Just in Time for Summer, Stylist Kate Young's Travel Advice

Any seasoned traveler knows that having a good pair of sunglasses is nearly as important as a passport. On early morning flights, or when battling jetlag or the unanticipated delay, good eyewear not only masks severe exhaustion but helps create a chic façade while waiting at baggage claim.

For sunny escapes, they’re simply a must. So it’s only natural that Kate Young, the globe-trotting stylist who dresses Hollywood elite like Natalie Portman and Michelle Williams, has collaborated with iconic eyewear brand Tura on a women’s and kid’s optical and sunglass collection for spring.

Kate Young for Tura features a range of women’s styles in a rich color palette of amber, blush, and khaki with unique metal details and Swarovski crystal accents, while the kid’s collection is retro-inspired and available in a Wayfarer shape and funky round fit.

Hoping to glean expert packing advice (and inspiration for our next trip), we caught up with Young in the car on her way back home from Newark Airport, naturally.

So you just arrived at Newark. Where are you coming from?I was in Beijing for the opening of the Miss Dior Exhibition. It was incredible.

Tell us about some of your favorite destinations and hotels?I love hotels! I love Claridge’s in London, Le Bristol in Paris, The Puli in Shanghai, The St. Regis in New York, the Park Hyatt in Tokyo…just to name a few!

That’s a great list. Where would you say is the most spectacular place you’ve stayed?Gora Kadan in Hakone, Japan. It is a Japanese ryokan, so you sleep on mats on the floor but you have your own natural spa outside on the side of the mountain, and there is the most minimal, beautiful bathroom. Each evening, they serve a traditional multi-course dinner to you in your room. Divine.

Kate in an oversized square frame ($295) and at her house in Ruby, NY wearing the Top Metal frame ($295). Courtesy of Kate Young and Chris Colls

Can you share your must-takes, the things we’d find in your suitcase on each trip?I tend to pack exactly the same for work trips. I don't even have to think about it. I usually take white jeans from Re/Dun, a pair of black pants from The Row, some Equipment silk shirts, and a Saint Laurent jacket. I usually pack navy, black, and white because then everything goes together. And I never go anywhere without my Nike running shoes.

How do you determine what makes the cut when you’re packing?I like each item to be able to worn two different ways. If I'm taking high flat boots, I'll take a dress that they go with and also a pair of skinny jeans that will tuck into them and look good with a vintage top.

What would we find on your hotel vanity?My beauty kit for travel is always packed with small sizes of my Joanna Vargas skincare and Kerastase conditioner. I usually bring a jar of Epsom salts and a mask from Tatcha to revive after the flight. I always bring sunglasses and a hat, which disguise tired eyes and bad hair!

Right–sunglasses. What inspired you to design this collection for Tura?I love sunglasses and eyeglasses. I really love and respect the Tura brand and I'm excited to work creatively, to make something and to have an ideal pair of glasses all the time!

What it is the difference between packing for a personal trip versus work?Personal is totally different. I enjoy packing for vacations and planning outfits because I can be way less systematic about it. I’ll bring dresses that don't work with anything else. I just got an amazing vintage print Saint Laurent dress that I will bring on a holiday, but it's too soft and printed for me to wear on a work trip.

What’s next on your destination list?I'm dying to go to India, but I want to wait until my kids are a little older.