The Art of Packing

With Louis Vuitton

I travel often, almost every month, so you would think that packing a suitcase is a piece of cake for me. I thought so too, until I got lessons from our friends at Vuitton. What turned out? I was terrible at it. I could be much kinder to my clothes so that I could take even more with me.

A bit of history. Louis Vuitton was the house packer of Napoleon's wife. He traveled with her and had the task of carrying all her ball gowns, shoes, bags, and hairpieces. He designed special suitcases that did justice to her clothing. You could call it suitcase couture.

One thing led to another and thus Louis Vuitton became the most exclusive suitcase, bag, leather goods, and fashion brand in the world. But ‘the art of packing’ remains his old love. Especially for Amayzine, specialists flew in from Paris (actually ‘trained in’) with the most beautiful items to teach me how to pack a suitcase best. Since then, I sleep restlessly from the small suitcase. Something about wanting, being able to, and having to.

Don't just lay every stack in the suitcase. First, spread everything out on your bed or in this case on a large table. This way you can immediately see what you can combine with each other. I packed this suitcase for a weekend in Cannes.A small denim short is the ideal base. With a swimsuit on top and that wonderful gradient monogram scarf, and in the evening with a top. A nice sandal that is boulevard and terrace proof. Furthermore, of course, a good sunscreen,, a reading book, and some souvenirs that remind me of home.

If your clothing allows it (so is not too delicate), then fold it first and then roll it up. This way your clothes stay the prettiest and hardly wrinkle.

In the ‘slot’ in the middle of your suitcase, you can nicely lay the monogram scarf. Next, place the shoes with the soles facing the side of the suitcase. From there, you start filling in with your rolled-up clothes.

You obviously can't roll shirts, so you ‘zip’ them together, so to speak. The bottom of two shirts lies on top of each other, then you fold one top inward and then the other. Do you understand? This way you prevent getting a slanted stack.

You place your toiletry bag (with lots of minis) upside down on the side of your suitcase. This way it takes up as little space as possible.

A ‘rolled belt’ takes up a lot of space. The best thing to do is drape it along the edge of your suitcase. This way it really takes up almost no space.

In the corners of your suitcase, there are often unexpected open spaces. You fill those with small items like your rolled-up swimsuit.

Ideal unexpected packing space can be found in your shoe. There, underwear and socks can be perfectly stuffed in. Added bonus; your shoe stays nice.

You place the heel of one shoe against the toe of the other, shall I say. This way you use your space most effectively.

Bon voyage!

Image: Hansdevriedphotography.com