Pack Like a Pro: Designer Philippa Thackeray Shares Her Packing Tips

Former corporate lawyer, Philippa Thackeray founded PAPER London in 2011 – the name was chosen because it was literally a blank canvas on which she could express her vision. High profile fans include Margot Robbie, Taylor Swift, Gigi Hadid and JLo, who all love the brand’s aesthetic of clean lines, strong tailoring, bright colours, as well as playful prints.

Thackeray has been the recipient of the British Fashion Council Contemporary Award for the last two seasons. The award also recognises Philippa’s commitment to minimising waste – she uses sustainable, eco-friendly materials from recycled fishing nets to recycled cotton for many of her products. 

So what does she pack when going on holidays?

Weekend bag, Paravel, €315; www.net-a-porter.com.

For a weekend away, do you use hand luggage or checked-in baggage?

Definitely hand luggage, it’s so much easier and it’s amazing what you can fit in. I usually opt for my Paravel weekend bag, which I love. I also have my eye on a Globe-Trotter leather trimmed carry-on at the moment.

Black Chisel 7/8 leggings, €125; www.lndr.com.

What do you typically wear to the airport?

Though not the most practical, I love wearing a white shirt to travel in, with one of our big knitwear cardigans thrown over the top. I always pack a pair of LNDR leggings to change into when I get on the plane – they are the perfect bottoms for in-flight ease and comfort.

Hibiscus print Porto dress, €498; www.paperlondon.com.

What’s in your suitcase for a trip to the sun?

Our silk pieces roll up so easily making them perfectly compact contents for a carry-on. They also de-crease really easily; I usually hang them in the bathroom as soon as I arrive while having a shower. I’m definitely a kaftan rather than pareo devotee, especially kaftans made from super soft mulberry silk – there’s no nicer feeling next to the skin. I have multiples of our Formentera kaftans packed together with the 15 Dress in Find me Under The Palms, which is a cult classic. You can wear it to the beach or also in the evening, it’s a real showstopper. This summer, I also won’t be going anywhere without our Porto dress in hibiscus check (pictured) – it’s the embodiment of summer in dress form.

CEO Vitamin C Cream, Sunday Riley, €68; www.arnotts.ie.

What are your cosmetic bag essentials?

I can’t live without my Sunday Riley CEO Vitamin C Cream, it’s amazing for dehydrated skin and smells as good as it feels. I am also a big fan of the Olivanna Sun Defence Drops. For SPF, Sun Bum is very handy when you have three kids who hate having sun cream applied – it’s the most delicious smelling SPF and is so quick and easy to apply.

Black and white Coconut swimsuit, €228; www.paperlondon.com.

Bikini or swimsuit?

That’s a hard one. Whatever mood I am in, I always love wearing our black and white Coconut swimsuit – it’s a subtle statement piece which looks great with a denim skirt for lunch.

Where are you going this summer?

Montenegro! I’m so excited, I’ve been wanting to go there for years.