Ashleigh Hill (left) and Emma-Jane Hughes (right) of Lilly & Lime. Image supplied.
Emma-Jane Hughes and Ashleigh Hill are the designers behind popular Australian swimwear label Lilly & Lime which has been making waves in New Zealand this summer. Their colourful bikinis and one pieces are specifically designed for bigger busted women with an extensive range of sizes available on their website. Emma-Jane and Ashleigh had both struggled to find great swimwear, especially bikinis, that fit fuller busts well and were fun and stylish. Together the two friends created Lilly & Lime and spent three years researching and working on their brand before launching it in Australia in 2016. The response was overwhelmingly positive and Lilly & Lime rapidly gathered a dedicated international following.
We caught up with Emma-Jane and Ashleigh to find out more about their brand, what inspires them and what you would never catch them wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection?
We’ve called it Kokomo, it’s a collection of bold solid colours that can be mixed and matched with bright prints. We shot it earlier in the year in Bermuda, hence the name. All the staple tops and bottoms styles have been carried over from last year and we have included some new active pieces – our High Neck Top and Cap Sleeve One Piece which are great if you want a little more coverage and our Rashie for those wanting a bit more protection from the sun. We’ve also just launched a capsule collection for little girls – Lilly & Me, so you can match your mini.
What made you become designers?
Emma-Jame – Both Ash and I are bigger busted (30F and 30DD) and we could never find swimwear that fitted us well, looked good and was fashionable. So it was our desperation that drove us to start the brand.
What inspires you?
Em – I’m definitely inspired by travelling, especially if it’s tropical destination. Nothing like a cocktail, a beautiful beach and the smell of sunblock to get you inspired.
Swimwear from Lilly & Lime’s current Kokomo collection.
Describe your personal style/s and how it influences your designs?
Em – I like to follow fashion, my husband says I dress like a clown but I would say it’s eclectic.
Ash – Haha. Yes, this is so Emma, she is very fashionable and always looks amazing. I’m definitely more ‘commercial’, I love a white top, stripes and jeans but at the same time the bold and beautiful prints of a Mister Zimi jumpsuit are right up my alley.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
Em – I don’t think I have one favourite, I love them all! But if I had to choose it would probably be my wedding ring, which I didn’t purchase but I did choose.
Ash – Chloé handbag… it’s timeless and I love it but it’s not big enough to be my ‘mum’ bag so she doesn’t get out very often!
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
Em – Other than a Lilly & Lime bikini. Good jeans and well fitted bras.
Ash – I love a nice fitted navy jacket and a white linen shirt!
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
Em – Always make an effort, don’t leave the house unless you’re happy to bump into someone in that outfit.
Ash – I wish I obeyed Emma’s rule… I’m often stuck in my activewear all day!
Swimwear from Lilly & Lime’s current Kokomo collection.
What has been the highlight of your careers so far?
Em – Seeing so many gorgeous ladies wearing our swimwear and receiving messages from them that it is the first bikini they have worn in over 20 years.
Ash – I totally agree with Em, the customer feedback is the most rewarding. My personal favourites are getting messages from Mums about their daughters finding a bikini – I was that teenager that never had a bikini to wear to the beach with all my friends.
What can’t you live without?
Em – Other than my gorgeous family – I’m definitely a bit of a beauty product junkie so it would have to be my moisturizers and serums.
Ash – I hate to admit but I’m never far from my iPhone but with Lilly & Lime we can’t be… oh and a good lip balm!
Finish this sentence – You would never catch us wearing…
Em – Crocs!
Ash – Before we started Lilly & Lime I would have said a halterneck bikini… but I love ours and wear it all the time now.
Images supplied.