and the attention to production details.
What is your favourite piece from the latest collection?
My favourite piece is The too short island dress. When you wear it it's like wearing little more than a cloud! There is no need to iron the cotton because it is perfect in its natural state. It's very sexy and also practical which is not a usual combo...
As your brand is dedicated to the art of holidaying and relaxation where is your favourite holiday destination?
I love Italy. The south, especially. Panarea, for example, it is Paradiso for me. But I don't want to be unfair to Greece because some of its islands are just divine. Hydra, for example - I could see myself living there forever.
This July, I will be by the sea in Greece and Italy. And also, with a bit of luck, in August...
What are you looking forward to in the future and what does it look like for Les vacances d’Irina?
I want to continue to create. I would do it all day if I could..!
I see a wonderful future for Les vacances d'Irina and I am so motivated to do everything it takes, to make this brand meaningful day-by-day. I want to expand the brand with a line for kids "Les vacances des enfants" and I'm also thinking of a new, related brand with a very sexy touch.