On the Radar: Paige California, San Diego

What happens when you mix 60’s and 70’s fashion, with casual elegance, and a bit of that SoCal feel? This is the very essence of Paige California, a luxury silk line where Hollywood glamour meets chic Palm Desert, meets the gorgeous island of Capri.

A love for vintage luxury fashion began for Paige starting when she was a little girl surrounded by her incredibly chic grandmothers, and her stylish and beautiful Mother. Seeing this graceful beauty in the women she loved paved the way toward her love of and career in fashion.

She ultimately found her ideal inspiration for Paige California while traveling with her husband to the Italian islands of Ischia and Capri. Every aspect of Paige California is designed and created in California. The collection is made from 100% silk with tremendous attention paid to the smallest details that render each garment a work of fine craftsmanship. By definition, Paige California creates pieces that are the epitome of timeless glamour and grace.

We wanted to chit chat with Paige about her designs as well as what makes this jet-setting fashionista tick!

BC: Hi Paige! So what is your fashion line all about?
Paige: Paige California — creators of luxury silk wear that epitomizes the casual elegance of the late 60’s and early 70’s.

BC: Where do you look to find inspiration?
Paige: Inspiration is everywhere! Each day I carry about with my eyes wide open — patterns come to me from a piece of art or a beautiful tile adorning a staircase, color palettes from lipsticks or from a detail in a painting — I am mad about Salvador Dali! Also, I am tremendously influenced with scenes from film — so dynamic and full of nuances!

BC: So what is it about Paige California that makes it so special and unique?
Paige: Paige California is truly about casual luxury, casually elegant signature pieces.

BC: Where is your next inspiration trip? Are there any secret spots you can share with us?
Paige: Every summer I return to the southern Italian islands in the bay of Naples where the weather is hot, the sea is deep blue and the food dripping with flavor. Usually I rent a small private house tucked away with a glorious garden and a view of the sea. I start my days with a majestic walk for my morning cappuccino and to pick up fruits, vegetables and bread. I love meeting the locals and simply enjoying the philosophy of “la dolce di niente” — the sweetness of doing nothing. It is in that zone where my senses are alive that inspiration simply presents itself. On Ischia, I very much enjoy going to the various geothermal spas, but in particular I spend a lot of time at one called Negombo which is positioned on a lush hillside overlooking a special beach called San Montano. Days that I spend there truly turn back time. The waters are magical and time spent with friends and family relaxing, playing cards, and soaking in the mineral rich pools is exquisite. When I am on island, be it Ischia or Capri, I treat myself to beautiful jeweled sandals that are individually designed to my liking as well as hand carved coral pieces that are famous in that area. This past trip I simply could not resist an amazing necklace adorned with ten individually hand carved charms that have significance to that region. So special and can only truly come from there!
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BC: Sounds absolutely amazing! What do you pack in a carry-on or what are your must have items to take there?
Paige: From Paige California I bring several Vivian Kimono Gowns which are the perfect kaftans for breakfast on the terrace to cocktails at a chic restaurant on the coast. These pieces are incredibly easy to wear and always chic. Also, I always have Mimi Tunic Gowns with me both in linen as well as garment dyed — they are just so stylish to wear after a gorgeous afternoon at the spa when I am feeling blissful and beyond relaxed! I love slipping into a pink coral Gracie Gown for a special dinner or evening affair at the Albergo Della Regina Isabella in Ischia or for an evening tasting of lemon grass risotto at Da Tonino in Capri. Other than that, bikinis and a few cotton lawn coverups is all I ever need!

BC: What are your essential beauty items you take with you on the plane?
Paige: Essential to me are my iPhone full of my latest playlists and I cannot, will not ever travel again without my Bose noise canceling headphones. Also, a girl needs her Breakfast at Tiffany’s silk sleep eye mask. With these items the journey is yours to begin!

BC: Do you have any advice for an effortless vacation style?
Paige: Nonchalant single silhouette pieces that transition seamlessly from morning through evening. My perfect Paige California daytime look is the Vivian Kimono Kaftan Gown in luscious coral worn over my latest Emilio Pucci bikini in their famous Uzbeki pattern in shades of bubblegum, baby pink and violet with handmade jeweled encrusted sandals from Fiore Capri and a strand of rich red coral layered with a strand of pure white agate beads from La Fiorente Coralli all available in Capri. Evening calls for Paige California Raquel Top and Palazzo Pants in Brentwood Black with Gucci Ursula Leather Ankle-Wrap Cage Sandal in Black and an exquisite vintage cocktail ring that belonged to my mother.
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BC: What is your typical day like in San Diego when you are not traveling?
Paige: I am always engaged in elements of the current or future lines. Mid-day calls for a round of tennis or I may pop into a tennis clinic in the morning. If I don’t play tennis I take advantage of our amazing weather and beaches and will swim with my California boy surfs.

BC: Could you give us your off the radar list in San Diego of cool places to shop, eat, and hang out?
Paige: I savor every morsel I eat at Eddie V’s in La Jolla plus the view is spectacular and the wine perfectly chilled! Make sure to order the seafood tower. It is sea to table fresh and delightfully presented. The beaches are all outstanding in La Jolla! I especially love to walk at low tide from La Jolla Shores to Scripps Beach to Black’s Beach and then wind through the Torrey Pines Reserve. If not that, then put me on any boat and set sail up the coast for a magnificent day.

BC: What is one beauty product/piece of clothing you CANNOT live without?
Paige: A few years ago I discovered the Acqua Termale di Ischia Fango Termale Rimineralizzante. It is the most delicious remineralizing thermal mud which makes my skin feel fabulously soft and glowing. It is a must! And of course, I am a silk kaftan girl everyday!

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