When we last spoke with Chyka Keebaugh, autumn leaves were beginning to fall and a brisk chill was creeping into the air as we clung to the final days of summer.
Now, the first blooms of spring are beginning to show their faces and, with a new season, comes not one but two new Chyka X Blue Illusion collections to fall in love with.
From carefree days by the water to those moments that call for something a little more special, this season Chyka is taking us from resort to occasion dressing — with plenty of colour, personality and her signature sense of fun along the way.
Chyka’s summer state of mind
First, we follow Chyka to some of her favourite holiday destinations with a resort-ready collection made for days spent by the water and balmy evenings out. In fact, for those seeking a little glimpse into Chyka’s jet-setting lifestyle, she answered our questions while waiting for her next flight to take off!
The inspiration behind the collection is a celebration of all things summer, whether at home or away.
“A perfect pair of bathers with a matching sarong or outfit that takes you from the beach to the bar is my idea of perfection. For me, my trips and times on the Greek islands are very much where I live this kind of life.”
It wouldn’t be a resort collection without a beautifully fitting one-piece bather. With flattering ruching down the side and just the right amount of coverage, Chyka’s latest swimwear has been designed with confidence and comfort in mind. Choose from the statement Jade Paisley Print or classic Black for something a little more chic.
Of course, there’s a matching Mesh Convertible Skirt for living out your own Greek island fantasy. Who knows, you might even stumble across Chyka while bar-hopping along the Mykonos coastline.
“In summer, I think it’s so important to wear pieces of clothing that feel fabulous on and are comfortable to wear,” Chyka explains. “Anything elasticated looks fabulous and flowing. Buying pieces that have got prints takes all the effort out of how to style it and for me, knowing that an outfit can do more than one thing is incredibly important.”
Which brings us swimmingly to the next pieces in the collection — pun intended! Chyka’s Printed Silk Shirt and matching Pants, or, in her own words, “pyjamas”.
“The pyjama outfit is something that could be worn together or separately which to me provides great versatility and also fun to play with.”
Naturally, we encourage you to take this matching co-ord well beyond the hotel room. Worn together or styled separately, the pieces make holiday dressing wonderfully simple.
With fun at the forefront of the collection, you can go from a day by the water to cocktails at the local beach bar without needing an outfit change. Wear your Chyka bathers underneath and you’ll even be prepared should a spontaneous evening swim tempt you.
You are on holiday, after all!
“This year, we have made it easy with a bather that matches the skirt and ‘pyjamas’, it’s easy dressing that is fabulous and keeps you looking cool.”
From resort days to special occasions
Chyka isn’t stopping at resort dressing this season. Her next collection gives us something a little more dressed up — and it is every bit as Chyka as you’d expect.
Inspired by “a garden in spring”, the collection pairs natural linen with colourful flowers, butterflies and beautiful embroidered details. It’s feminine and playful, with a few unexpected touches along the way.
At the heart of the collection is an asymmetric gown that Chyka knew had to make you feel fabulous from the moment you put it on.
“I really wanted a dress for this season that was beautiful, feminine, and a dress that you put on and automatically felt fabulous in.”
For those who prefer separates, the asymmetric top brings the same floral detailing to a more relaxed silhouette, paired with wide-leg linen pants. Dress it up, pare it back, wear the pieces again — exactly the kind of versatility Chyka loves.
And really, that’s what these two collections have in common. Whether she’s dressing for a Greek island holiday, dinner with friends or something a little more special, Chyka believes beautiful clothes are there to be enjoyed.
What’s Chyka’s formula for a perfectly packed suitcase?
For many of us, broken zips and overweight suitcases are an all-too-familiar part of going on holiday. While it can be tempting to pack for every possible occasion, a little planning can make getting dressed once you arrive so much easier.
With an enviable travel schedule, Chyka has perfected the art of packing. Her approach? Carefully considered outfits that can be mixed, matched and styled in different ways throughout the trip.
“We travel a lot so for me being organised is key to any trip,” she says. “I always pull a rack out from under my bed where I hang all my different outfits with coordinating underwear, shoes, bags, and accessories.”
Only Chyka Keebaugh coordinates her underwear with her travel outfits — and we love her for it!
“For me, [outfit planning and coordination] is a foolproof way of making sure I don’t forget anything... It also allows me the opportunity to make sure I haven’t doubled up in shoes or bags.”
With Chyka’s help, packing becomes part of the excitement of going on holiday rather than a last-minute scramble.
“I love wearing colourful, fun jewellery and tying it back to the pieces I am wearing so that during the day it’s more casual, but at night it can be dressed up with a fabulous pair of earrings or a necklace.”
Oh là là!
“My top tip would be making sure you have sandals that tie back with everything and a great pair of wedges too. They are easy to walk in and just elevate an outfit. Don’t be afraid to take a bag of great jewellery and scarves to really play around with and create fun and interesting looks.”
Whatever you say, Mademoiselle Chyka.
Chasing Chyka’s holiday dreams
When it comes to dream destinations, Chyka is fortunate to have already ticked quite a few off her bucket list. These days, she’s just as happy returning to old favourites as she is discovering somewhere new.
“I’ve actually just come back from the most incredible trip to Mexico which was a place I had not been to in about 15 years. There are so many beautiful places to explore and because Mexico is so full of colour, I could see myself wearing [this collection] at any of the country’s different resort beach towns. I’m always looking for the next place to visit and have so many on my bucket list.”
From the Greek islands to the colourful coastlines of Mexico, Chyka’s resort collection captures that wonderful holiday feeling — wherever your next escape may take you.
Allez, on y va! Direction le Mexique!
And when the holiday is over? There’s always another reason to dress up.
Whether it’s a long lunch, a garden party, a spring wedding or simply an ordinary day that deserves a little something special, Chyka’s event collection is a reminder not to leave our favourite clothes waiting in the wardrobe.
After all, sometimes the occasion is simply having somewhere to go, someone to see and something beautiful to wear.
“Please wear all your beautiful clothes every day.
The special occasion is being alive.”
