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For British Vogue’s Fashion Features Editor Laura Hawkins, one thing is mandatory this summer: a white cotton skirt. But what’s the one pair of shoes that replaces all her others? Find out below…
What’s your essential summer purchase—and why do you love it?
I'm a fairly low-key holiday dresser—you'll usually just find me in shorts and a bikini top on the beach—but this summer, I've been swept up by the white cotton skirt trend (paired with retro trainers and a vintage tee), which has dominated the streets of London and usurped the dominance of the classic white summer dress. I picked up an inexpensive version from Zara, with an easy elasticated waistband and a balloon hem, which I plan to wear with said bikini top, a band tee, and Ancient Greek Sandals jelly flats all summer and the next. I'm also pretty sure Rosalia has the same one!
What’s a beauty product that everybody should get their hands on—and why?
I can count my summer beauty packing products on a single hand: The less I can schlep around in my luggage, the better. My all-round hero? Dior Solar's Sublimating Oil, a grease-free moisturizing oil which can be applied to the face, hair, or body and has a subtle sparkling texture which enhances your tan after sundown.
What’s a place you love to visit—and how do you spend your time there?
I take an annual pilgrimage to the Arles photography festival in the south of France, and tucked amongst the tiny winding streets of the city there are an incredible array of eateries and cafes in which to enjoy an aperitif after a day of back-to-back photography shows. Head to the legendary Le Nord-Pinus Hotel, which is currently hosting a pop-up by Mexican chef Eduardo Lalo García (I spotted Martin Parr dining there this time around), have a martini in the garden of the eclectic Hotel L'Arlatan, and a three-course dinner at Le Galoubet, a longtime favorite of the visiting art crowd, which this year included Frances McDormand.
What’s the one summer shoe you can’t recommend enough?
My usual pair of trusty sliders have been replaced by Ancient Greek Sandals's jelly flats. These are such a versatile shoe for your carry-on luggage—as perfect for dinner as for exploring rock pools.
What’s one accessory you can’t do without—and why?
This could be a large pair of shades, a shawl for when the evenings get chilly, or a hair clip for breezy days.I bought Bottega Veneta's square frame tortoiseshell sunglasses for my wedding day in May 2022, and despite the fact that I accidentally left them in my hotel room on the day of, I have barely taken them off since. The frame shape is so flattering, the colorway timeless, and the gold hardware utterly luxurious. No other pair could ever compete.
