24 Hours With... Louisa Ballou
If you’re looking for a high-impact, sensual twist on swimwear and holiday ready-to-wear, you’ve found it in Louisa Ballou. The Charleston, South Carolina based designer launched her label in 2019 and counts Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Megan Thee Stallion and Imaan Hammam as fans of her signature tropical prints (which she hand-paints), fluid drapery and daring cutouts. Statement-making her collections may be, but comfort and ease is key. Isn’t that the dream? Here’s a day in the designer's life...
“Morning walk through the Old Village: Spanish Moss and Live Oak Trees.”
“Skincare lineup.”
“Morning pilates.”
Morning
What time do you wake up and where?
I wake up at 6:30am in Charleston, South Carolina.
What’s the first thing you do in the morning?
The very first thing that I do when I wake up is meditate for 10 minutes. My mornings are always busy playing catch-up on emails as the majority of my team works remotely from Europe and the UK, so I like to start the day with a clear head.
Where are you usually based?
I’m usually based in Charleston, but I regularly travel between New York, Paris, and London.
What does your average day look like?
After meditating, I grab a coffee and a green smoothie. Then I head to the studio to review my schedule for the day and check in with the team. We are constantly communicating over calls, WhatsApp, and email.
Do you have any morning rituals?
My skincare routine!
Where is your studio located and how do you get there?
My studio is in Charleston and I walk there.
“Visit to the local plant nursery for inspiration.”
“I always have books out in the studio.”
“Visit to the local art store for new paints/colours/media.”
“CAD approvals for Red Queen.”
Daytime
How has your background influenced who you are today?
The natural beauty and tropical climate of Charleston, South Carolina has informed so much of my work: the heat, the beach, and the Lowcountry landscape are references I constantly return to.
How did you get your start in fashion?
I’ve always had an interest in art and fashion and I was acutely aware of how clothes felt on my body from a young age. I have vivid memories of playing dress up with colourful, silky scarves that I used to wrap myself in. The scarves always felt like water to me, a sensation of being enveloped in liquid fabric that I try to replicate with my pieces for my own brand. I’ve also been painting since I was a child and I went to an arts high school where I had the opportunity to create art every day. I took a particular interest in life drawing and the human form and how it moves. From there, I went to Saint Martins and studied Fashion and Print design.
What are the most important factors of the brand?
Modern sensuality, communication through art and evocative abstraction are at the heart of the brand. Ultimately, my goal is to create pieces that inspire, empower and transport the wearer.
How do you get into a creative headspace?
One lesson I’ve learned is that you can’t force creativity, you have to let it happen. With that being said, painting is always the icebreaker in my creative process. For me, painting is about discovery, experimentation and play.
What do you do to take a break from work?
If I need to take a break from work, I like to get outside and move in nature, whether it’s going for a walk, surfing, or swimming. I enjoy doing something invigorating that engages both my body and lets my mind relax.
What is your idea of a perfect day?
My idea of a perfect day involves experiencing something I’ve never seen or done before.
“Night Blooming Cereus, one of my favourites in the summertime.”
“Friday evening walk on Sullivan’s Island Beach.”
“Night swim.”
Evening
What’s on your bookshelf right now?
‘Flora Photographica’, 'Walking the Space' by Lucio Fontana, ‘The Overstory’ by Richard Powers, ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho, ‘The Night Circus’ by Erin Morgenstern.
What do you usually do for dinner?
On weeknights, I like to cook at home, always something incorporating fresh produce.
What time do you go to bed?
I usually go to bed around 11pm, but when I’m feeling inspired, I’ll stay up later painting or researching.
Last thing you do before you sleep?
I always read before I go to bed, sometimes for an hour and sometimes 10 minutes depending on the day.
Do you have any evening rituals?
Reading is an important evening ritual for me, it’s the best escape and helps quiet my mind for the evening.
What do you dream about?
Everything! And always in bright, vivid colour.
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