I’ve always had a fondness for linen, but it wasn’t until my recent trip to Spain, that linen became my summer staple! Made from nature’s flax, a plant grown for food (think omega goodness of flax seed oil!), bedding (pure Provincial luxury living) and clothing, no wonder it’s a fabric of style and substance!

Uniqlo premium French linen shirt // Versace Sunglasses // Vintage Scarf // Mango Jeans //Karla Spetic Clutch // Habbot Pumps

In summer, if you walked down the streets of Paris, Milan or Barcelona, you’ll see nearly every fashionista/er struttin’ around in linen garments, oozing that nonchalant confidence and charm. Being a natural fibre, linen is breathable, has an amazing texture and dries quickly. It’s perfect for staying chic in the heat and an ace travel companion.

Stylish Europeans will vouch that linen is the epitome of effortless summer chic, but what I love about linen is its truthfulness. It’s real. It’s raw. It’s natural. It doesn’t mask its expressive folds and creases. It molds to the wearer’s anatomy, revealing their movements and displaying their vitality. Linen does not hide behind a façade of artificial polish, nor does it cover up its wrinkles. What we usually regard as ‘imperfections’ are the instead celebrated. Linen allows us to breathe a little, move a little, live a little.

Recently stylist Paula Joye fondly introduced Uniqlo’s latest Premium French Linen collection over lunch to a group of linen afficionados including yours truly. In her own words,”it’s like wearing a cloud!” Uniqlo is a champion for creating affordable yet luxurious clothes that don’t date- they’ve cleverly coined it as ‘lifewear’. Thankfully this premium French linen shirt is surprisingly affordable, because you don’t need to spend a lot to have great style!