We're Fashion Designers—Here's What We Always Take With Us on Flights

Photo:

Courtesy of Rezek Studio; Courtesy of Poppy Lissiman; Courtesy of Cult Gaia; Courtesy of Ciao Lucia

The end of the year is nigh, and with it comes a lot to be excited about—from gathering with loved ones to shopping for great gifts to the prospect of a new year. But if we're being honest, there is one specific thing we're looking forward to most: holiday travel. Whether you're jetting off to Paris or leaving the city to visit loved ones, nothing beats the feeling of packing a bag and heading out into the world. But of course, like everything else around this time of the year, travel comes with its own challenges. 

As easy as it is to get swept up in the fantasy of being on a beach somewhere, veteran travelers know that getting there isn't a walk in the park, especially around the holiday season. And this year, we're likely going to see the increased demand for travel result in cost inflation, delays, and long lines in TSA. Basically, it's about to be stressful. And when there's already so much to worry about, the last thing you want to be anxious about is what you'll pack for your upcoming trip.

In order to take some of the anxiety out of packing, we asked nine designers to share their advice on surviving the holiday travel season sans stress. As industry veterans, they've traveled around the world for work (and pleasure) and have become renowned for their vacation-worthy pieces. In short, they know a thing or two about surviving long flights in style, so you'll want to take notes. 

Photo:

Courtesy of Evangeline Titilas and Sami Lorking-Tanner

WHO: Evangeline Titilas and Sami Lorking-Tanner, Co-Founders and Designers of With Jéan

How did you break into the fashion industry? And what drew you to becoming a designer?

Evangeline Titilas: We were 23 years old and traveling through Europe. We were both inspired, and it's something we had always wanted to do, so we started developing on that trip.

In what ways do you feel the fashion and travel industries inform each other?

Sami Lorking-Tanner: There is definitely a marriage between the two. Firstly, both evoke the feeling of freedom, discovery, adventure, and creativity. But also, the exposure to different landscapes, cultures, wildlife, and even culinary experiences has influenced and shaped collections of ours through the years.

Photo:

Courtesy of With Jéan

Since the fashion industry is global, are there any places you've traveled to that continue to inform how you approach design?

ET: We tend to find inspiration from every place we travel to. There are all sorts of beauty from all over the world, and we're still yet to reach so many places. You can learn and take so much information from one place, and we look forward to continuing on these travels. 

One thing we love about your work is that your pieces are so photogenic. Are there any tips you swear by for looking photo ready while traveling?

ET: We love clothing. Our motto is that if you're dressed well, you're photo ready. 

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Courtesy of Jasmin Larian Hekmat

WHO: Jasmin Larian Hekmat, Founder and Designer of Cult Gaia

How did you break into the fashion industry? And what drew you to becoming a designer?

Fashion was in my blood. My mom is a fashion designer, and I grew up on Bratz dolls as a family business. I have been making things my whole life, and to me, creativity and creating is the reason for being.

In what ways do you feel the fashion and travel industries inform each other?

Travel and fashion are the same for me, in that they both are a means of escape for people. It's an opportunity to be free, take risks, and be outside of your comfort zone.

Photo:

Courtesy of Cult Gaia

Since the fashion industry is global, are there any places you've traveled to that continue to inform how you approach design? 

Japan is a place that has always inspired me—their aesthetic and sensibility of restraint is something I'm constantly challenging myself to accomplish. I always think the hardest thing to do in fashion is to focus and simplify. And in contrast to that, anywhere that the sun shines and the water glistens is a huge source of inspiration to me.

One thing we love about your work is that your pieces are so photogenic. Are there any tips you swear by for looking photo ready while traveling?

I believe in color, making you look and feel beautiful, so no packing black looks.

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Courtesy of Ariel Rezek

WHO: Ariel Rezek, Founder and Designer of Rezek Studio

How did you break into the fashion industry? And what drew you to becoming a designer? 

Fashion has always been my main interest. I was inspired to create clothes that I wanted to wear and went from there! I learned along the way how to become a designer and business owner. 

In what ways do you feel the fashion and travel industries inform each other? 

When I travel, I always pack for where I'm going. If it's Miami, I know I can be more sexy and fun. And if it's New York, I will pack a more sophisticated and cool girl. They're constantly informing me of my personal style and creative process.

Photo:

Courtesy of Rezek Studio

Since the fashion industry is global, are there any places you've traveled to that continue to inform how you approach design? 

I am always inspired by a place where I can comfortably take risks with my clothes. Even in Palm Springs, CA, I can pack all of the crazy vintage pieces hanging in my closet. My approach to style informs what I create, and through my collections, I hope to inspire others to use their sartorial choices while traveling as another way to explore.  

One thing we love about your work is that your pieces are so photogenic. Are there any tips you swear by for looking photo ready while traveling? 

Many of our customers purchase our clothing for a special event, whether it's their birthday trip or out-of-town holiday party. Whenever I'm going on a particular trip, I make sure I have my nails and hair, etc., fresh to feel most confident. It shows in the photos when you're on vacation and having fun.

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Courtesy of Poppy Lissiman

WHO: Poppy Lissiman, Creative Director and Founder of Poppy Lissiman

How did you break into the fashion industry? And what drew you to becoming a designer? 

My mother taught me to sew when I was about 10 years old, and I have been obsessed with fashion ever since. When I was just out of high school, I made ends meet by whipping up dresses and selling them to a few local stores. I never thought I could make a career out of it until I was 18, and I had started working in retail and was influenced by a few of my talented new colleagues who had all studied fashion and had their brands. That's when I decided I could give it a shot! 

In what ways do you feel the fashion and travel industries inform each other?  

Probably the seasonality and the fantasy of it all. Personally, I dress up way more when I travel than I do in regular life. Traveling is such a treat, so it's fun to dress the part and embrace those special moments.

Photo:

Courtesy of Poppy Lissiman

Since the fashion industry is global, are there any places you've traveled to that continue to inform how you approach design? 

I'm currently living in Tokyo, which has been super inspiring. Coming from Australia, which is generally very casual in its approach to fashion, it's been a very interesting change to be in a city where design, especially fashion, is very considered. 

One thing we love about your work is that your pieces are so photogenic. Are there any tips you swear by for looking photo ready while traveling? 

I try on and take photos of every outfit I pack beforehand—an especially handy trick for ensuring each outfit is super photo ready when you're away! Based on my itinerary, I will know how many days are committed to, for example, going to the beach, sightseeing, dressy dinners, or work meetings for which I need specific outfits. That way, I only pack exactly what I need, and it's super quick to get ready when I'm on the go by referring back to the photos. No one has time for a wardrobe meltdown when you're away. Every outfit has to have elements that go with other pieces so no space is wasted.

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Courtesy of Lucy Akin

WHO: Lucy Akin, Founder of Ciao Lucia

How did you break into the fashion industry? And what drew you to becoming a designer?

I broke into the fashion industry through a million internships that finally landed me a job as a studio assistant for Jenni Kayne. After 10 years of working as a buyer, shop owner, and everything in between, I started Ciao Lucia as a hobby, and the rest is history from there. 

In what ways do you feel the fashion and travel industries inform each other? 

While fashion moves quickly with the trends, travel is timeless—beautiful places remain a tradition for so many people to visit. When you visit these places, though, you envision the type of person you want to look like on your vacation. I find fashion very informative of your travel, and it's a time when you can have way more fun with what you wear. 

Photo:

Courtesy of Ciao Lucia

Since the fashion industry is global, are there any places you've traveled to that continue to inform how you approach design? 

Every summer, I take a two-week vacation in the Mediterranean. I bounce around a lot, but my favorites are Capri, Puglia, and anywhere in the South of France. Even on vacation, the commercial reachings of fashion don't find you unless you're shopping the luxury brands. The great equalizer is a swimsuit, a cover-up, and pair of sandals. I try to approach what we make this way—keep it trend-free, and the silhouettes must be timeless and classic. They must make sense for layering whether you're wearing them by the sea or out for a long dinner with friends. 

One thing we love about your work is that your pieces are so photogenic. Are there any tips you swear by for looking photo ready while traveling? 

I believe sunglasses can change a whole look and are the finishing touch. A perfect pair of vintage Persols is the best accessory you can add to your Ciao Lucia outfit, and they give off Italian-movie vibes.

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Courtesy of Rebeca Mendoza

WHO: Rebeca Mendoza, Creative Director at Mark Cross

How did you break into the fashion industry? And what drew you to becoming a designer? 

I studied fashion design and started my career in womenswear. When I made the move into accessories, my life changed! I started working for a Savile Row brand in men's accessories, then moved into women's. I love designing for all genders. Accessories felt more purposeful to me, I think, because they live with us longer. How many times do you change your bag a week? Ever since I remember, I wanted to be a designer before I knew there was such a thing. I love the ritual of dressing up. I love how a bag, a pair of shoes, and jewelry can uplift any outfit. Beautiful design is uplifting, whether in architecture, home goods, or fashion. 

In what ways do you feel the fashion and travel industries inform each other? 

Traveling brings in new perspectives. Traveling is the ultimate source of inspiration—seeing different approaches and places, smelling new things, and walking around. Something happens when you travel. I think not being distracted from quotidian things unlocks your mind. Personally, I also dress better when I travel because I have to get creative with limited options, and that's fun too. 

Photo:

Courtesy of Mark Cross

Since the fashion industry is global, are there any places you've traveled to that continue to inform how you approach design? 

Yes, 100%, but this changes all the time depending on where my mind is at. Right now, I am traveling a lot to Italy since that is where we produce all of Mark Cross. I love Milan at the moment. I love the incredible art deco and brutalist architecture they have, and I also love people-watching in Milan. 

One thing we love about your work is that your pieces are so photogenic. Are there any tips you swear by for looking photo ready while traveling? 

I think the key for me is always to wear something I feel really good in. Dressing up every day is essential to me. It makes me feel awake and ready. Accessories are great. You can travel wearing track pants with a cool bag with a nice jacket, and that's all you need. I am dying to get our Grace Lungo, a new iteration of the Grace, coming out next month.

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Courtesy of Patricia Bonaldi

WHO: Patricia Bonaldi, Creative Director of PatBo

How did you break into the fashion industry? And what drew you to becoming a designer? 

Growing up, my mother taught me how to sew, embroider, and make clothes. That ignited my love of design and creativity. After working various jobs to support myself over the years, I started making couture eveningwear for private clients. This eventually grew into my first business and eponymous brand, Patricia Bonaldi. Later, I started PatBo, the ready-to-wear evolution of the couture business. Perseverance, passion, and hard work led me to where I am today. 

In what ways do you feel the fashion and travel industries inform each other? 

As a designer, I'm incredibly influenced by my travels. All of our prints are hand-drawn and are frequently inspired by nature that I encounter worldwide. We're known for our resort collections, which serve our customer's desire for something new for vacation getaways! We also see [that] the more we travel, the more adventurous we become with our clothes. We can lean out of our day-to-day uniforms when we travel—get more colorful and playful!

Photo:

Courtesy of PatBo

Since the fashion industry is global, are there any places you've traveled to that continue to inform how you approach design? 

The way I approach my design is rooted in my home country of Brazil. Uberlândia, my hometown and the location of our atelier, is known as the center of special hand-embroidery skills. I'm committed to continuing the tradition of the craftsmanship our team of talented Brazilian artisans creates daily. But I'm also a big traveler and always take inspiration from new places. This year, it was Greece, Spain, Paris, and London.

One thing we love about your work is that your pieces are so photogenic. Are there any tips you swear by for looking photo ready while traveling? 

Wear color and fun prints when in beautiful, sunny places. It will make you feel and look even happier. Our new Tropicalia print is excellent for even the most all-black, no-print girl—it's cool and has a classic look. A nice pair of sunglasses doesn't hurt either. 

Photo:

Bex Gunther for Carolina Castiglioni

WHO: Carolina Castiglioni, Founder and Creative Director of Plan C

How did you break into the fashion industry? And what drew you to becoming a designer? 

I've grown up in a family that has been involved in fashion for generations. The Plan C headquarters in Milan used to be my great-grandmother's fur atelier in the '60s. After my studies, it was natural for me to join my parents in the company they founded, Marni. I worked in the family company for 13 years until it was sold in 2016 and had the opportunity for myself to work in different departments, starting from retail (I was an accessory buyer for the Marni stores) and moving to the e-commerce team. The last year, I took the role of creative director of special projects. My approach to designing a collection is similar to that of designing an object. I start thinking about functionality, then material and shape.

In what ways do you feel the fashion and travel industries inform each other? 

Traveling is one of my favorite things to do. I have so many wonderful memories of travels with my parents, and I enjoy traveling with my kids even more now. Any moment they have a school break, we organize a trip. It is where I find most of my inspiration, breathing different cultures, food, and architecture. Seeing the world around you is fundamental, especially if you work in a global business.

Photo:

Courtesy of Plan C

Since the fashion industry is global, are there any places you've traveled to that continue to inform how you approach design? 

Above all, Japan. Tokyo is the most inspiring city I have seen. I go there anytime I can and always come back with many new ideas, research, and things I buy in vintage markets, or stores—from objects to garments to books and stationery. They have a unique sense of creativity; I could spend hours watching people walking in the streets. I observe the workers who repair the roads all dressed up in their uniforms in delicate nuances of blue or jade. I find them extremely elegant.

One thing we love about your work is that your pieces are so photogenic. Are there any tips you swear by for looking photo ready while traveling? 

All of those pieces are functional yet still colorful. Colors make an item special and unique. Most of the items are not only one color but how they are combined. Odd matches are my favorite.