Nobody does Scandi cool like Anine Bing – see her 800k-strong Instagram account for evidence. The Danish fashion designer has been bringing a laidback luxe aesthetic to LA since launching her namesake label in 2012.
“I launched my brand seven years ago out of my garage in Los Angeles – it was just a tiny collection of 10 pieces on a web shop and now we have 15 stores globally,” Anine says.
Born in Denmark and growing up in Sweden, Anine moved to Los Angeles 12 years ago. With travel in the genes – she believes her Brazilian grandmother gave her the bug – Anine now makes regular vacations mandatory: “I love travelling – it’s just the best way of getting inspired.”
So how does a fashion designer like to vacation? From airport meditation to Marianne Faithfull hits, we delve into the suitcase psyche of Anine Bing…
What’s the first trip you remember taking?
Italy, to Rome and Venice. We were five siblings so we didn’t travel a lot and I remember this was the first time we actually left Denmark – I was about 10 years old and it was amazing. My grandmother was from Brazil and she loved travelling too so always took me on different trips.
What’s been your favourite vacation and why?
Brazil, with my grandmother. We have a lot of family in Brazil and it’s just the most amazing, warm, vibrant place. The people are so incredible and the beaches are beautiful. I’ve been there three times, but I haven’t been for maybe 12 years so I really want to go back and take my kids.
Where or what is your escape?
Mexico. It’s easy to travel to from LA and the weather’s amazing. I love everything about it. I went to Punta Mita on my last vacation and Tulum is amazing, too.
Do you get away often?
I probably travel about once a month for work to our stores. Recently it was Sydney opening a store there, then London. But I also try to get in three vacations a year – I didn’t take any vacations during the first four years of the business and kinda burnt out so taking time out for myself and my family is important. I always take my kids – I work so much that when I have time I just want to be with my family.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve taken from your travels?
Don’t eat the airplane food! It makes you feel so shitty, so now I bring my own snacks.
Where would you travel with friends?
Probably Paris with my girlfriends. I love the energy, the shopping, and all the little cafés and restaurants to hang out.
What’s your idea of a luxury holiday?
We went to the Rosewood Mayakoba in Mexico a few months ago and just hung there for a week – it was so nice.
Where do you get your holiday inspiration?
I guess the weather dictates. If we want sun, we go to Mexico in the summer. We also love going skiing in winter. I just learnt to ski as an adult in Deer Valley (Utah). My husband loves skiing, and he wanted the kids to learn, so I learnt too. I’m not like a pro at all but I can get downhill at least now!
If you could sit next to anyone – dead or alive – on a long-haul flight, who would it be?
Coco Chanel. I think she was so inspiring – I’d want to learn everything from her.
How do you usually recover from jet-lag?
I always drink lots of water and bring hydration tablets. I prefer to keep busy and power through and try and get into the new time zone. But water is so important, I drink about two big bottles on a flight. I love putting on a sheet mask when I land – the Rodial and La Mer ones are great.
Your flight’s delayed an hour and your phone’s out of battery. How do you pass the time?
I love people watching. But I’d probably also meditate – I just learnt how to meditate in LA – so maybe not for the full hour, but 15-20 minutes. I find transcendental meditation amazing. I don’t do it every day, but just whenever I feel I need to centre myself.
Ultimate plane outfit?
I like to be comfortable but still feel kinda chic at the same time. Something like jeans or cool sweat pants and a cosy coat because I get so cold on the plane. I usually wear ankle boots with a low, comfy heel.
What’s your favourite hotel?
I really love the Rosewood Mayakoba in Mexico. The service is incredible and I love the mangrove jungle and beach landscapes.
Favourite airline?
I like SAS, the Scandinavian airline.
What’s on your travel playlist?
I love listening to music like The Cranberries, Marianne Faithfull and The Beatles.
Where’s next?
There’s Hamburg, Berlin and Paris for work. Then I’m going to Mexico with my family – and a trip to Miami after that.
What are your must-have suitcase picks?
I always pack an oversized, cool, black blazer and some classic blue denim that I can wear with anything. I love timeless swimsuits and bikinis, like Eres. And sun destination or city, a good pair of sunglasses is essential.
First thing that comes to your mind
Your hand-luggage essential?
Snacks! I usually take chips, nuts and something sweet.
Packing: roll or fold?
I lay everything flat so nothing crinkles.
Time killer on a long-haul flight?
Catching up on emails and deleting my camera roll, because I take a million photos.
Holiday tipple of choice?
Margarita.
Bucket list top destination?
Tokyo.
Best shopping gem found abroad?
I have so many vintage pieces from my travels.
Beach or City?
Both!
Ultimate holiday treat?
Relax and lie-in.
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