Reflections by Filippa

Soft Sport

Pilates

I have been training Pilates for several years with my wonderful instructor Alexandra, who is originally a dancer from Portugal. Because I just can’t handle the idea of going to a gym as it represents another ’’must do’’ in my schedule, she comes home to me which is a real pleasure.

The fact that she started out as a dancer adds a certain grace and artistic spirit to the way she works which I love, having myself danced ballet for ten years of my childhood.

Just a few weeks ago Filippa K launched a new line of clothing for low intensity training which we named Soft Sport. The idea was born when we girls in the design team discussed how hard it was to find well made, well cut and good-looking pieces for training that did not look and feel like you were going to run a marathon. We longed for something feminine and pure yet highly functional.

When Alexandra turned up today wearing the Soft Sport slim leggings and tanktop, I couldn’t resist taking a couple of photos. To me they show the spirit of this little line, beauty, grace and strength all mixed into one.

Soft Sport Collection >>

Madagascar

Reflections by Filippa

We took the whole family to visit Madagascar this summer and I discovered an unknown land. At least that’s what it felt like, pioneering into unchartered territories. The discovery of a new landscape, a new culture, and a new people fascinated and inspired me.

We rented a house on Nosy Be, a large island off the north western coast. From here we explored the area, visiting Helleville the main town with its faded french colonial charm. Buying vanilla, wild spices and tropical fruits at the market and walking along beaches still full of authentic local life.

Sailing

Madagascar

The real adventure was a four day sailing trip, organised through Alefa, a small yet very  unique french company. Here is the founder Nicolas explaining to us the ”ésprit” of the trip, which is to essentially reconnect with the natural unspoilt world of the madagascan coastline and experience the harmony of letting the days and nights just simply flow into each other. When it comes to combining adventure, passion and a sense of poetry, the french really are hard to beat.

We were met with a wonderful breakfast on the beach at 6 in the morning. Then the boats were stocked up, everything in traditional baskets, no plastic in sight.

We travelled in a wooden dhow, one of the worlds oldest sailing vessels originating from the middle east. The great thing about dhows is the generous and comfortable deck space, where you lounge on carpets and cushions just like in Marrakesh…

The lull of the sea, the warm sun and the friendly chatter of the crew in the background was so relaxing.

Fresh Lunch

Madagascar

We sailed six hours a day eating lunch aboard, cooked on a simple stove and stopping only to harpoon our daily ration of fish. Our only provisions on leaving port were fruit, rice and rum, so we needed a fresh catch of fish and seafood everyday, the giant mangrove crabs were the best I’ve ever tasted.

Each day before both lunch and dinner our guide Joe Black made a superfresh caipirinha.

Setting Up Camp

Madagascar

Each afternoon a camp was set up on a different wild beach, no roads for miles and miles, only local fishing communities in wooden huts. Each evening laterns were placed on the sand and we feasted on wonderful food, all cooked in a simple camp kitchen.