On a trip to Palm Springs, California, I became obsessed with an umbrella. Not just any umbrella, an umbrella almost as famous as the hotels it haunts, where seeing them is akin to a celebrity sighting. The umbrella is, of course, the iconic Pagoda, whose unique silhouette and bold stripes define the oh so cool poolsides of Hollywood institutions such as Beverley Hills Hotel, Parker Palm Springs and Chateau Marmont.

On that journey, drinking in palatial Palm Springs mansions, trawling real estate sites for eye-candy Eichler gems, I fell in love with mid-century modern all over again. If only I could transport my soul into the body of a Slim Aarons beauty, sitting poolside at Kaufmann House. Sun-drenched nostalgia and lazy hedonism, no mobile phones, no internet, just the moment. Leisure time was a permanent pool party. It seemed everyone was on vacation all of the time and life was, well, swell.

Although I would stuff many extra things in my suitcase that trip, sadly, the Pagoda was not one of them.

Now mid-century is truly modern. Retro shapes reign supreme, bought into a new era with new technology, contemporary fabrics, cutting edge manufacturing techniques, and sustainable practices.

A year or so after that destined trip to Palm Springs, finishing off my own poolside space, I thought of that umbrella. Two years later, I am proud to partner with California Umbrellas, a leader and innovator for quality outdoor umbrellas for the past 70 years, and maker of the Pagoda.

It is fitting (and somewhat surreal) that this iconic umbrella now forms the cornerstone of our latest design venture - Poolside.

Poolside brings together mid-century icons, contemporary creators and global designers – celebrating innovation, authenticity and sustainability in outdoor design. Our collections champion the innovators, with signature Poolside collections curated with passion and conscience.

I hope you enjoy our launch collection.

See you Poolside...

Nic