I first came across Chloë Aillud's work when I was in Portugal last year, as she was also there road tripping, her soft, dreamlike aesthetic and her van life moments captured so beautifully, instantly caught my eye. I feel very fortunate to have got to collaborate with Chloë on this self-portrait project, taken on the stunning beaches of Donegal, Ireland, her new home.
I asked Chloë just a few questions about herself and her work to get to know her a little better.
• What first drew you to photography?
At first, I was trying to capture the magic in the moments I was experiencing while living on the road, seeing new places and experiencing new cultures, it was as simple as that. But the longer I travelled and the more I engaged with my camera, taking photos became about more than just capturing my travels; it became about creating images that evoked feeling and learning how to layer a visual story.
This journey coincided with a time in my life when I found myself working in a job role that allowed very little artistic expression, and I was craving a creative outlet. Piecing together stories through photography became a kind of artistic therapy for me and reconnected me with creative expression.⠀⠀
• Who inspires you?
I think it’s more of a what rather than a who for me.
I am most inspired by the everyday acts of bravery and passion I see in people or discover through interactions, conversations during my ongoing pursuit for meaningful connection, along with the power of feminine compassion.
I’ve been fortunate to cross paths with many strong, passionate women along my journey and believe that femininity is both strength and power. To me, femininity and compassion are deeply inspiring and openly embracing both will always be a source of inspiration and motivation for me.
• What drives you day to day?
Curiosity. Waking up every day, knowing that there is so much more to see, to learn, to experience and to achieve in the world.
• What presence has the ocean had in your life?
The ocean is where I feel most at peace with myself, it creates a sense of calm within me and is the place where I feel most capable of achieving all the things I dream of and offers context to any anxieties or worries that I may be carrying.
My connection with the ocean began around 5 years ago when I moved to a tiny Greek island and lived in an apartment just a few hundred feet from the water’s edge. Having grown up just outside of London, this was my first experience of daily life so close to the sea. It gave me a clarity and assurance that I had no idea I was missing when living in the city.
I now live next to the Atlantic on the west coast of Ireland—a very different ocean from the calm Mediterranean waters I lived alongside in Greece. Yet, if anything, the Atlantic makes me feel even more connected and calm, even with its wild and unpredictable nature.
I have also begun to embrace the culture of cold-water dipping since moving to Ireland, which has helped me reconnect with myself at a time when I was feeling a little lost.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
• Where is next on your surf/photography trip list?
I have an exciting trip planned in April 2025 where I will be the resident photographer at a beautiful community surf, skate and yoga experience with WuJu Retreat in Peniche, Portugal. ⠀
• What drew you to sand&palm?
The considered and meaningful focus on sustainability and the feminine form combined is what drew me to sand&palm. I adore that all the pieces are handmade with such care and consideration by Vicki – I can feel that my swimwear was made just for me when I wear it.
You can find more of Chloë's work and adventures on her instagram and her website, www.chloeaillud.com.