Not many people can say they’ve designed their own dream suitcase, but Alex Eagle is one of them.The super-stylist and curator’s second collaboration with Away is all about colour popping zippers that correlate with her vacation memories.
“We built on the concept of colour coding your travel,” Alex says. “I loved the idea of matching beautiful colours to different travel experiences inspired by favourite holiday memories, like swimming in the ocean, early evening aperitivo cocktails or long days spent in the sun.”
Home might be London’s Soho for Alex but she’s back and forth to Berlin where her other store is based (The Store X); a city she says “feels very familiar and is a nice contrast to city life in London”.
So what does Soho’s purveyor of style pack in her own suitcase? From Nina Simone travel playlists to instant tricks to banish jet lag, this is how Alex Eagle likes to vacation…
What is the first trip you remember taking?
From a very young age I remember spending summers in Ireland where my mother is from. I have such fond memories of being by the sea and riding horses down the beach with all my cousins.
Which holidays have been your favourite to date and why?
Italy is somewhere I come back to year after year – the food, design, culture, climate and people are an endless source of inspiration for me and my work. I’ve had some of the best holidays with friends and family in Positano, Ischia and Capri, relaxing in the sun, going out on boats all day and long balmy dinners in the evenings – it’s heaven.
Where or what is your escape?
I have a sweet little cottage in Oxfordshire which I often escape to at the weekend with my family. We go for long walks in the summer and spend afternoons by the fire in winter which is the perfect antidote to London life.
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Do you get away often?
I get away a lot with work and find that most things in my life merge organically whether it’s travel, being with my family or working. Everything is a source of inspiration when I’m away so I find I can get as much done sitting by the pool as I can in my studio in London. I do try to have at least a couple of weeks each year of completely switching off and being with my family though.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve taken from your travels?
Go where the locals go and avoid tourist traps to get the full experience.
Where would you travel with friends?
These days it’s hard to find the time to get away with friends as we all have young children so I love going somewhere in the UK to maximise time together and it’s also a good opportunity not to fly. Scotland is so beautiful and I love Devon – great walks, hotels and pubs.
What’s your idea of a luxury holiday?
Somewhere I can totally relax.
Where do you get your holiday inspiration?
Friends and family are the most trusted source of inspiration when it comes to holidays.
If you could sit next to anyone – dead or alive – on a long-haul flight, who would it be?
Peggy Guggenheim or Gertrude Stein.
How do you recover from jet lag?
If the place I go to has a pool I’ll immediately dunk myself, or alternatively a bath does the trick – something about the water seems to ground and reset you. I find Vitamin C gives me a little boost as well if I’m lacking in sleep and energy. I find the best way to hide the fatigue is bright red lipstick and Celine sunglasses.
Your flight’s delayed an hour and your phone’s out of battery. How do you pass the time?
I always have a book on me when I’m travelling. It’s one of the only times I get to read without distraction as I’m usually with my kids, so an hour of uninterrupted reading is a real treat!
What’s your favourite hotel and why?
Hotel Il Pellicano (in Porto Ercole, Tuscany) which is owned by my best friend. It’s such a magical place and I never tire of the beautiful views and setting. She does such an amazing job of making her hotels feel personal but luxury.
Favourite airline?
BA, always.
What’s on your travel playlist?
Nina Simone, Khalid, Erykah Badu, A Tribe Called Quest.
Where next? Why?
There are hundreds of places on my wish list, but I’m desperate to travel to South America – Brazil, Chile, Peru and Argentina in particular.
What are your must-have travel picks?
- My Away x Alex Eagle suitcase because I love the idea of colour coding your travel.
- I’ll always pack a tux jacket or linen suit, which work for all occasions when I’m away.
- Charvet slippers are super-elegant and easy for travelling.
- Crème de la Mer The Hand Treatment to hydrate.
- Oversized white shirt – usually a vintage Issey or Yohji Yamamoto men’s one.
- I love Isdin Fotoprotector Active Oil SPF30.
First thing that comes to your mind?
Hand-luggage essential?
Anya Hindmarch In-Flight Cases.
Packing: roll or fold?
Fold.
Time killer on a long-haul flight?
A film and sleeping.
Holiday tipple of choice?
G&T.
Bucket list top destination?
Safari in Africa.
Best shopping gem found abroad?
Hand embroidered bed linens from the Beldi Country Club in Marrakech.
Beach or City?
City.
Ultimate holiday treat?
Breakfast in bed.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?