With our supposed 'summer' flicking between scorching sun to days filled with rain, a transitional, transeasonal and vibrant wardrobe is needed now more than ever. Rene Macdonald , the founder of print-packed fashion brand Lisou, has been championing this thoughtful mindset towards clothes with her label for years. Inspired by her Tanzanian heritage, Rene uses this as an inspiration point for her vivid colour palettes and playful prints. And with these current grey skies looming overhead, we can't help but look to her cheerful designs to put a smile on our faces.

With this in mind, Caroline Issa asked the founder to share her styling tips on how to bring joy back into our wardrobes for the current season, especially while there's a current lack of it on our weather forecasts. Bisou Lisou!


You obviously love colour and print, but how would you approach someone who only wants a dash of print/colour in their outfit?
I always say it’s about baby steps. Start off with a pop of colour or print. It could be a print scarf, a colourful shoe or a dress in a black and white print like our white and black lip print Mila midi dress. Otherwise it’s too daunting to go from a minimalist approach to a maximalist one!


Rene wears the Penelope Mango Rainbow Print Silk Midi Dress from Lisou.

What's the key dress shape for this summer and beyond? What should every woman have that is flattering for all shapes?
I’m loving long hemlines on dresses. I think it’s such an elegant look for day or night plus it’s a shape that anyone can wear. There’s something rather romantic about fabric pooling at your feet.


Rene wears the Betty Lip Print silk shirt and the Hetty Metallic Blue Heart Jacquard Trousers from Lisou.

How do you approach clashing prints or colours? Are you a maximalist in that sense?
I am a total maximalist! My Tanzanian heritage means that I have always loved bright bold colours and clashing prints. It’s what I grew up with.


Rene is wearing the Hetty Rainbow Jacquard Trousers and the Red Heart Print Fitted T-Shirt from Lisou.

We're all looking for pieces that will work really hard for our wardrobes. What's a great transitional, season-less piece we should be investing in?
Our silk jacquard styles are perfect trans-seasonal pieces. My favourite is the Hetty high waisted rainbow zigzag trouser, great for any season as well as our Alexa silk shirt dresses. More than anything I think it’s about investing in a few key quality pieces rather than buying volume.


Rene wears the Donna Red Silk Kaftan Dress from Lisou.


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