Our Story Starts Here:

We are Ciao Ciao Vacation, an Australian fair and responsible fashion label offering a playful and accessible alternative to fast fashion.

The fashion industry is one of the most ethically problematic in the world. Despite growing awareness, there remains a significant gap in the market for brands that offer on-trend, affordable, and responsible clothing. That’s where we come in. Say goodbye to fast fashion and hello to your newest vacation.

The Heart Behind CCV:

Our founder, Laura Liles, brought Ciao Ciao Vacation (CCV) to life in 2022 as the fun little sister to her successful 8-year-old brand, Kinga Csilla. Both brands share a similar ethos — to tread lightly on the planet and treat every person in the process with care and kindness.

Laura is not only the founder of CCV but also the creative director and sole designer behind the brand. Her attention to detail is unparalleled, and when she's in design mode, it's hard not to constantly peek over her shoulder to see what amazing new idea she’s bringing to life. 

With CCV recently celebrating its 2nd birthday in August, we thought it was the perfect time to introduce you to the visionary behind your favourite vacation-ready pieces!

Q: Hey Laura! Tell us a bit about yourself.

A: Hey Al! As you know, I'm a family woman with two young kids, and my husband is by my side in the company. I have both Italian and Hungarian roots but was born and raised in northern Sydney. After finishing fashion college and working for other brands, I realised that the fast fashion industry didn’t align with my values. That’s what inspired me to create my first brand, Kinga Csilla — a label built on sustainability and ethical production.

Q: You already have an incredibly successful womenswear brand. What inspired you to start Ciao Ciao Vacation, and how does it reflect your personal aesthetic?

A: Ciao Ciao Vacation came from a desire to explore a new creative direction and cater to a different style than Kinga Csilla. CCV allows me to embrace duality in my personal aesthetic — it’s fun, lighthearted, and a bit more spontaneous. Having both brands lets me express both sides of my creativity and cater to two distinct audiences.

Q: How are the two brands different?

A: Ciao Ciao Vacation stands out because its story is unique, shaped by my nostalgic travel memories and those of my team. It’s a manifestation of youthful joy and summer love. I design to capture that exact feeling you get when the plane door opens, and the air hits you, 20 degrees warmer than where you left. That’s a Ciao mood.

Ciao also connects with a broader audience because its a predominately direct-to-consumer brand, giving us the opportunity to build a closer relationship with our customers. We get to engage with them more personally, which makes the journey even more rewarding.

Q: How does Ciao Ciao Vacation incorporate sustainability into its designs?

A: From the materials we choose to the production processes we follow, we aim to create pieces that not only make our customers feel good but also do good for the planet. We focus on slow fashion, designing pieces that are timeless and meant to be cherished for years. While it's not always easy to be fully sustainable, we are committed to making responsible choices wherever possible.

We are committed to continually exploring sustainable fabrics and improving our production techniques, evolving as we learn and grow. Most importantly, in partnership with our production teams, we prioritise fair and ethical working conditions, ensuring that everyone involved is treated with respect and care.

Q: What’s next for Ciao Ciao Vacation?

A: There’s so much more to come! I’m always thinking of new designs, but what’s next for CCV is continuing to expand our offering while staying true to our ethos. We’re working on exciting new collections that blend creativity, fun, and responsibility — because fashion should be all of those things.