Heading to New York Design Week? Here’s What to Pack
Julia Haney Montañez, co-founder and editor at large of The Design Release and program curator of ICFF, shares what she can’t leave her London home without as she gets ready for an inspiring week in the city
With New York Design Week around the corner, and plenty to do and see in the city before then, invitations to exciting installations, exhibitions, fairs, panels, restaurant openings, parties, and more await, meaning attendees will need to pack for all that can happen in a city that doesn’t sleep. For inspiration and how to navigate such a diverse whirlwind of events, Galerie asked Julia Haney Montañez, the London-based co-founder and editor at large of The Design Release, to share what’s on her packing list.
Where are you going?
New York City for Design Week!
What are you going for?
I try to attend as many design weeks as possible for The Design Release, our calendar platform for design exhibitions and fairs. But this year, I am also program curator for Look Book, the section for independent design at ICFF, and I curated a smaller offsite for Look Book at AvroKO’s space Host on Howard.
How many days will you be there?
Twenty! A week in Washington, D.C. to visit my sister, then taking the Amtrak to New York City. I’m staying downtown first, then heading uptown for my nephew-in-law’s graduation.
What aren’t you leaving home without?
My Herve Chapelier army tote, the perfect travel bag. I have had it since I was 20 years old—maybe even before then! And it’s in perfect condition (I’m almost 40).
Are you checking a bag or strictly carry-on?
I am the queen of light packing, and I love to brag about it to anyone who will tolerate hearing it. I hate wasting even a second waiting for my suitcase to come around the baggage carousel or risk it breaking. However, for this extended trip, I had presents to bring and outfits to wear, so I brought my red Rimowa trunk, which makes me feel like I’m steering a little Ferrari.
What are the essentials in your carry-on for the plane ride?
Aquafor for my lips, two bottles of Smart Water, cheese puffs from Marks and Spencers, chargers, a notebook in case the wifi goes down, and tons of downloaded podcasts.
What is your day of travel outfit?
Comfortable jeans, my cowboy boots, a cashmere sweater, jean jacket, and a shawl.
How many outfits for how many days?
I bring two or three of everything so I can mix and match.
Do you have an “outfit formula”?
I typically pack one color because I don’t have to spend too much time worrying about my outfit every day—it all just looks good together. And if I end up emergency shopping, which I always make time for, then it likely will all work together. My style is a mix of classic and boyish; I am OK with looking a bit crumpled. Linen button shirts are my favorite. This time, I brought all white clothes, with a few black and navy accents.
What kinds of versatile staples are you packing?
My favorite jeans for years have been the Annina by Citizens of Humanity, this time in white. I think the fit is amazing—kind of slouchy and casual but still tailored and flattering.
I pair with either Uniqlo’s mini shirt for a fitted look or Buck Mason’s pima shirt for a boxy look on casual days, both in white. For a more formal look, I might switch to my Toteme signature cotton button-down shirt, or switch from jeans to a silk Prada-esque skirt (mine is from Zara).
That’s my baseline outfit, and I’ll add a vintage Lalique tassle necklace I got from Re-Collection—an extremely chic vintage dealer based in Stockholm—in black for contrast. Plus a belt from Jessie Western in Notting Hill, my vintage Gucci Abbey bag in black, and my vintage black cowboy boots I got in Milan, from Union Fade.
What shoes are you packing for the day?
My Union Fade cowboy boots, Flabelous black flats. A big hack when I travel is bringing Pilates socks instead of trainers, which take up way too much space in my suitcase. For a short trip, it’s usually not really worth it.
During Milan Design Week, I discovered that Pilates socks can double as emergency shoe padding when all the walking starts to wear you down, for a little extra squish in your step, so I brought a few extra pairs.
What shoes are you packing for the night?
Manolo Maysales in denim that I got for next to nothing seven years ago when the Line closed down.
Which accessories make the cut?
My Dorsey Lucien earrings always make my simple outfits feel more elegant. My Re-Collection Lalique tassel necklace also adds nice contrast to white. My David Yurman necklace, because I am but a suburban girl from D.C. after all.
What outerwear are you bringing?
A vintage denim jacket from Pepper Tree London on Portobello Road in London.
Are you leaving room for a keepsake of any kind?
I like to bring keepsakes or gifts for friends from London, usually a tea called “Enchanted Narnia” from Bird & Blend Tea in Notting Hill, which is both delicious and extremely beautiful because it has dried roses in it.
I’m also bringing my business partner Shiro Kuramata’s huge monograph, which our friend recently reissued with Phaidon. So once that’s unloaded, I’ll have plenty of room for keepsakes, which usually means some kind of fabulous vintage find. I’m also keeping an eye out for the perfect drapey trench coat.
That said, every year I work with a trade show, I come home with some kind of ceramic vessel. There are so many talented ceramicists in Look Book this year, but I’m hoping to walk away with something by Sivim Ly.