Cover Story
What to pack for International Fashion Month
We’re all about packing smarter, not harder.
6 Minute Read
From Copenhagen to New York, London to Milan and Paris, International Fashion Month sees the world’s most stylish descend on Europe’s fashion capitals for a month long celebration of fashion, culture and caffeine. Lots of caffeine.
Between returning from a buy trip and jetting back off to Europe for shows, we caught up with Womenswear Buyer Roshali Kaul to talk packing essentials, outfit planning and post-show parties.
1. How do you prepare for a buy trip?
Before each season I work on a huge review of the womenswear portfolio of brands, involving a lot of data as well as feedback from our store teams which is incredibly important to ensure I am buying the right product for our clientele.
With over 68 brands in the women’s portfolio, pre-planning is essential! I usually have up to 7 or more appointments in a day so being strategic and planning my schedule can be a complex task. Along with meeting with the brands we stock at Harrolds, I also meet with new brands that I am interested in and ensure I am making appointments to meet with them while on the trip.
2. What’s your packing strategy?
Australia is geographically very far from Europe so I don’t allow myself the luxury of bringing multiple suitcases of clothing which creates more risk of losing your luggage. I also have to move between London, Paris and Milan which involves trains, planes, taxis and the occasional bus (buying isn’t as glamorous as many many think). I am a super last minute packer – which is not ideal for someone who flies to Europe 6 times a year. I am really trying to make an effort to change that and be more organised and efficient with my packing. I now like to catalogue images of outfits I style at home before packing which makes getting ready for runway shows and showroom appointments a dream.
As I only check in one piece of luggage, packing smart is essential. Depending on the season, this can be a challenge. Winter wear is heaver and cumbersome to pack so ensuring the few outerwear pieces I bring are practical, yet stylish. I also cannot recommend using compression bags to pack your clothes enough.
Accessories are also super important when you are working with a limited wardrobe and have the ability to transform multiple outfits,
3. What shows do you most look forward to during fashion month?
I always love the Comme des Garçons show because it is simply pure art and emotion. Balmain always put on a show stopping runway, which blows me away every time. I also love the Alessandra Rich runway for its intimate setting and tongue-in-cheek theming. Lastly, the incredible Thom Browne runway which almost brings me to tears with its beauty.
4. What on-the-go beauty tricks can you share?
Drink lots of water on the plane! I am an expert long haul traveller and keeping hydrated really helps with jet lag. It also keeps you getting up on the plane which is super important for your circulation. Definitely go make up free to let your skin breathe too. I also love the Drunk Elephant skincare brand and I apply liberal amounts of the Virgin Marula Oil combined with the Lala Retro Cream while on the plane to keep my skin fresh and hydrated. Don’t be afraid of using a face oil and remember it should always be put on last within your skincare routine to seal in all the moisture you have given your skin.
5. How do you cope with jet lag? Any tips?
Melatonin tablets are a lifesaver! I also like to keep myself awake when I land by walking around and checking out all the retail in the city I am in. This means that by bed time I am exhausted and ready for a full nights sleep. Staying at a familiar place really helps as well and the Hoxton in Paris is our home away from home.
6. What garments can you not travel without?
Ok bear with me, I’ve got a few favourites at the moment…
My ride-or-die coat is my Saks Potts’ Foxy Coat in the most decadent walnut brown shade – I’m really loving earthy tones at the moment and find they fit into so many different looks. I love it so much that I have my eye on either the shortbread or sage for fashion month…
Accessories are also super important when you are working with a limited wardrobe and have the ability to transform multiple outfits, so I like to bring more than strictly necessary with me when travelling.
In terms of shoes, I make a point of bringing versatile and comfortable footwear that I can wear both during the day and night. My Bottega Veneta Quilted Pumps in the most dreamy blue are on high rotation, as are my Amina Muaddi Gilda Sandals – who said crystals were reserved only for the evening? Boots are also a must. I currently have my eye on a pair of Paris Texas knee high boots in snakeskin for next season, a brand I’m excited to bring to Harrolds for AW20.
I am a serious bag girl and am currently obsessed with my Bottega Veneta pouch 2.0 which is small yet super practical. I also can’t forget about my Saint Laurent Loulou bag is also my daily carry all bag I can’t live without.
Fashion Month Fail-Safes
7. Can you share some of your favourite memories or key highlights from previous fashion weeks?
We were invited to Manko Cabaret in Paris as part of the Balmain after party and it was the most amazing night. I can’t share too much from the evening but Courtney Love sat on our table and rest assured it was a night to remember.
8. Who throws the best after-show parties?
Again, definitely Balmain – always celebrity studded so the people watching is the best and they are always in the best locations. One season they had an actual festival with music performances and wristbands.
9. What’s your in-transit wardrobe look like?
I like to wear a neutral or monochrome colour palette while travelling, although it is a long way, I do like to stay relatively coordinated just in case my luggage is lost and I am stuck in my plane outfit for a day or two. I usually wear a cotton t-shirt, a pair of slim tracksuit pants with a matching jumper and my Golden Goose sneakers. Acne is my go-to for easy travel pieces and they have an incredible super soft new line of tracksuits dropping in store soon.
10. What’s in your carry on?
Lots of skincare, a silk eye mask and my own earplugs. Noise cancelling headphones are also an absolute lifesaver and I couldn’t travel without them.
11. What places do you make sure you visit during fashion month?
Unfortunately free time is a luxury I seldom get to enjoy during fashion month but when travelling with the rest of the buying team, we love to check out as many restaurants as we can, wherever we are. When dining in Paris, we try to visit Cheval D’Or in the 19th arrondissement and Season Cafe in the 3rd. As for London, Farmacy in West London’s Notting Hill is always a lot of fun.
12. What’s your favourite fashion week?
Definitely Paris but I will be attending Copenhagen Fashion Week this August and I can’t wait!
