Our Story
Only Lovers is a proudly New Zealand brand, with a truely international world view.
It was born during the Pandemic in 2020, on the East Coast of Sri Lanka, founded by New Zealand Stylist and Costume Designer Kylie Fraser (Kylie Cooke) and her husband, Production Designer Brant Fraser.
Both Kylie and Brant had enjoyed successful careers in the Film, Fashion and Advertising industries before deciding to take a year out to travel with their young son, slow down and just be together as a family.
As they set off, in February 2020 bound for Sri Lanka, little did they know what was about to happen.
Sri Lanka
Having spent her life loving clothes, and her career weaving magic with clothes. Kylie found herself unexpectedly marooned on the tropical island of Sri Lanka, with a limited wardrobe and even more limited options to add to it. With an abundance of local tailors, making clothes became the natural solution. Born from a desire to wear clothes that reminded her of the city life she had left behind, but could still function at the beach or the village, the DNA of Only Lovers was formed .
Bold, uncomplicated and fun, frilly but not girly. Day time essentials that could seamlessly roll in to the night.
In Arugam Bay on the East Coast of Sri Lanka, in what is very much a “man’s world” Kylie saw the powerful, beautiful woman around her and knew that she had found her muse.
There has been some magical adventures in Sri Lanka, and beyond…
Small triumphs of sold out collections,
Being stocked in PR a beautiful Store in Colombo,
Shipping many garments back to NZ and Australia,
Not to forget some fun photoshoots along the way.
In the end, it transpired that Sri Lanka was not meant to be.
Trusting in the Universe, after two years living on the Tear Drop Island, Brant and Kylie re located to the Island of the Gods, Bali.
“Sri Lanka will always have our heart, and we are forever grateful for the beautiful time we spent there, cocooned in magical bubble while the world was in chaos.
And we are especially grateful for the beautiful kind and caring people we met and fell in love with.
There are times in life when it feels as if it is a dream, and these moments will forever be that for our little family”
Bali
Taking time to allow the magic of this Island to slowly rejuvenate and restore the creative desire and vision. Only Lovers has emerged once more.
This is the first step on a new path.
Laid back elegance and ease,
celebrating colour,
and focus on unique accents.
Beautiful pieces and timeless design, made with love for you to treasure for a lifetime.
xx