About

ILARIA HARRIS – FROM ZEST & LAVENDER

Ilaria in the National Park of Gran Sasso, Italy. Photo credit: Riccardo Cigno

The name Zest and Lavender is inspired by the great ‘Zest’ I have for life, fashion and art. It also reminds me of my childhood around a medieval Italian village situated in the National Park of Gran Sasso. We would use lemon and orange zest for baking delicious biscuits. The flavours and colours of the region are always in my mind. ‘Lavender’ comes from my experiences in Milan. Why Lavender? And why Milan? This is difficult to describe in one sentence, but relates to a period in my life when I was working in fashion. It was like the pink period for Picasso. I would say it was my lavender period. I remember when we were designing a new collection, we had lavender flowers and pictures on our mood boards to get inspired. The creative studio reminded me of a lavender field in Provence. The scent and the colour blended together to form an infusion of beauty … and this relates to how the zest and lavender lifestyle was born.

For as long as I remember, I have been interested in creativity and I guess this is why I’m an Art & Design teacher. When I arrived in London, I kept making and crafting and also found that good food and company keeps mind, body and soul healthy and inspired. This lifestyle has led me to start Zest & Lavender. Welcome! Joining me in these experiences is my husband, Julian. We share ideas and have made this website together.

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