24 Hours With… BOTEH

You can rely on BOTEH to channel your inner bohemian with artisanal prints, billowing silhouettes and easy, breezy separates designed to take you anywhere. The Australian-based brand defines free spirited style with wear-forever warm-weather staples you'll return to again and again. Isn't that the dream?

BOTEH's Founder, Creative Director (and self-confessed adventurer) Amelia Mather, gives us a glimpse of life behind the seams during her Summer stay in Ibiza...

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"At home in Ibiza Villa."

Morning

What time do you wake up and where?
At the moment I am living in Ibiza and wake around 7.30am.

What’s the first thing you do in the morning?
Make a coffee! Or my husband makes it.

Where are you usually based?
Sydney, Australia.

What does your average day look like?
During the week I try to keep a routine; go for a run, or go to Pilates then, Zoom and emails while my team are online in Australia. Then it’s been so hot so I sometimes work by the pool so I can jump in when it gets hot and then keep on going till it’s time to pick my girls up from farm-school at 2pm. The grocery stores don’t open till 5pm after siesta so we swim till it’s time to shop and cook dinner then I’m back on the laptop till after sunset, which has been magical setting over the mountains of late.

Do you have any morning rituals?
Coffee, exercise and morning swim most days.

Where is your studio located and how do you get there?
My studio in Australia is in Coogee and it’s in my home, downstairs with a separate entrance so it feels like I actually leave the house and go to the studio. Since April my studio has been a Villa in Ibiza which has been a fun change to spark the next phase for the Boteh brand.

“My local beach, Talamanca, has a platform to swim off.”

"Recent work shooting in the North of Ibiza for the next Resort collection."

Daytime

How would you describe what you do?
I create clothing and accompanying swimwear for leisure situations which I have dedicated my career to mastering. Always designing in my beachy, bohemian way I just can’t depart from.

How has your background influenced who you are today?
I think in a big way, I’m deeply proud of my Greek-Australian heritage and count my Yia Yia and grandmother as two of my biggest, early influences.

How did you get your start in fashion?
I always knew I wanted to design, my sister was also a designer so I looked up to her when I was little, I’d skip school (with mum’s approval) to help her complete her design projects. I loved the all-nighters sewing beads and trims into garments, loved the thrill of it even back then. I went on to an internship with Seafolly whilst studying my degree at University and that led to a job where I learnt so much about sewing & constructing swimwear. A few years later I landed a clothing role for Tigerlily swimwear and also had an amazing mentor there, so it all fell into place.

“... Can Musón organic farm and Punta Arabí hippy market in Es Canar every Wednesday."

What are the most important factors for the brand?
Prints and colours that transport you; Boteh having launched in 2020 has been all nostalgic memories that have inspired the collections till now. I also consider the silhouettes we make and the production methods we choose to be equally as important. It’s all connected for Boteh and one cannot work without the others in place too. Imagery is also incredibly important to the brand, having spent many years as a Creative Director as well as a designer I understand the importance of investing in brand imagery. When I am designing, I am also imagining how we will shoot it.

How do you get into a creative headspace?
I need space, I take so much in, all of the time. When I do finally get some space, it all just flows.

Whilst working, where do you go and what do you do to take a break?
Living in Ibiza I’m working sporadic hours, so I mix it up by working by the pool or the terrace. When I feel unproductive I head to the ocean which is a short walk down to Talamanca, there’s a platform with sun-loungers and steps right into the ocean plus a handful of hotels and bars to sit and get a fresh juice or coffee. Always makes me feel Instantly re-charged.

Do you have a favourite piece from your new collection?
I have been living in my Organic Cotton Wave Sleeveless Maxi Dress. In the heat, I wear low at the front with not much under and it’s vibrant and allows air in at all the right places.

“Vintage Pacha magazines at my Ibiza rental.”

“My favourite local Chiringuito, The Fish Shack.”

Evening

What’s on your bookshelf right now?
Vintage Pacha magazines and L’Officiel at my Ibiza rental.

What do you usually do for dinner?
We eat out a lot here, mostly fresh caught whole fish, Dorada from the Fish Shack in Talamanca is my fave - served with the most incredible tasting tomatoes, onion, and potatoes.

What time do you go to bed?
Midnight most nights.

Last thing you do before you sleep?
Check my two girls haven’t kicked their sheets off and give them another kiss.

Do you have any evening rituals?
Just some face oil around the eyes and brush teeth.

What do you dream about?
I either don’t dream at all when I’m really tired or I have the craziest vivid dreams. When I’m designing intensely, I dream the most. Lots of water references in my dreams.

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