Lisa Marie Fernandez Reveals Her Vacation Packing Tips

Not only does designer Lisa Marie Fernandez make the most covetable swimsuits (and most recently cabana-to-cocktail hour cover-ups, too), but she also takes the most enviable trips. And why not? When you design resortwear for the international jet set, there’s much inspiration to be found in far-flung locales. Below, Fernandez opens up her (extremely chic) luggage to reveal her packing tips and what she’s bringing on her next jaunt.

2017 ITINERARYI already traveled to Chile, and Jose Ignacio in Uruguay, for the New Year, and I am spending the winter in Topanga, California. I cannot do another East Coast winter—it just doesn’t make sense for me anymore as we create swimwear and warm weather destination wear. I will be exploring the west coast from Topanga and hopefully visit Mexico City. For the summer, I will be in Europe: London, Paris, Greece, Portugal, Italy. Nothing beats the Mediterranean and Aegean in the summer. I would also like to visit Beirut.

OVERPACKER OR UNDERPACKER?I am definitely an overpacker. Many destinations have multiple climates, so I need to be prepared for sun, cold, and rain. I also need to pack for day and night in each country.

WHAT DO YOU PACK IN MULTIPLES?Swimwear, of course—both bikinis and one-piece maillots. Mostly LMF as well as Kiini, and no-name Brazilian bikinis.

WHAT'S YOUR BEST PACKING TIP?Pack everything flat. The rolling idea doesn’t work for me. That only really works if you are packing for a sports or ski trip. I layer all clothing flat in my suitcase, starting with delicate pieces at the bottom such as evening gowns and chiffon dresses, and finish with knits to protect the items underneath. Layering allows you to pack much more and avoid wrinkles.

IDEAL AIRPLANE OUTFITAlways LMF activewear—my favorite is our KARLIE Catsuit. It is black, comfortable and looks chic. My Uruguayan blankets take the place of coats, are perfect for the plane, and then when I arrive, will work after the sun goes down on the beach.