Find out more about Elena Menjón, the superb graphic designer who has created each brush stroke of these refreshing illustrations. This is what she told us about herself:

A sunny city with friendly people. If it has a beach, so much the better.
I really like Granada.

… and if you could live in another decade?
I love the 1920s look, I would like to spend a little time in that period.

Define your style in three words:
Colourful, comfortable and with attention to the details.

… and if you were a colour?
Coral, or a neon.

What is the best thing you’ve ever bought in a flea market?
A belt with LED lights flashing out a message, in Hong Kong.

The item of clothing that’s never missing from your wardrobe?
Not exactly in my wardrobe: a bra, it’s my fetish garment.

What do you listen to for inspiration?
Daft Punk, Radiohead, CSS, Kitsuné Maison compilations, MIA, Justice, Phoenix, Cut Copy, Hot Chip, Roisin Murphy, Booka Shade, Red Hot Chili Peppers…

Who is your favourite character?
Anyone in Monty Python. And Ariel, the little princess.

A talent/virtue/skill of yours that few people know about…
I really like to spin music. I’m taking classes.

You couldn’t live without…
Cheese

In your day-to-day life, outside of work, do you also think about fashion?
I usually pay close attention to what others are wearing and the trends that develop.

What fast food would you never admit to loving?
Well, I admit it and I recommend it. McDonald’s breakfasts.

A movie you’ve seen more than 10 times?
Closer.

The book that changed your life?
It didn’t exactly change my life, but I really liked it: “Viviendo del cuento” by Juanjo Sáez.

A woman whose personal style inspires you…
MIA

A museum to get lost in
I prefer to get lost in the city and discover small charming galleries.

Style is…
Knowing what looks good and making the most of it, not only with fashion. Piquing people’s interest without being over-the-top, being restrained without going unnoticed.

Elegance is…
An attitude, showing self-security, distinction and good taste.

What is the most flattering trend this season?
Mint-coloured garments on brown skin.

What is your favourite item of clothing from Oysho?
The bikini with embroidered little palm trees.

If you liked them, discover more of her amazing work at her site www.flickr.com/elenamenjon

The Chateau Marmont is one of a handful of legendary hotels which always show up in the gossip pages of celebrity magazines. It was at this hotel that James Dean won the role of his life in Rebel Without a Cause, after he snuck in through a window to attend a casting call. Led Zeppelin band members drove motorcycles through its hallways, while Jim Morrison was hurt trying to enter his room from the roof. Other famed guests include Greta Garbo, John Lennon and Marilyn Monroe, and the hotel served as the setting for Sofia Coppola’s most recent film, Somewhere. 

This modern-day castle is the backdrop for Oysho’s beachwear campaign, shot by photographer Daniel Riera. The beachwear collection reflects the latest trends in a season replete with optimism: geometric prints in all their variations – zigzag, ethnic, stripes, paisleys–, floral prints, sorbet tones and fluorescent touches.

Bikinis are the last word in naïf with ruffles and gathers, while the one-piece returns to centre stage after years in the background. The influence of this year’s Olympic Games is also showcased in sport-cut, minimalist swimwear and high-tech fabrics such as neoprene

The Back to Basics photography contest, which anyone who follows Oysho on Facebook can take part in, gets underway today. All you have to do is take photos of the basic moments in your daily life – things that never go out of fashion, things that are essential for you – and share these images on Instagram with the hashtag #oyshobacktobasics. The photos that receive the most votes will go through to the final, and the staff of Harper’s Bazaar magazine will select three winners from among the eight finalists. The first prize is a total look from Oysho made up of 10 garments, the second prize is 8 items of clothing and the third prize, 5 items. You have until 16 May to upload the photos of your choice. Remember that the more photos you post, the more chance you have of getting through to the final! Good luck!

Most fashion editors and stylists in Portugal had the 18th of April marked in their diaries. They were all invited to our Swimwear Open Day at one of the most exclusive locations on the coast. Hotel Areias do Seixo – just a few steps from the beach – became the perfect setting to introduce the products from our Beachwear line.
Tropical prints, pastel and sorbet shades, African prints, sailor styles, simple brushstrokes, hints of vintage… Our varied swimwear collection brings together the season’s latest trends making it even harder to choose the perfect beach outfit. Those who like the nostalgic look can choose the retro cut pieces inspired by the pin-ups of the 50s. But there’s also plenty for the more daring such as the trikinis or the Brazilian bikini bottoms. And take note – after years of bikini dominance the one piece swimming costume is making a comeback. Are you ready?

Spring has suddenly arrive at the Oysho stores in Fuencarral (Madrid), Rambla de Cataluña (Barcelona) and Plaza de Lugo (La Coruña). For several weeks, flowers of all colours, provenances and fragrances will co-exist under the same roof, in the company of the most colour-drenched lingerie, homewear and beachwear collections of the season.

In addition to decorating the store, all of the plants will be for sale, along with a range of ceramic and glassware vases. Do not miss it!

The first glimpse of sunshine give us the perfect excuse to add summer accessories to our wardrobe. Model Clara Alonso is strolling along the most heavenly, secluded beaches in northern Spain with the cutest raffia hat from our beachwear collection. Take note!

This year the fight to save the planet has gone global, with individuals leading by example to show us the importance of small gestures.
How do you get involved? It’s easy. Just switch off the lights in your house or business and encourage everyone else to do the same thing. At Oysho we are getting in on the action too, and will be switching off the lights in all our store windows for one hour.
SWITCH OFF THE LIGHTS, SWITCH ON HOPE FOR THE PLANET!

Flocked polka dot cropped pants by OYSHO

The best spot in your neighbourhood to have dinner with friends
Bagatella, on Calle Pelayo in Madrid, serves the best salmon papillote in the city.
 
If you could live in any other city…?
Amsterdam, without a moment’s hesitation. 
 
… and if you could live in another decade?
The 1920s in Paris. I’d like to do the same as Owen Wilson in “Midnight in Paris”
 
Define your style in three words:
Manmade, masculine and knitwear.
 
… and if you were a colour?
A really, really dark navy blue.
 
What is the best thing you’ve ever bought in a flea market?
Hmm…I buy something the Rastro market nearly every week. I think it would have to be suitcases.
 
The item of clothing that’s never missing from your wardrobe?
Dr. Martens boots.
 
What do you listen to for inspiration?
Cat Power all the time.
 
Who is your favourite character?
Casper, the friendly ghost.
 
A talent you have that few people know about…
Hahaha. Is this for real? I would definitely win a face-pulling contest.
 
You couldn’t live without…
My brothers and sisters, just the thought of being separated from them after a whole lifetime together….
 
In your day-to-day life, outside of work, do you also think about fashion?
All the time, but I don’t get tired of it.
 
What fast food would you never admit to loving?
Hot dogs with crunchy fried onion. My mouth’s watering just thinking about it.
 
A movie you’ve seen more than 10 times?
Too many. The first one that comes to mind is Garden State.
 
The book that changed your life?
Invisible monsters by Palahniuk.
 
A woman whose personal style inspires you…
Alexa Chung. Original, eh?
 
A museum to get lost in
The Tate. I suppose it’s the one I’ve most often got lost in.
 
Style is…
Being poised.
 
Elegance is…
Being charming.
 
What is the most flattering trend this season?
I think what you’ve got to aim for is a mix of preppy, baby doll and gentleman. But you have to be careful if you want it to suit everyone.
 
What is your favourite item of clothing from Oysho?
I’m a big fan of Oysho shirts.

Get addicted to her blog Tea Time.

The We are Water Foundation is tackling the global water problem with an international short film competition. Isabel Coixet, Ray Loriga and María de Medeiros make up the panel of judges for the competition, in which the emphasis is on the lack of water resources around the world. For more information visit the Foundation’s website and accept their invitation to think about a new culture of water that is compatible with environmental sustainability. Or visit Eli Maier’s Site to get inspired by his liquid images…

What does your favourite colour taste like? For Emilie, the charming author of Griottes, green tastes of cucumber, maroon of raspberries, orange of apricots, yellow of banana… Her gastronomic blog is completely addictive thanks to the originality of her recipes, the freshness of her compositions and the delightful images. Discover it now!