With summer in full swing, it’s high time to start plotting a getaway. Looking for inspiration? We’ve asked a few of our most stylish friends – fashionable globetrotters who know how to separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to seeing the world – about the destinations on their calendars (as well as the wardrobe essentials they can’t leave home without packing)...
François O’Neill, chef and restaurateur
Which holiday destination are you planning to visit in the coming months?
I am hoping to take my family to Kenya soon.
Why this location and what are you planning on doing?
It’s a beautiful country, with rich character and charm. My wife and I are hoping to take our three little children on what will be a great adventure. We are looking to stay on the Kenyan coast looking over the Indian Ocean.
What style item will you be packing and why?
My Cubitts sunglasses. Cubitts are my go-to for eyewear and I am a huge fan of their collections. The shops and the staff are also super-cool and welcoming.
Alessandro Squarzi, Creative Director at Fortela
Which holiday destinations have you visited this summer or are planning to visit?
I looked forward to the second weekend of April, when I went to Inspiration in Los Angeles with my daughter Allegra. And then in Italy we had quite a long holiday this year in spring, from the 25th April to the 1st May; I went with my partner Lucia to Biarritz in France.
Why these locations and what are you planning on doing?
Inspiration in LA is one of the most important vintage fairs in the world, so I try to be present every year. Allegra shares with me a passion for vintage, so this trip was an occasion to spend some quality time together. Lucia and I love French culture, good food and wine; we stop in all the little villages leading to Biarritz to live the French coastal life. I stop in every vintage market along the way – I really am vintage-addicted.
What style item will you be packing and why?
For LA, my made-in-Japan Fortela white denim jeans, my Mr Fliks deck shoes and my Fortela Type 1 denim jacket. And in order to be prepared for any type of weather, I brought my sleeveless Rocky Mountain jacket. In Biarritz, I planned to spend the whole day in my swimsuit! Since I don’t like to change my style too much, I added a Fortela military overshirt in case of cooler weather.
David Gandy, model and founder of David Gandy Wellwear
Which holiday destinations are you planning to visit in the coming months?
I have always favoured off-the-beaten track adventures, but since having children, and particularly now we’ve reached the point where our holidays are determined by term dates, I’ll be spending a lot of the summer in Europe. We’re planning a short break to Italy in the early summer, either to Puglia or Umbria, then we’ll take a longer holiday later in the season to go Greek island-hopping. We’ll start on Antipaxos, then head to Naxos before ending on Syros.
Why these locations and what are you planning on doing?
Italy is one of my favourite places. I’ve been fortunate to spend a lot of time there through my work with Dolce & Gabbana and I love everything, from the culture to the food, beaches, hotels… Italy has everything you could want in one place. It also offers amazing horse-riding, which is great as my wife Stephanie and our eldest daughter Matilda are very keen riders.
Steph’s family are Greek and we feel it’s important to travel there as much as we can, so our girls feel it is as much a part of their heritage as it is for her. That time will mainly be based around swimming as both the girls are at the age where being in the pool all day is the best activity.
What style item will you be packing and why?
I’m a very efficient packer so I’ll be taking my David Gandy Wellwear short swim shorts, which are made from a beautiful matte material that means they look as good at lunch as they do by the pool. I pair these with Wellwear’s towelling shirt, which has the same great versatility.
Maximilian Missoni, Head of Polestar Design
Which holiday destination are you planning to visit in the coming months?
The islands around Marstrand on the Swedish west coast.
Why this location and what are you planning on doing?
Marstrand is the perfect getaway from the industrial city of Gothenburg. Exclusively accessed by boat, it is an absolute marvel. Close by is Pater Noster, a beautiful lighthouse hotel on a tiny island just outside this coastal town, which can be used for unique weekend getaways.
What style item will you be packing and why?
I can’t wait to test drive our first production model of an electric hydrofoil boat that we designed in collaboration with the Swedish company Candela. And – since we are on the Swedish west coast – warm, rainproof clothes, of course.
This feature was taken from our Spring 2024 issue. Read more about it here.
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
