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.
When traveling for more than two weeks, I bring three suitcases—my favorite luggage is Globe-Trotter.
Shop it: 1. Globe-Trotter Leather-Trimmed Travel Trolley, $2,810; net-a-porter.com 2. Lisa Marie Fernandez Colby Ruffle-Trimmed Seersucker Bikini; $420, net-a-porter.com 3. Lisa Marie Fernandez Yasmin Seersucker Swimsuit; $445, net-a-porter.com 4. Johanna Ortiz Twist Halter Belted Dress; $3,995, modaoperandi.com
I have a Valextra 48 hour bag which holds my Macbook, iPhone and charger, fine jewelry, Hermes, Chanel, Louis Vuitton clutch handbags (I don’t trust airports for recognizable designer goods), Smythson diary, and Albert, my travel companion, of course.
Shop it: 1. Valextra Bag, $3,990; valextra.com 2. Smythson 2017 Panama Diary, $52; smythson.com 3. iPhone 7, $700; bestbuy.com 4. Dodo Bar Or Midi Dress, $425; net-a-porter.com 5. Rebecca de Ravenel Earrings, $425, rebeccaderavenel.com
I have a large canvas pochette from Hermès which is always stocked with my favorite sunblock and oils that I collect from Greece, St Barths, and France. I buy Solene from Greece, Clarins, Lancaster, and Laroche-Posay from France. I always buy products from their country of origin when I am traveling. I bring my favorite Frederic Malle fragrances (Portrait of a Lady and Carnal Flower), Dr. Alkaitis organic oil, and organic jojoba oil for the body.
Shop it: 1. Hermes Toiletry Case, $580; usa.hermes.com 2. La Roche-Posay Moisturizer with Sunscreen, $34; dermstore.com 3. Frederic Malle Portrait of a Lady Travel Spray, $70; nordstrom.com 4. Dr Alkatis Organic Nourishing Treatment Oil, $90; amazon.com