Rebecca de Ravenel
Beauty and Well Being was excited to catch up with the designer of the it-earrings of the moment.
Beauty and Well-Being was excited to catch up with the designer of the it-earrings of the moment, Rebecca de Ravenel. Like the sweets they’re named after, de Ravenel’s “Les Bonbons” are designed to be bold, vibrant, and refreshing. The embodiment of modern and tropical chic herself, de Ravenel shares with BWB the secrets to her summer style and inspirations.
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YOUR INSPIRATION
For starting your business
I started my business a few years ago with the Goombay Bazaar. I traveled to exotic places to look for fabulous finds. It was a way to bridge my love of travel and discovering new places and things. Once I moved to Los Angeles and decided to stay put, I made my first pair of Les Bonbons because I honestly could not find what I was looking for. The first night I wore them out the reaction was so strong that I made a few pairs, then a few more and then a lot more. I never set out to create an accessories business, it thankfully happened very naturally.
How to be an efficient leader
I make a lot of long lists.
How to stay creative
Getting away is the only way. Running a business becomes a little mundane in the sense that I am mostly dealing with logistics. The moment I take off, all the fun ideas come flowing back.
YOUR CITY
Los Angeles
What you love the Most
I was raised in the Bahamas, so sunshine and space are vital to my happiness. I think that Los Angeles offers both and has an incredible buzz at the moment.
Favorite afternoon café
Alfred’s Tea on Melrose Place, if you squint you could almost be in Europe.
Go-to lunch place
The Ivy. It’s such a staple and is totally delicious. An oldie but a goodie.
A night on the town
A late dinner at Giorgio Baldi and a quick spin on the dance floor at Giorgio’s.
YOUR DAY
Morning beauty routine
Since I live in Los Angeles and am very often in the Bahamas, I am constantly in direct sunlight, so protecting my skin is important. Hats, sunglasses, and lots of sunblock are a must! I do love trying new products and at the moment I am using Joanna Vargas’ skin care. Her Vitamin C Face Wash and Exfoliating Mask are two of my favorites at the moment. This mixed with a lot of coffee, a little running, and a lot of water throughout the day.
Perfect outfit and accessories
I never leave my house without a pair my Les Bonbons paired with a long floaty dress, flat shoes, and my new Lolli basket in Natural Raffia.
YOUR BEAUTY
Must have skincare products
I just started using African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula Oil; it smells incredible and makes your skin glow. I will use a little sand in the shower to make my skin soft and then use Leonor Greyl Huile de Magnolia. I also love the new Tata Harper Illuminating Eye Crème, it’s magic. I sometimes make a raw honey mask, I keep jars in my cupboard and use it for a quick skin refresh.
Favorite makeup products
I am generally quite shy when it comes to make-up and tend not to wear much. Especially in the summer as I love a fresh face.
My essentials (which are all cruelty free, I am a huge animal lover) are:
By Terry Baume de Rose, can’t live without it
Charlotte Tilbury Bronzer Illuminating palette & NARS’ cream blush which doubles for my lips
Then, I dye my lashes and brows, it helps keep my routine simple and quick.
Favorite Perfume
I don’t wear any perfume.
YOUR SUMMER
Favorite travel destinations
- Il Pellicano in Porto Ercole, Italy
- India (everywhere and anywhere)
- Singita Faryu Faru Lodge in Tanzania
- The Biltmore in Montecito has an incredible spa for a quick California getaway.
Essentials to pack
My new Ming Shirt Dress to throw over my Lisa Marie Fernandez bathing suit for lunch. A Natalie Martin dress; they barely crease which is key to summer travel. A crisp white lace dress from Soler. A few vintage kimonos that I bought back from my last trip to Japan, they are my latest obsession!
Books you’ll take with you this summer
The Zookeeper’s Wife by Diane Ackerman; I want to read it before I watch the movie. I love having my imagination run wild before seeing someone else’s interpretation.
