London-based Texan-Iraqi Kalita Al Swaidi travels frequently, and it was her hunt for clothes that could transition effortlessly from city to seaside that inspired her to launch Kalita in 2016. Made entirely from parachute silk, her designs are all hand-dyed by artisans using time-honored methods. “Each dress can go from the beach to cocktails,” she says, adding, “every single piece has to work hard. Practicality is essential.”