As one of the original supermodels, Claudia Schiffer spent most of the nineties on the road. Now, the 30-year fashion industry veteran is on tour again, stopping in Milan, Paris, New York, and Berlin to promote her eponymous 272-page book (Rizzoli) that chronicles her life in the spotlight. If there's anything she knows better than fashion (since her modeling days, she's also worked on collaborations with designers and her own line of makeup), it'd be the secret to traveling well. Here, she shares her favorite in-flight uniform, the things she always packs, and her German-style organization methods.
The Best Part of Travel: "I traveled so widely in the nineties, but we all worked so hard that even if I was in a really exciting place that I'd never been to before I might not actually get to see any of the city. It was airport, studio, hotel, and back the airport to fly out to another job the next day. It's great when I'm working on my collections and launching the book to be able to spend time in a city, meet the people and visit an art gallery or a great concept store."
Travel Uniform: "I don't change much from my usual go-to uniform of jeans from M.i.h. Jeans or Frame Denim, a embroidered cotton shirt by Isabel Marant or a cozy cashmere jumper and my favorite flat-fringed suede boots from my collaboration with Aquazzura. I also bring an oversized embroidered scarf from Temperley London and always a pair of sunglasses. I like to feel comfortable, of course, but I also like to feel polished when I arrive."
Packing Strategy: "A checklist is a must—I like to be very organized when I travel, and live up to my German heritage. I pack a capsule wardrobe rather than specific outfits. I like to be able to choose what to wear each day, so I pack pieces that all work with each other and can be interchangeable. As well as all my jeans and cashmere staples, I will bring colorful dresses by Ulla Johnson or Saloni, which can be easily dressed up or down. I love to wear lots of fun accessories such as colorful suede bags from Isabel Marant and jewelry from Missoma and Solange."
Always In Her Carry-On: "My Balmain Beats by Dre headphones and a nourishing lip balm from my makeup line."
Reading Time: "I'll always bring something to read, like a book or an interiors magazine, and my phone or laptop to reply to emails. I find it's a really great time to review developments and sign off creative changes. Being in the air gives me time to focus on new ideas or latest samples, and when I land I'm ready to get started on the next phase."
Go-To Luggage: "My ancient Louis Vuitton carry on, but definitely checked luggage if I'm traveling with the family."
Least Favorite Things About Travel: "Being away from my family if they're not traveling with me, and jet lag, the same as everyone."
In-Flight Rituals: "If it's short haul, I just have something to eat and listen to some music while reading or getting some work done. On a long haul flight, I take off my makeup with micellar water and get some sleep. Sometimes I'll land and go straight to a job or a meeting, so I try to use the time to rest and prepare."
Dopp Kitt Essentials: "When you're in the air, I think that the best advice is to remove your makeup thoroughly and use a good intensive moisturizer—I like to use the Bamford Organic Skincare range. And I drink lots of water to make sure my skin is properly hydrated. The air conditioning can be so drying, especially on a long flight, and when my skin gets dry it looks dull and is more prone to breakouts, so I've got to keep it moisturized. Before we land, I'll apply my everyday makeup look from my Claudia Schiffer for ARTDECO range, BB cream to even my skin tone, a touch of illuminator and bronzer, and some lip balm. I'll use eyelash curlers and my Luxurious Volume Mascara to open and brighten my eyes so I'm ready to go as soon as I'm through departures."
Favorite Vacation Spot: "I love the Amalfi coast in Italy. There are so many beautiful little towns, as well as the larger ones like Positano and Sorrento, so I like to find a base and then explore the area. We often go across to Capri while we're there—it's such a beautiful island and the atmosphere is so relaxed and fun, like an old movie. When we're there I love to eat at the restaurant Conca del Sogno (which is on the mainland, accessibly only by boat), and I also love to visit Stromboli and nearby island Vulcano, to see the steaming volcanic rocks of the active volcanoes there."
Travel Inspiration: "I love Instagram and have definitely seen places there that I've added to my must-see list, but also I'm a big fan of Pinterest. I think that nowadays there are so many ways to discover new places to visit—people used to only see them on TV or at the travel agent! I hope that as my kids get older we'll travel more and more as a family. It's so exciting to see new things with them alongside me."
Last Great Souvenir: "On my last trip to New York, I bought a beautiful oversized print of Barbie by Beau Dunn for my daughter. A chain of events led from that moment led to the creation of my own Barbie doll wearing the iconic gold chain mail dress from the recent Versace show."