It’s that time of year again, when the nights draw closer, the days shorten, and we can’t wait to hunker down and get cosy. Autumn Equinox, 22nd September (when the sun crosses the celestial equator and equally illuminates both hemispheres) marks the beginning of the season, and soon after that, comes the harvest moon. Historically, […]
STYLE & BEAUTY
The Libra Edit: Ideas and inspiration for your air sign friends
It’s time to welcome in Libra season (September 23rd – October 22nd) and with it comes the charm, glamour and sparkle that Libras exude so effortlessly. In true Libra style, we’ve pulled together a balance of present ideas – just in case you’re in need of some inspiration. As Libras are ruled by Venus, planet […]
Back to Origin: Local Icons – Pippa Small
This London-based jeweller, whose designs are available on Monsoon, believes in creating designs that not only capture memories, but that will evoke emotional connections for generations to come. Tell us about what makes Portobello home to you. Have you got any secret gems of knowledge you can reveal about the area? I have been rummaging […]
Back To Origin: Local Icons – Chloe Alberry
Door handles should be the ‘Jewellery of the House’, according to Chloe Alberry, the Portobello-based maker whose unique creations are now available to buy on the Monsoon site. Tell us about what makes Portobello home to you? Portobello Road still has a unique, quirky, friendly feel to it. Visually it’s very beautiful with all […]
5 ways to lean in to autumn this year
Temperatures are starting to drop; the days are getting darker and it’s time to hunker down. To help ease you into the shift in seasons we’ve pulled together our top 5 products to help you transition whilst also taking care of yourself… This season is all about deeper sleeping, self-care and of course, being cosy. […]
Back to Origin: Chapter Four – Portobello
We’re on a journey back to the roots of our brand, to the locations that first inspired us when we set up our stall in the 1970s. This autumn, we’re revisiting the very place Monsoon started. Welcome to Chapter Four – Portobello. .. Rows of colourful town houses, the hustle and bustle of market traders as they […]
The Virgo Edit: 10 gift ideas for your earth sign friends
It’s Virgo season (August 23rd – September 22nd) and we know how tricky it can be to find the perfect present. We’ve selected 10 very virgo-licious presents for your earth-sign friends.
For the planner Virgos, the body and soul-conscious Virgos and, of course, the Virgos who are all about the details – we have something for each of them.
So, come with us as we take you through our top 10 picks that are sure to make you a hit at their birthday soirees.
List making, party planning and getting a ‘date in the diary’ for your next catch up can be real passion projects for Virgos, so treat them to a noteworthy notebook. Or, if they prefer to delve deeper into their own star sign and expand their knowledge on astrological life and harnessing the ancient power of the zodiac, there’s the wonderful Virgo book from Bookspeed.
We all know how strong-minded Virgos can be, it’s no wonder they like to keep their mind and body healthy and active in order to power through. Whether they prefer making wholesome meals, taking some me-time or focusing on their yoga poses, we have gifts to suit every Virgo.
One of the many reasons Virgos make such good friends… is because of their attention to detail. Be it remembering the technicalities of a story you told months ago, your favourite coffee order, or noticing the specifics of your shoe choice, a Virgo always has a keen eye for the details. Whether it’s something with embroidery (like this bag) or sparkles (like this dress), these items are sure to wow detail-detective Virgos.
If you’re still not sure what to get, there’s always classic, staple pieces for those ever so fashionable friends of yours. A timeless black dress which can be dressed up or down, or some star hoop earrings to provide some celestial sparkles, both are great options for the Virgo woman with effortless style.
Failing that, who doesn’t love a beautiful bunch of flowers on their birthday? Find out more here.
Meet the Photographer: Linda Wit
If like us, you’ve found yourself planning a trip to Ibiza as a result of seeing our latest campaign photography, then you have Linda Wit to thank. Linda’s ability to capture the atmosphere of this island through authentic caught moments is the reason we were so keen to work with her. Originally from Amsterdam, Linda moved to Ibiza with her family with the intention of staying just a year. Find out why, five years later, she still calls the White Isle home, and how living there has changed her outlook on work and life.
You were born in Amsterdam but always itching to travel. Why do you think that is?
From a very young age, I loved to listen to the stories of my grandpa about his travels. My parents had their own organic supermarket for more than 30 years and didn’t have that much time to go on holiday. In my dreams, I was travelling already. From the age I could go by myself, I started to travel and explore. Since the children were born, we’ve taken them everywhere, travelling in the desert of Oman or helping an island biologist in the Maldives with his turtle logbook – they love it too. It’s a privilege to let them grow up like this and explore humans, animals, flavours and religions from all over the world. To see the world as one with all its different sides.
What did you find in Ibiza that made you want to stay put?
We always had the dream to go for one year with the children when they were little. Five years ago, we decided to go for it. To live for one year more barefoot in nature, enjoying the slow life. After this first year, none of us wanted to go back to Amsterdam. It’s the magic of the island, you love it, or you hate it. If you go for the ride, the island gives you so many beautiful lessons, and if you take them, the magic is there. We’re enjoying the South European lifestyle, the mañana mañana mentality, the nature around us, the sun, and the high quality of life.
What’s it like to bring up a family here?
We tell each other daily how grateful we are to bring up the children here on the island. Ibiza is like her own mini globe, with all the nationalities and different people. When our children grow up, they will have friends all around the world. They go to a French school where they speak and learn French, Spanish and English. When I see how easily they switch languages, I’m more than proud, and see this as a big present for them. It’s like, six months a year they walk barefoot, it’s easy to stay a child and play outside, and they are really part of the lifestyle. Everyone brings their children everywhere, summer nights are not just for the grown-ups – even small children are a part of this gathering together. They’re not surrounded by rushed people, and I feel so grateful to see how they can look to and enjoy nature, and how close they are to all animals.
Have you found living on the island sparks your creativity?
For sure! Because of the slow life and the nature around me, I got back a little sparkle. Running around in Amsterdam and being on socials made me work with pictures in my mind. When I moved and skipped socials for 18 months, I started to look at the world again. To create things from my own eyes, to see magic everywhere – the light, the movement of nature, the raw part of nature – and my creativity came back. Creating things from outside of myself, not wanting to make something perfect but to see the perfection in imperfection. Exactly how it is, to keep things simple and real. Following this made me create my own signature and I keep moving in that direction, just doing the things I love to do. To continue playing every day and to look at the world as a little child looking for miracles.
What do you feel most passionately about right now?
Real stories, a glimpse of someone’s life. Just as it is. Local people everywhere around the world, to see their big smiles no matter what conditions they live in. Not the perfect magazine story but real happiness. It makes me so inspired.
What makes an amazing photograph, in your opinion?
The light. The little moment. You have to see it. You cannot force it. It’s there. The movement or smile. The imperfection, the realness. The raw picture. It doesn’t matter what camera you use – if it’s an expensive one, the perfect lens or just an old crappy phone, it’s all about what your eyes see, how you go out of your mind and let your eyes see the magic.
What’s been the highlight of our shoot for you?
We had such a nice women-only team! To see everyone doing the things they love and creating something beautiful together. And to capture the artisans on our island, listen to their stories and see their creativity was a really nice thing to do. Inspiring.
Why do you think people describe this place as magical?
I’m sure it’s the energy. There’s this female island energy. If you let go, if you jump on the ride of this island, the island gives you so much magic and love back. I’m sure about that. But if you go for the ‘dark’ side, using the island to make money or not seeing the lessons it gives, it will be too much and the island can really bring you down. It’s like the force of Star Wars, the light side and the dark side. They say the first year is a test year, if you love it you can stay forever but keep learning, and if you hate it, you will leave the island before the year is finished.
Who are the women you’re inspired by?
Women who choose for their own happiness, who can see and feel their happiness. I did a lot of volunteering in Greece and saw women with many children living in a little tent with nothing but making the very best of it. And smiling with a real smile. I could feel their happiness and gratefulness. It made me cry. They looked happier than many other women in my life. If you can feel this and choose this for yourself, you are a hero in my opinion. And women who choose to do what they love, not choosing what to do out of fear, but from their heart and passion. For themselves, for others, for nature. It´s not about making a career but following your path.
Discover the Back To Origin Collection.
Midsummer sounds
Our lightest and warmest days are officially here, and with midsummer comes the opportunity to harness the sun’s power and to re-charge mind and body. Feel the positive vibrations with our playlist and take a moment to honour your achievements.
To mark this year’s summer solstice, we created a playlist of laid-back tunes that provide the perfect soundtrack for watching the sunset or sitting around a campfire with friends.
Now’s an opportune time to look at how our lives have unfolded since January, to acknowledge how far we’ve come, and to express our intentions for the rest of the year, whether in the form of a sketch, collage or written affirmation.
To shop the looks featured here, head to our high summer collection.
Local Icons: Renu Kashyap, Author of Ibiza Bohemia
We think Ibiza Bohemia deserves a place on everyone’s coffee table. This collection of photos and quotes is an immersive portrayal of island life that causes you to instantly fall in love with the place (if you weren’t already). Here, we talk to the book’s author, Renu Kashyap, about the inspiration for her work, countryside living and the importance of family time.
You’re the author of the stunning Ibiza Bohemia (which we adore, by the way). What gave you the idea to create the book?
Thank you, I’m happy that you like it, it was made with a lot of love. When I came to the island 10 years ago, I noticed that there were only books about the jet-set side of the island. I was missing the other part of Ibiza, the more emotional part. The nature, the people, the spirituality, the sea, the light – Ibiza is famous for its ever-changing light. I felt a longing to capture the island through my eyes, and to archive what is, for me, the most magical place in the world.
What’s your favourite image from the book?
One of my favourites is of a couple falling off a wooden sailboat, holding each other tight against their bodies, which are tanned from the sun and muscled from raising the sails (they live on the boat). It represents total freedom to me.
What do you think makes the people of Ibiza so unique?
Ibiza has always attracted creative, like-minded people with a young heart, an open mind, and a wild soul. There is a lot of music, which connects people. There is a lot of positivity, not so much complaining or gossiping. Many people do some kind of self-work, with or without plant medicine, but there is some sort of interest in personal growth amongst most of the people I know. I think you can see that there is a collective spiritual mindset, and living together on this small island, it is a community. We like to help each other.
What do you love best about life on the island?
The high quality of life. We live in the countryside with chickens, frogs, birds, and I can hear the sheep from my bedroom. Every drive in the car is candy to the eye – we are surrounded by so much beautiful nature. Endless landscapes with blossoming fruit trees. Wherever you live, you are close to the beach. The weather is delicious – 300 days of sun a year. I love my healthy lifestyle. I feel less stress than in the city and go to yoga every day before I start work. And of course, the music, we love to dance! We all have a little wild side in us, and the island has some pretty good parties, especially the secret ones. I feel the island keeps me young. I think it´s the energy, the vibe, a feeling of being free that makes Ibiza so special.
You recently founded Palomas Libres, can you tell us about your vision for this?
I worked on Ibiza Bohemia intensively for three years, and after that I wanted to spend more time with my family, especially my daughter who was growing up so fast. Skye was the inspiration for our first Mother & Daughter retreat six years ago – one week staying at our home, Casa Amore, a boutique hotel in the countryside. My partner Liza and I designed a programme for connecting with yourself and your daughter, a magical week to learn to live more from your heart, create unforgettable memories and have real quality time together. We just launched our new spiral lifestyle community Palomas Libres to connect and create spiritual awareness for parents and their children. We’ll also be hosting Mother & Son, Father & Daughter, Father & Son and family retreats in many places like the UK, Marrakech, Tulum, Bali and more.
What makes Ibiza an inspiring place to be a kid?
Our children grow up on the beach and surrounded by nature, living a life with animals, jumping from the cliffs, learning to dive and sail, enjoying the small things. They can stay children for a bit longer here than elsewhere, I think. Most speak four languages and will have friends living all over the world when they grow up.
How would you describe Ibiza in three words?
Bohemian, laidback, endless.
If we only had time to visit one place on the island, where should we go?
Formentera by sailboat.
Who are the women you’re inspired by?
Jane Goodall, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama. Georgia O´Keefe, Frida Kahlo, Marlene Dumas, Rupi Kaur, Louise Bourgeois, for their art. Mary Kate and Ashley Olson, Lauren Hutton, Lady Di, Jane Birkin, for their sense of style. And my girlfriends, who are each special and inspiring in their own way.
Discover our Ibiza-inspired collection here.