Packing with Pierre Mahéo

What’s your go-to luggage for this kind of trip, and why? 

First of all, my goal is to spend as little time as possible at the airport. I rarely check luggage, in order to avoid the extra time at check-in and waiting for it on arrival. So even for long distances, it is always the same: a Rimowa roller bigger size Cabin and my vintage HAC Hermes.

How do you approach the basics? 

If you want to travel light, you really have to plan it well. I pack a pair of socks and underwear, and a white tee for each day (plus two extras just in case), one light grey heather tee and one faded black tee. Two sweaters, one navy Nina Crewneck merino wool and one mid-grey Nate cashmere from our Daily Classic collection. One navy jacket, one chino in stone or olive, one pair of white Japanese selvedge denim in a regular fit, one pair of vintage 501 Levi’s, one pair of Hugo pants in grey wool. One white button down. In winter, one peacoat with an extra denim jacket for layering. Everything matches and I don’t have to think too much.

Are you a roller or a folder?

Folder always, but never by pile, always layered to minimize volume.

Any other packing tricks or hacks? 

I always pack a big cashmere or Japanese gauze wool scarf. Sometimes I take both a navy and grey. I think a navy jacket is an outfit saver—I always have one with me, varying in weight and shape according to the season.

What’s your shoe strategy? 

Always the same—in summer, a pair of Asahi Japanese deck shoes and a pair of black John Lobb Lopez moccasins. In winter, I’ll pack a pair of ecru Converse and a pair of JM Weston Chelsea boots in black.

How do you think about accessories?

Scarves only. And one navy 70×70 cm silk foulard in winter.

Do you have a great travel hat? 

I never wear a hat… it doesn’t work with the clay I put in my hair.

What’s always in your Dopp kit/toiletry bag?

Vétiver de Guerlain parfum, the Grey 3×1 day cream, electric toothbrush, Pariet for stomach pain, Kiehl’s texturizing clay. Melatonin 5mg. I can travel everywhere with this.

On a plane, what essentials does your carry-on bag always contain? 

Sparkling water, a bag of potato chips, headphones, a cashmere scarf, chargers, my computer to do work, and one or two magazines. 

Any wisdom on traveling with electronics? 

I have a small black canvas bag from L’Uniform where I have everything—chargers, headphones, converters. I actually have two: one in my work bag and one in my travel HAC vintage bag. Nothing worse than leaving without it.

Do you have a travel uniform? 

It’s more or less always the same—a navy blazer with a navy sweater and vintage denim or a chino. I don’t wear sweatpants… I really feel at ease like this.