SUITCASE SERIES: SOPHIE DOYLE, FOUNDER OF THE FABLE

This week we caught up with Sophie Doyle, the founder of The Fable, an award-winning silk shirt brand that is based in Sydney, Australia. Sophie loves to travel and it was while on sabbatical in India that she came up with the concept for the Fable.

Before she became an entrepreneur, Sophie worked in luxury marketing at L’oreal. After four years with the group she left as she didn’t see a long term future in the corporate world. Seeking a break and change of scene she booked a one way ticket to India. One day while she was exploring Rajasthan in a tuk tuk, she came across an ethical, female-owned factory and she decided it would be fun to have a go at making a silk shirt for herself. Sophie had always liked silk shirts, as they are the perfect day-to-night, desk-to-dinner staple, however many of them are not made to last and not machine washable so she set out to solve this problem. She loved what was created so much that upon return to Sydney, Sophie sold her car for $7k and used that money to order her first shipment of shirts.

Sophie is also a big fan of hiking, and her love of this has taken her around the world.

In this week’s Suitcase Series, we take a sneak peek into Sophie’s travel psyche…

What’s been your most memorable trip and why?

I’ve had many memorable trips, but hands down, the most memorable was two weeks in Switzerland in 2019 – my now husband and I got engaged in the Alps. Much of the trip was based around hiking as there is some incredible tracks and countryside in Switzerland! There is a lot to explore.

AMAN Sveti Stefan in Montenegro is Sophie’s favourite hotel

What’s your favourite ever hotel?

There is an amazing Aman resort in Montenegro, which sits out on a peninsula. The whole peninsula is the resort and it’s quite incredible. Surrounded by amazing blue sea, the resort has several infinity pools. There are pink jacarandas everywhere which are an absolute favourite of mine.

Where or what is your escape?

A beach always hits the spot. I love the sea and always feel recharged after time at the beach. I have little children now so harbor beaches without surf are always great. Neilson park is my go to in Sydney.

If you could go anywhere tomorrow it would be…

London is always a favourite. My husband and I usually go here around once a year as he has business in the UK. It means we get to spend 2-3 weeks here in the UK summer which is magic. I haven’t done alot of UK travel but love Knightsbridge in London. Close to Hyde Park with so many great restaurants all walking distance.

What’s your idea of a luxury wellness holiday?

Somewhere peaceful with good food, warm weather and time to relax. A spa treatment or two never hurts either. I’ve always loved Qualia up in Queensland. While not a wellness holiday as such it definitely hits the spot for relaxation.

My top bucket-list destination is…

I have never been but always wanted to go to Japan. The snow slopes look incredible, so does cherry blossom season. It seems to be a place that has something interesting happening anytime of the year. I’m also a big fan of japanese food.

Khaki Silk Shirt, The Fable

RRP: $199.00

If you could sit next to anyone – dead or alive – on a long-haul ﬂight, who would it be?

Anna Wintour. She is probably the biggest fashion icon in the world. She has set many of the trends for decades. I think she would be fascinating.

What is your jet-lag recovery tip?

Don’t take a nap when you arrive. Push through on the day of arrival, If you can last the first day then you’re 80% there.

What is your suitcase stalwart?

A good sheet mask. Nothing is more dehydrating than a flight, so having some sheet masks handy to hydrate your skin will help you start to feel normal, even if you are a little jet lagged.