Londoner Charlie Gibson founded Oliver Jane in 2017, after growing tired of seeing scruffy Brits troupe around Europe looking so shabby next to our fellow European beach-goers. He wanted to create a beautifully simple brand, nothing fancy, nothing overthought, just a reinvention of the classic beach wardrobe. He’s combined brilliantly soft fabrics with classic British design to create a brand to watch this summer. Based in the UK, Charlie travels regularly to beach hotspots to check out the latest fashions and gain inspirations for new prints and cuts.
We caught up with Charlie for the latest in our ‘My London’ series.
Favourite neighbourhood:
I love discovering new little pockets of London, as well as wondering around my favourite spots. I love the quaint streets in Notting Hill as much as the vibrancy of Soho, so hard to pick just one!
Favourite place for brunch:
I’m very old school at heart, and don’t think you can beat the Wolseley for brunch. I also have a great local café near me, Local Hero, which does the best Chorizo Egg bake around.
Best coffee in London:
The Hagen Espresso Bar on the Kings Road.
Favourite gallery or museum:
I recently visited the Churchill War Rooms in Westminster which was fascinating and a really good museum to visit. I also like The White Cube in St James’, which always has really new and interesting exhibitions, and is great to wonder around on a Saturday afternoon.
Tell us a secret:
No, she would kill me.
Favourite place to shop:
Can’t beat a stroll down Westbourne Grove, through Portobello market at the weekends.
Favourite place to find inspiration:
As you can probably tell from the look and feel of Oliver Jane, I love the beach and I love to travel. I love finding hidden gems in Europe and exploring beautiful coast lines and sunny shores. The Europeans are so smartly dressed, chic and classic, and always rocking white linen. They have been doing swim and beach wear brilliantly for so long, its about time we caught up.
Best London destination for a date:
I have been known to break into the Serpentine at night with a bottle of wine and a picnic!
Favourite park:
Mount Street Gardens.
Favourite food market:
I like the old-school Britishness of Borough Market, it feels like stepping back in time.
Your sanctuary in the city:
Reading a good book at Chelsea Waterside by the Thames.
What inspires you?
I was prompted to start Oliver Jane after noticing just how much the UK had fallen behind the Europeans in terms of style and beachwear. I was sailing up the Amalfi Coast and noticed how well put-together everyone was, and its something I really wanted to bring home and create a brand for the whole family.
This season I’m loving:
I know its biased, but due to the heatwave I’ve been living in our super soft linen shirts all summer. Literally cant take them of. And Love Island, of course.
