Island life à la Love Brand

All good things are born out of love. Take Love Brand, creator of luxury beachwear that’s made for the discerning traveller. Putting sustainability, premium craftsmanship and eco-friendly practices at its heart, the Bahamas-based label is on a mission to give back to endangered wildlife and minimise fashion’s negative impact – that’s all while looking effortlessly chic.

Here, SJ Villas speaks to one half of Love Brand’s husband-and-wife founders, Oliver Tomalin, on his inspirations, which pieces he’s packing in his suitcase and just what makes The Bahamas such a haven.

Tell us about your origin story – what inspired you to create Love Brand?

The inspiration for the brand came from my wife Rose, my love of beach lifestyle and a commitment to wildlife conservation. Over a decade ago, we wanted to create a brand that combined stylish, sustainable fashion with a mission to protect the planet. Love is the driving ethos behind our brand and that is why we chose to name ourselves “Love Brand” – a label with heart at its core. Since the start we have aimed to use our luxury pieces as a vehicle for giving back to conservation efforts around the world; helping endangered species including sharks and coral reefs in The Bahamas and, most notably, elephants in India and Kenya. This is symbolised in our logo – two mirrored elephants forming a heart.

What makes the brand special?

Love Brand is so personal. We essentially design what we love ourselves and give back to what we feel is important. It means the world to us when other people feel our brand is special to them too. Special or not, how we are different is the way we blend style with sustainability and giving back, never losing sight of our love of the beach and good times. We don’t take ourselves too seriously – although we are serious about conservation and design, our products are created for enjoying life and celebrating the world while doing our bit.

We’re perfectionists and every detail is important, using environmentally friendly materials and eco-conscious production processes. The prints are also inspired by nature and endangered species – and tell a story of the conservation projects we are supporting. Our customers aren’t just purchasing clothing; they’re also giving back and helping raise awareness for protecting our planet. In a post-pandemic space, we have witnessed a consumer shift to conscious maximalism, and it feels like the world has moved closer to our Love Brand values. We can enjoy the good times and love the planet too (and discover how one doesn’t have to cost the other). Wearing Love Brand is about enjoying giving back to the environment, whether on a beach, by a river, in the jungle or at home on a summer’s day.

Tell us about Love Brand’s connection to The Bahamas, and why you love it there?

Rose’s grandfather was posted as governor of The Bahamas in the 1950s and since then her family have had a special connection with the Bahamian cays. Rose’s grandmother founded the Ranfurly Library Service, which later became Book Aid International, as well as the Ranfurly Home for Children, which still exists today in downtown Nassau. Rose grew up with one foot in Bahamian waters and, soon after meeting me, took me on holiday to her family’s favourite spot in Exuma. The effortlessly chic and laid-back vibe of the islands has inspired me to design our version of the ultimate beach lifestyle ever since.

Which Love Brand pieces are a must in your holiday suitcase?

I love our exclusive turtle print in partnership with SJ Villas, telling the story of the nesting season and the importance of reducing artificial light around nesting beaches so the little turtle hatchlings can find their way safely to the ocean.

I never go away (or anywhere really) without one (or several) Love Brand linen shirts – I adore linen. They are a summer holiday’s best friend, as perfect for days on the beach as they are for long evenings out, or at the villa with family and friends. Our premium shirts are lightweight, breathable and incredibly soft, crafted in Europe from 100 per cent pure linen milled from Belgian and French flax, and finished with buttons made from Brazilian corozo nuts.

What's the most memorable holiday you've been on and why?

Since day one we have supported our charity partner Elephant Family, founded by Mark Shand, the late brother of Queen Camilla. Rose and I met Mark in 2010 and we were inspired to go to India and meet Tara, the elephant who featured in his book, Travels on My Elephant.

Rose and I had barely been dating more than a few months when we flew to Delhi and on to Jabalpur, before seemingly risking it all on the hairy drive to Kipling Camp in Kanha National Park. Spending time with Tara the elephant, watching her graze and washing her in the lake was a magical moment that has stayed with me. After a week on tiger safari, we went exploring the beaches and backwaters of Kerala.

What's your top travelling tip?

Go for it! It’s all too easy to move on or pass by opportunities when travelling and think, ‘We will do it later’ or ‘We will come back’. Experiences are in the moment and have to be taken when they present themselves. 

Discover Love Brand’s new-season collection here.