Interview with Bridget King, Owner of Lilylola

Married with three grown children, four cats and a dog, Bridget King is owner of Lilylola and has always had an insatiable passion for fabric, textures and fashion, combined with a deep appreciation of the human form and sculpture. Her career started in advertising and progressed predictably into fashion and retail. She is highly motivated and enthusiastic about what she does, loves to travel, loathes the Winter and believes that real beauty is within. What is it that you do exactly?

Lilylola is a luxury online swim and beachwear boutique. We source our beautiful swimwear from mainly Europe and USA, ensuring that every piece is of an unrivalled quality, cut to flatter and with exquisite applique and embroidery, hand sewn beads and crystals delicately sewn into the finest of fabrics. A typical day can be varied and may involve speaking to customers about collections and putting together a capsule wardrobe for their escape to the sun, keeping up to date with current fashion and lifestyle trends, ensuring that all our orders are beautifully packed and quickly dispatched or travelling to a trade show in Florence to view the latest swim and beachwear collections.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I love finding new exquisite brands for Lilylola or collections from less well known international designers and showcasing them to our customers – something that you can’t wait to wear and that makes you feel and look fabulous. I am really passionate about the collections we stock – some of the pieces are works of art and I love to meet the designers to find out their inspirations so that we can relay this to our customers when they are choosing pieces.

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa, Vence Cote d’Azur If heaven is a place on earth then this hotel for me would have a halo! Tranquil, elegant and truly relaxing this Hotel has a view to the sea from the mountains that leaves you breathless. I can relax by the pool and admire the most magnificent array of butterflies that seem to languish in the glorious gardens. Be it lunch in the L’Oliveraie or dinner on the terrace, the staff here are attentive to every detail and make you feel like you are returning home after a long trip – absolutely exquisite. The Golden Well Hotel, Prague This boutique hotel is a hidden jewel and I thought long and hard about mentioning it because I love it so much I don’t want anyone else to go there! Hidden in the walls of Prague Castle with the most stunning views of the city, you enjoy opulent furnishings, huge bedrooms and extravagant bathrooms combined with modern technology to provide a wonderful luxurious base to stay. With only a few minutes stroll to Charles Bridge, this hotel is a must if you visit Prague. The Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como After visiting Lake Como I now understand why people go to the Lakes to recuperate as this place can take years off you with its heart stopping beauty! The Grand Hotel makes you feel like time has stood still – wonderful art deco furnishings, terraces overlooking the lake for evening soirees and staff that cater to your every whim. My love of water was indulged fully with the amazing floating pool within the lake where you can watch the world pass slowly by. Sophisticated and elegant The Grand Hotel Tremezzo is truly breathtaking – and you may even bump into George Clooney who lives across the lake!

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

Dinner at the Villa San Michele, Florence is an experience that you could not fail to forget – the amazing views high up on the mountains overlooking Florence, the magnificent gardens beautifully lit and the sweet smell of Wisteria, – add a warm chocolate fondant pudding to the evening and wow you have something amazing!

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

I love La Colombe d’Or in St Paul de Vence, sitting out on the terrace amongst the lemon and olive trees. The ambiance is relaxed yet chic and food traditional, non-fussy and tastes sublime. We have bumped into the one and only James Bond there, the gorgeous Roger Moore with his beautiful wife and as you would expect, they were absolutely charming.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wish list?

My ideal holiday destination has to include the sea – either near it, overlooking it or on it, obviously amazing beachwear and endless sunshine – perfect!

Thank you for taking part in our interview, Bridget – we wish you continued success with Lilylola. If you would like to be interviewed on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.