Ellie & Tahni for Rashi

When does summer really begin for you?

Tahni

It’s funny, just last night I said to my friends while sitting outside the kiosk that summer has only really begun for me this past week. I’ve finally relaxed into the rhythm of the new year. It’s taken me a month to get here, and February is my favourite month. For me, summer begins when I start to truly savour it. Feeling free, still juggling work of course, but making space to be inspired and properly relax.

Ellie - when my cheeks are slightly rose pink from being kissed by the sun and my freckles are a little more bold. When my room is still warm from the days heat and even a singlet feels too hot to sleep in, fan whirling above my head

What’s the taste of summer for you?

Tahni - Fresh seafood and herbs, and a crispy beer, bonus with a squeeze of lime. There’s been no shortage of that for me this summer being at the kiosk.

Ellie - a cold beer and a plate of fritto misto

Describe your perfect long summer lunch.

Tahni - Sitting in the back alleyway of a friend’s house with sweet tables set up in a long rectangular sweep, all hobbled around on hot concrete tiles and softly covered by tree branches. We begin with a gin and cucumber cocktail, then sit for hours eating the sweet dishes everyone has made, paired with plenty of wine and stretching into the late, balmy evening.

Ellie - outdoors, a warm afternoon, some nice produce/wine and a few fun people. A charcoal grill would be good too. It would help to have a beautiful body of water nearby that we could dip into inbetween and after the cooking and eating.

Is there a dish or ingredient you return to every summer?

Tahni - Anything mango (shoutout to the mango Weiss bars)

How do your tastes differ, on the plate and in life?

Tahni - I used to shy away from certain seafood like prawns, which feels funny now that I understand the beauty and richness of it all. Growing up surrounded by my family’s love of food has shaped my appreciation for it. In life, Ellie and I share very similar tastes in fashion and design. I admire her eye, and she admires mine.

Ellie  - our tastes compliment each other. In both our works, things need to be beautiful but also functional and necessary. When I ask for Tahni's feedback on a dish I am playing with, she tends to challenge me on the textures and colours of the dish and I appreciate it.

What’s a summer ritual you share?

Tahni - We do most things together, but one ritual would be sleepovers after work. In the morning, I’ll make us iced coffees to sip while lying in the backyard, soaking up the fresh summer sun.

Ellie - I just got a new mattress in the spare room (Tahni complained about the comfort of the last one) so both my sisters (Tahni and Ruby) can sleep over. Then morning iced coffees and sun tanning.

Is there a favourite Rashi piece you want to live in this season?

Tahni - The SS front zip Iguana piece. The energy I feel in it is so fun. I love styling it with other unique pieces in my wardrobe, and the colours against my tanned summer skin feels perfect.

Ellie - I love the one piece with the zip at the front. Could wear it in every colour. I feel really sexy in it, especially unzipped a little, with a pair of white jeans and a red hair clip.

Favourite summer cocktail?

Tahni - How can I pick just one? Right now, I wouldn’t mind having a Southside in my hand, so I’ll go with that. Gin, lime and fresh mint.

Ellie - at the kiosk I have been pouring grapefruit soda and gin over ice and finishing it with a large gordal olive for a slightly salty contrast to the bitter-sweet soda.

Ellie & Tahni

xxxx