THE INTERVIEW

Abbey Clancy

28 February 2019

Model, presenter, mother and now fashion and swimwear designer for Lipsy, Abbey Clancy is back with her second collection for the super-glam high-street brand.  What to expect? A bohemian rhapsody of gorgeous paisley and animal prints, Nineties-inspired slip dresses and a beachwear edit that instantly makes you want to book your next getaway. Here she reveals the inspiration behind the new range, her top tips for body confidence and the must-have pieces she’ll be taking home to her own wardrobe. 

SHOP THE COLLECTION

Describe the new spring collection in five words:

Glam, boho, feminine, stylish, cool.

Where did you find your inspiration?

I was inspired by the Nineties for this collection, as well as catwalk influences and then my own personal style and love of print. There are definitely a few classic staples in there as well.

What are your favourite trends for SS19?

Animal print is a really strong trend at the moment and I love the Nineties supermodel-inspired slip dresses, like the one I have in my collection (found here). Boho and paisley patterns are great right now too and I also love experimenting with different cuts and textures in swimwear.

How do you see the range working within an everyday wardrobe?

It’s perfect for everyday and that’s where my own personal style has had an influence. For me, I need to be comfortable in whatever I’m wearing but still want to look good and feel dressed up enough so that it boosts my confidence. There are a lot of day-to-night pieces in the range, for example: the cami dress can be paired with sandals and then glammed up for evening with a pair of heels. And then you can mix in classic staples like a biker jacket to keep your look timeless. 

Which are your favourite pieces and why?

I love the snakeprint swimsuit with the belt (below) – it has a real James Bond vibe and instantly makes you feel powerful and sexy. It also comes with a gorgeous matching dress to wear over the top if you’re nipping to the pool bar and you want to cover up. The cami dress is really versatile and perfectly on trend, it doesn’t need much styling and you can roll it up in your suitcase if you’re taking it on holiday. I also love the leather jacket, it's a great transitional piece that every woman should have in her wardrobe.

Can you describe the process for designing the swim range? Is it drastically different to clothing?

Whether it’s swimwear or everyday pieces the same question is always in the back of your mind: is this going to look good on everyone? From bigger busts to smaller bottoms, you always have to be aware of the typical self-conscious areas that women have. Designing swimwear is something I really enjoy as it’s my ultimate goal – I have a personal bikini obsession so it feels amazing to create pieces that I want to wear too. And the great thing is that swimwear isn’t just for going in the water now. There is a real lifestyle aspect to it with pool parties and women wanting to look stylish on the beach – I think in those cases people are less bothered about tan lines and practicality. It's become more fashion driven and a lot of clothing trends filter through.

What are your top tips for feeling body confident in swimwear?

Wear a cut that suits you and make sure that it’s good quality so that it doesn’t go see-through or baggy as soon as you go in the water.  Choosing a colour that complements your skin is also important.

List five things you can’t live without on holiday:

Bikinis, sunscreen (I wear factor 50), a hat, a good book and Spotify.

Who do you envisage wearing Abbey Clancy x Lipsy?

Everyone. When we were designing it we knew it had to be versatile to suit women of all different ages and sizes. It’s for people who want to look great and feel confident and sexy in what they’re wearing.

SHOP THE COLLECTION