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We’ve long admired Emma for her thoughtful approach to beauty, effortless sense of style and ability to find something special in the everyday.
Her world moves between city days and European escapes, filled with beautiful places, thoughtful details and an effortless approach to getting dressed. Through her lens, she captures the romance in simple moments, from an afternoon by the sea to getting dressed for an evening aperitivo.
For our latest Portrait, Emma shares the places that continue to inspire her, her evolving relationship with beauty and the pieces she returns to season after season. Along the way, she lets us in on her summer rituals, forever beauty essentials and what she’s dreaming of next.
Follow Emma on Instagram here, and discover more of her world through her Substack here, where she shares thoughtful notes on beauty, travel and the everyday rituals that inspire her.
You’ve built a life and career around beauty, travel and personal style. How has your idea of beauty evolved over the years?
So much! Being in my late 30’s now I’m so appreciative of beauty all around me, I think when I was younger I thought beauty was chasing an ideal, but actually through my photography – where I know the most beautiful capture is often because something is ‘imperfect’ about it or it’s the ‘flaw’ that makes the image feel magic – I’ve realised that applies to humans, too. It’s the unique thing that is the most beautiful.
The South of France seems to hold such a special place in your world. What is it about the Riviera that you find yourself returning to?
I grew up in France, so it always feels like coming home. My cousins lived in Cassis on the Cote D’Azur and I have so many beautiful memories there. It’s the kind of place you are just always surrounded by nature – and in total awe of it! To me there’s a certain energy about the South of France that I can’t find anywhere else.
Which pieces from your peony edit feel most like you, and why?
The Pointelle dress for me is perfect as it’s an outfit in one, aka no worrying about what I need to wear. In the summer, I want pieces I can throw on that look great, just paired with whatever accessories I love at that time. It feels timeless.
Describe your perfect Sunday...
A slow morning of coffee and reading in bed, a walk around my local park in London – Victoria Park – picking up groceries then coming home, making a lovely lunch and catching up on tv shows for the afternoon – drinking a pot of peppermint tea! Total relax.
Your forever beauty essential...
The Sancta body oil. Find it here.
A book you’ll always recommend...
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson.
Fondest memory by the ocean...
In my early 20s, floating in the sea in Hoi An, Vietnam and genuinely shedding a tear as I swam in the moonlight while also watching the sunset.
Dream vacation destination...
I still haven’t visited Japan! It’s top of my list.
Your most-loved flower to receive...
Ranunculus, because they’re so fascinating to look at and add such a beautiful pop of colour to the room.
Your summer uniform in three words...
Simple, comfortable, chic.
Something simple that always makes you feel your most beautiful...
A soft fabric against my skin.
Morning swim or sunset aperitivo?
I think 10 years ago I would have said the latter, but these days I love nothing more than getting up early for a fresh swim in the sea before it’s busy.
Favourite summer beauty product...
A hydrating mist! I use them all day, everyday, especially when it’s hot. I love something simple like the Avene Eau Thermale – it soothes, hydrates and calms – perfect for post swim or to freshen up makeup. And of course lathering myself in Sancta Nourishing Body Oil.
A smell that takes you back in time...
Fresh vanilla pods. My dad's side of the family is from Réunion and I spent many a summer there when I was younger - and always brought back vanilla pods with me as it's meant to be some of the best in the world!
Discover Emma Hoareau's peony Picks - romantic silhouettes, tactile textures, and signature essentials destined for your forever wardrobe.
Enter the world of peony and discover what inspires, excites, moves and challenges us.
