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Anatomy of a Carry-On: Designer Nanette Lepore’s Travel Essentials

What does a famous fashion designer pack inside her carry-on? In Nanette Lepore's case, it's all about being prepared for the next adventure.
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Courtesy Nanette Lepore

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Legendary designer Nanette Lepore’s carry-on bag is, unsurprisingly, just as fun and colorful as her eponymous clothing line. She totes around a hodgepodge of items, including an embroidered shawl from a souk in Istanbul, a sketchbook and pencils, and a portable music player in order to "bring the dance party." Lepore’s carry-on also reflects an "always be prepared" attitude that’s necessary while traveling. Read on for the must-have items she keeps in her tote.

**1. **A printed Nanette Lepore carry-on.

2. The embroidered shawl is from a souk in Istanbul. It’s the perfect artisanal wrap; it feels like home away from home.

3. Nanette Lepore swimsuit. My new rule to live by: always have a day’s worth of clothing in your carry on, especially a bikini if you’re heading to a tropical location.

4. Sketchbook and Castell-Faber pencil. I love to keep an illustrated journal when I travel. On one trip with six of us, we passed it around and everyone contributed sketches and memories. It was a great souvenir.

**5. **It’s fun to change up my look so I always carry two pairs of sunglasses.

6. Roma Industries made a cool custom hologram passport holder for me. But I’m most excited that I finally have my Global Entry Card. I can’t wait to use it!

7. I never leave home without my vintage anchor necklace. This summer, I’m loving my Jamaican beaded bracelets.

8. My husband and I love to bring the dance party with us so we always have a portable music player to blast our favorite songs.

9. I always like to research where I’m headed next; this time it’s Sardinia. I’m also rereading all my favorite Gabriel Garcia Marquez books since his passing. I loved him in college.

10. I need to stay hydrated when I fly so I pack lots of oils and remedies, including Tata Harper Rejuvenating Face Oil; Ortigia Fico d’India Body Lotion; Origins No Puffery Eye Treatment; Moroccanoil® Treatment; and Origins Plantscription Youth-renewing face oil.

More travel tips:

Anatomy of a Carry-On: Tumi’s Top Exec Reveals His Travel Essentials

Tory Burch on Style, Souvenirs, and the One Surprising Item She Always Packs

Fashion Designer Rebecca Minkoff’s Guide to Painless Shopping in New York