Alexandra Von Furstenberg, founder of the flourishing lifestyle brand which bears her name, has had the kind of upbringing most of us can only dream of. She was born in Hong Kong, is a member of fashion royalty, and can truly call herself a “Global Citizen,” having lived in some of the most sought after destinations in the world (London? Yup! Paris? Yup! Switzerland? Yup!). Here, the talented and glamorous jet-setter chatted with us about one of her favorite topics (travel!) and shared her room service must-haves, in-flight essentials, and airline favorites.
How often do you travel?
I travel every two months.
Favorite destinations to travel to?
I always adore discovering new places I have never been to.
Where’s your “happy place” to visit?
Anywhere with my fiancée.
Favorite airline?
Cathay Pacific, Air France, and Singapore Airlines.
What brand of luggage do you use?
I use a gray Delsey Helium Aero. It’s super light, the wheels work fabulously, and it comes in so many sizes.
And for your carry-on bag?
My black Celine bag.
What brand of camera do you bring?
Sony RX100 II
What are your in-flight travel essentials?
I always have my Bose headphones, ear plugs, my silk eye mask, a warm scarf, and warm socks. For long flights I even bring PJ’s.
Aisle or window?
I love a window seat. I don’t get bothered by anyone and I feel cozier with a wall next to me.
Preferred in-flight beverage?
Hot water with lemon.
How do you entertain yourself at 35,000 feet?
I bring along all the magazines I haven’t had a chance to get around to at home. I also write in my journal, listen to music, and then I usually watch a movie.
What music is on your travel playlist?
I listen to a lot of chill music, like the Hotel Costes albums.
What’s your go-to uniform for the plane?
Lots of layers. Usually it’s jeans, a t-shirt with a sweater, and a flannel shirt. Ankle boots, that are easy to take off, are also great.
What’s the one item you never leave town without?
Are you an over-packer or under-packer?
An over-packer!
Do you have a packing strategy?
I hate packing with a passion! I try and lay everything out completely from head to toe—2 outfits per day, as I count for day and night .
What are your favorite items to travel with?
Some of the staples I can’t live without are: a good belt, heels, a pair of ankle boots, a leather jacket, Current Elliott t-shirts, a great dress, bikinis by Jo De Mer and Eres, and of course sunglasses.
One surprising thing you always pack?
A miniature Buddha and crystals.
What beauty-essentials do you travel with?
I always bring L’Oreal EverCreme Intense Nourishing shampoo and conditioner, Epicuren coconut body lotion, Verabella skin cream and cleanser, and a Mason Pearson hairbrush. I also love Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oil for my hair—I never leave home with out it! In my makeup bag I bring Bobbi Brown Lipgloss in Nougat and Petal, Jouer Creme Eyeshadow Crayon in Baroque, Buddha Balm lip balm, Jouer Luminizing Tinted Moisturizer, Tom Ford blush in Flush, Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick, and Maybelline Define-A-Lash Lengthening Mascara in Very Black.
If your luggage was lost, what are the 5 items you’d buy at the drugstore?
Toothbrush and toothpaste, blush, a white t-shirt, and a hairbrush.
How do you deal with jet lag?
An eye mask and Advil PM.
What’s your exercise routine when you’re on the road?
Morning meditation, a few minutes of arm exercises, and yoga.
What do you typically bring to workout in?
LuLu Lemon or Nike leggings and a sports bra.
How do you manage your health routine when you’re away from home?
I am generally a healthy eater, but I always end a meal anywhere I am with hot water and lemon.
Favorite item from the hotel mini-bar?
Perrier.
Favorite item to order from room service?
Spaghetti Bolognese.
Have you ever had a travel disaster?
Once, when I was on a flight with a bunch of connections, my luggage failed to make it. After countless hours of paperwork and phone calls I finally got it back 5 days later. Losing luggage is the worst!
Favorite find/souvenir from your travels?
My fiancée and I went to Thailand a few years ago and we bought a big, bronze Buddha for our Zen garden here at home in Los Angeles.
Favorite childhood memory of traveling?
Gosh, that’s a hard one as I have lived all over the world—I was born in Hong Kong, and have lived in Switzerland, Paris, London, New York, and Hawaii. I have been to so many wonderful places I just don’t have one that sticks out.
Travel destinations on your bucket-list?
Vietnam and Cambodia.
Alexandra Von Furstenberg photographed in Kauai, Hawaii.