Blaire Donald launched her womenswear label, ST. CLAIR after two decades working for luxury brands. Work most often takes Blaire to the USA and India, but it’s a Greek island that’s her most memorable trip.
ST. CLAIR is the middle name of the women in Blaire’s family, including her late nana and her daughter, and represents an idea of heritage and innate femininity – the DNA of her brand. Focusing on pretty dresses that can be worn everyday, Blaire’s designs are inspired by vintage florals and the English countryside, with her nursing and pregnancy-friendly styles proving that women are at the forefront of everything she does.
Here, Blaire tells us about her most memorable adventures – and what she’ll be doing on her next trip to Delhi.
What is the first trip you remember taking?
Cornwall when I was very young, with my parents and little brothers. Soggy sandwiches in a fishing boat, our teeth chattering taking shelter from the rain, and of course, having not caught a thing all day. We often laugh about that trip!
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What’s been your most memorable trip and why?
Folegandros in Greece, about a decade ago with my husband (then boyfriend) who was in the Royal Marines at the time. He’d returned from a tour of Afghanistan and we had two weeks together before he had to go back. I was in charge of organising the holiday and wanted somewhere authentic, beautiful and off the beaten track. A lot of research and emotion was poured into that holiday and I have never, before or since, spent more on bikinis in my life! Folegandros is an island between Paros and Santorini, but not nearly as smart or touristy as its neighbours – and all the more perfect for it. Turquoise coves, intimate cobbled squares, local food done really well, beautiful churches, and not a car or British voice in sight. We explored the entire island on a quad bike and it was the happiest time.
Where or what is your escape?
Fresh air and a view.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve taken from your travels?
You can sleep when you’re dead. It’s such a privilege to see the world. When you get the opportunity – make the most of it.
If I could go anywhere tomorrow I’d go to:
The Alps. I’ve never been in the summer, and love the idea for a summer holiday.
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How would you spend your ideal afternoon in your home city?
I’ve got an old Dutch bike that I’ve had for a decade, and she’s taken me all over the city. I’m not a commuter cyclist – we pootle. I live in Barnes and feel very lucky to have Richmond Park on my doorstep. I’d start with a cycle across the park to Petersham Nurseries. Lunch at the restaurant there is a treat, but I normally go for the cake and coffee – and I can never resist buying a plant and something from their shop, it’s full of gorgeous trinkets for the home (and is the best place for Christmas decorations!) I’d take my children to Barnes Pond to feed the ducks and finish off the afternoon by meeting my husband at our new local, The Waterman’s Arms with a table on the terrace overlooking the river. The food is exceptional, the vibe is low key, and the menu ever-changing with the seasons. We’d walk home along the river.
What’s your idea of a luxury holiday?
Someone else doing the laundry, the cleaning and the cooking.
Where do you get your holiday inspiration?
I love Mr & Mrs Smith for English weekend breaks and will often use them as an audit of the best hotels and destinations abroad. We recently stayed at both Oakley Court for a birthday weekend, and The Bradley Hare (a hop from The Newt in Somerset) and loved both.
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If you could sit next to anyone on a flight – dead or alive – who would it be?
My nana, Marie St. Clair. I’d quiz her on everything I wished I’d asked her; I want to hear all the stories about London during the Second World War. She served as a nurse and celebrated VE Day in Piccadilly Square. She was so much fun and the most stylish woman I’ve ever known. They don’t make them like that anymore.
How do you recover from jet lag?
Constant water, pints of coffee, and forcing myself into the local timezone. If I am travelling alone I tend to get up early and go to bed early, and I always exercise first thing. A jog ideally, as it’s a great way to explore the local area before the world wakes up, but if that’s not possible then a swim or an in-room Pilates session. Even if I feel like a zombie, it’s the best way to start the day. I’ve also just discovered Nolo coffee, which does a low caffeine ground bean – you still get a hit but I feel more regulated throughout the day.
What’s your in-flight beauty routine?
I love the ritual of settling down for a long haul flight. I like to remove all my make up, apply a really good serum followed by a thick moisturiser – I love the Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum from MZ Skin and their Rich Moisturiser. If it’s an overnight flight I always use a Neal’s Yard Remedies To Roll followed by my Olivia von Halle silk eye mask which is really wide and blocks out all the light.
Your flight’s delayed an hour and your phone’s out of battery. How do you pass the time?
With a good book and a glass of red wine.
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Favourite hotel?
Palazzo Avino in Ravello. We spent our honeymoon hopping along the Amalfi Coast and this hotel, perched on the cliff, was not only stunning in location and decor but the whole hotel embodies the epitome of understated luxury. The staff are so warm and friendly and know all the guests by name. And the breakfast buffet is the best I’ve ever had.
Favourite airline?
I love Virgin. For work I mostly travel to the USA and India. Virgin have a great service; I think the seats are more comfortable for long haul, the entertainment menu is superior and they are very generous with their upgrades! For family trips, always British Airways. The crew are so good with children.
What’s on your travel playlist?
Currently an unusual mix of Oasis, Chumbawumba (Tubthumping) and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. We’ve just returned from our family summer holiday in the South of France. Our son is three and our daughter is five; this was the soundtrack to the trip!
What are your must-have travel picks?
A big straw basket for the beach or the market, and to use as my hand-luggage bag. A With Nothing Underneath white linen shirt. Their boyfriend style is the perfect bikini cover up. For laid back lunches on the beach I’ve lived in the ST. CLAIR Theodora (indigo bouquet) this summer. For evenings when you have a tan, I love a little white dress – the ST. CLAIR Georgina is my go-to. I live in layered gold jewellery including my Annoushka initial necklace which I rarely take off. But I always add a holiday necklace; I love Blooming Dreamer for fun, statement pieces, like their Koi fish necklace and Palm necklace. Whether travelling for work or with my family, I love to take a candle for the evenings. I’m a sucker for a rose and oud scent – Sharland England are my favourite. And I always travel with earl grey tea bags from Good & Proper Tea.
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Where next?
India. I’m already working on next summer’s collection. I work with a single, family-owned production in Delhi who feel like family, and I am so excited to get back out there to create new shapes, prints and finishings. I love the country and Delhi as a city, it is so vibrant and welcoming. There’s so much to see and do but I am there for work so my days are long and focused, and in the evenings I hotfoot it to the markets. Dilli Haat and Khan Market are my favourite – I always leave space in my suitcase for treasures and presents for the children. My last supper before heading back to the airport is The Olive Bar & Kitchen, it’s become my ritual.
FIRST THING THAT COMES TO MIND…
Hand-luggage essential?
Varley Double Soft pullover. I always get cold on an overnight flight and their pullovers are the softest. Worn with the slim cuff pant for the full comfy-chic look.
Packing: roll or fold?
Roll (it’s better for dresses).
Inflight book or inflight film?
Book, every time.
Music or podcasts?
Podcasts.
Time killer on a long-haul flight?
Sleeping.
Holiday tipple of choice?
Bucket list top destination?
I’d love to go to the Tuamotu Islands, in the South Pacific.
Best shopping gem found abroad and where?
Hand-made sandals in Ana Capri. I designed three pairs on our honeymoon and watched them being made by an old Italian gentleman. I know I’ll always love them, and they will last forever.
Beach or City?
Beach. Unless it’s Paris.
Ultimate holiday treat?
A candlelit dinner on the beach, toes in sand, chilled glass in hand, husband opposite.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?