KALITA Girls: Rosanna Falconer
We sat down with brand consultant Rosanna Falconer to talk everything from her blossoming new tablewear range, to THAT photo wearing KALITA on the cover of Condé Nast Traveller.
A brief intro about yourself and what you are currently working on?
I'm a creative consultant with a 15-year career in fashion roles spanning from Communications Director at Matthew Williamson to launching the digital strategy of the British Fashion Council.
I also love to host. My tablescapes - which started as a new year's resolution in 2018 to hold more dinner parties - have featured in British Vogue, Glamour and The Daily Telegraph. After years of hosting, I have just released my first line of table linens. The designs feature my floral paintings, inspired by and block printed in Jaipur where I moved with my husband and two young daughters in October 2022.
Rosanna's wonderful range of tablewear and cushions, available exclusively on RosannaFalconer.com
What three words sum up your style?
Romantic, colourful, joyful
What’s been your most memorable trip to date and why?
It has to be Jaipur. The move was a serendipitous happenstance of job moves and a house renovation (we hope to finally move back into our house in London this summer!). I fell head over heels for the city when we started our honeymoon there back in 2018. It is an intoxicating, vibrant mix of the old and the new: horse-drawn carts next to electric rickshaws… ancient palaces overseen by a new generation of entrepreneurial talent. The city seems to be bathed in golden light; I found every colour and corner inspiring.
Rajasthan, India
What's your favourite way to unwind?
Flower arranging or cooking - so long as there’s no time pressure on either! I find when I do these concentrated tasks with my hands my mind drifts and I’m happy. I love it when my 3-year-old joins me but that’s a different kind of enjoyment, with very different results!
What is your favourite KALITA piece from this collection and how would you style it from summer to winter?
The rainbow dress is exquisite. It combines my favourite shades of ruby and cerise against a white base which makes it more timeless than a multicoloured piece. As perfect with a tan sandal in the summer as with a cream cashmere cardigan on cooler nights. I’m really into coordinating my KALITA dresses with a silk ribbon or headband too.
The Brigitte has travelled the world with me so it feels only fair to take her along in the new season scarlet!
Bucket List Top destination and which KALITA you would take?
There are some parts of Rajasthan I’m still desperate to discover including Bundi and Pushkar. The Brigitte has travelled the world with me so it feels only fair to take her along in the new season scarlet!
What’s the biggest & smallest lesson you’ve taken from your travels?
Biggest lesson is to eat everything so long as it’s seasonal, traditional and local. And provided the restaurant or cafe is full of locals. I used to be so fearful in new countries and take snacks from England to get me through the first few days - madness! Smallest lesson is packing: fewer shoes (I always just end up in easy flats that are hidden under a KALITA maxi dress anyway)... But more earrings and head scarves - you can have fun with them on holiday and distract from all manner of frizzy hair issues.
How does wearing KALITA make you feel – 3 words to sum up the feel of the brand?
Glamorous, free, relaxed.
What causes are you passionate about and would like to raise awareness for
Vimukti Sanstha is a non-profit which provides education and career opportunities to under-privileged girls from Jaipur. As a mother of two daughters, their work truly resonates with me and I’m giving them a 10% profit share of my business. The slum population of Jaipur has increased by 115% in 10 years. Education is imperative if the cycle of poverty is to be unlocked. Since 2004, Vimukti Sanstha has developed from 20 students to over 600, with 60% of their graduates pursuing higher education and 27% employed in roles from teaching to the government's emergency services.
Holiday cocktail of choice?
Spicy margarita served straight up with salt on the glass
Last book you read?
Darling by India Knight. It is a modern reimagining of Nancy Mitford’s In Pursuit Of Love and so much fun. Uncle Matthew’s new hobby as a bit of an Instagram troll had me in stitches.
Go to guilty pleasure?
Rom coms from the noughties while doing the ironing. We can’t be friends until you have watched How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days, Legally Blonde and She’s The Man (Channing Tatum!!!!)
Your “dance like no-ones watching” song?
Dr Pressure by Mylo, the remix by Miami Sound Machine
Which three inspirational women (dead or alive) would you want to have dinner with?
JJ Martin - for me, she’s the ultimate polymath. I adore the world she has created with her brand La Double J. It is a world of exquisite, joyful colours and beautifully-crafted prints. We met on the Belmond Venice Simplon Orient Express (what a start) and since then she has taught me so much about how to embrace my creativity and look after my mental health (she is very spiritual).
Anita Lal - the founder of Good Earth. I am in awe of the world she has created with her lifestyle brand. She began in 1996 looking to preserve the crafts of India (starting with the pottery of the khumbars). That ethos remains as strong today with stores spanning Mumbai to Jaipur.
Finally Joanna Lumley. I just want to sit back and listen to her stories. She radiates such warmth.
Be sure to check out Rosanna featured in KALITA on the cover of Condé Nast Traveller. We are absolutely obsessed. And do browse our Sale where the blue dress Rosanna is wearing is available at a reduced price for limited time only. Rosanna Falconer's new tablewear and cushions are available to buy exclusively at RosannaFalconer.com
