Paper London is the kind of brand that makes you want to book a flight, throw on something bright, and dive headfirst into summer. Founded by Philippa Thackeray, a former corporate lawyer with a penchant for bold silhouettes and joyful colour, Paper has become synonymous with chic sustainability and sunshine-drenched confidence.
From its early days of architectural swimwear to its now-iconic one-pieces made from recycled ocean plastic, Paper London was always ahead of the curve — a brand that doesn’t shout but quietly leads, turning up on far-flung beaches and rooftop pools in every stylish corner of the world. Philippa’s eye for cut and colour is unmistakable, but so is her belief that fashion should be fun, ethical, and built to last.
Ahead of the summer season, we sat down with the founder to talk destinations, design inspiration, and the pieces she never travels without. Here’s our 9 Questions With Philippa Thackeray.
I love working in the fashion industry because…
It’s a beautiful chaos – part art, part business, part cultural commentary. I love the thrill of turning a creative spark into something women live their lives in – whether that’s a swimsuit in St. Tropez or a sweatshirt on the school run.
We are best known for…
Bold swimwear, rebellious resortwear, and building PAPER London into a brand that lives at the intersection of fashion, travel storytelling, and sustainability.
Our biggest achievement to date is…
Creating a fashion film, Lost and Fabulous, starring Betty Bachz, set in St. Tropez – and getting it to open doors to a new kind of fashion narrative. That, and being stocked in the world’s best hotels.
I am inspired by…
People who turn the everyday into art – like the women we design for. They’re not just dressing up for fashion’s sake; they’re living out loud. Also, my 3 kids – they’re honest, funny, and endlessly creative.
The current fashion trends we’re loving are…
Stripes with attitude, nostalgic glamour, and swimwear that doubles as streetwear. And a quiet return to quality – people are craving pieces that last.
Our favourite piece from the PAPER London collection is…
The new season Florentine in red gingham. It’s unapologetically feminine, with a silhouette that turns heads and a print that feels like summer in a dress – playful, confident, and a little bit rebellious
My favourite place in the world to skip the crowds is…
A hidden cove in Ibiza I won’t name — the best places are the ones you don’t post about.
The best person to follow on Instagram for travel inspo is…
@lucywilliams02 – she captures the in-between moments that make travel feel like a film.
And finally, what’s next for me…
Launching our next hotel collab with Arev in St Tropez which is super exciting and writing a book – a sharp take on the fashion world through the eyes of a woman trying to hold it all together. It’s part satire, part survival story, and all based on the kind of moments you can’t make up (but definitely wish you had).
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