TRAVEL WITH STYLE British fashion icon Scott Henshall selects must-have luggage pieces

Travel with style Fashion designer and British style icon, Scott Henshall, selects the must-have luggage pieces and brands to travel in complete luxury

As a former creative director of Mulberry – the English luxury brand founded by Roger Saul in the 1970s – I know that handmade luxury luggage can last for decades when looked after properly. Mulberry even offers a service to repair loved items that are not looking their best after many years of service. My mantra has always been the famous Coco Chanel quote, ‘luxury is a necessity that begins where necessity ends’. Now let me introduce you to the pieces you need to travel in style.

ARSANTE OF SWEDEN

Arsante redefines contemporary modern classics for seekers of effortless style. Founder Andreas Höynälä has created the ultimate weekender in both large and small, along with totes, folio cases and back packs that are perfect for the professional who wants discreet luxury. The large weekender is more like a suitcase and is available in black and cognac. arsante.com

LANDA

Founder Silvana Landa creates stunning, timeless bags in the most beautiful shades. They are perfect for travelling as they transform from top handle to cross-body to the chicest of evening bags with a chunky Plexiglas shoulder strap. There’s even a clutch that turns into an elegant evening bag with a long, fine chain. landabags.com

DAVID HAMPTON

This is a luxury brand that has quintessential British appeal. Sold internationally, it focuses on soft luggage styles. Barrel bags in navy, slate and cocoa form the foundation of this über-luxe collection, along with folio cases and overnight bags that are perfect for a few days away. There are also small luxury items, such as jewellery boxes, pen holders and photo frames, to help you keep what you cherish safe while on your travels. I recently collaborated with director Michael GoughAllen on Hampton & Henshall, a collection of British classics featuring a striking geometric print that will get you noticed by those who appreciate the best of British craftsmanship with a nod to the future. davidhampton.com

GLADSTN LONDON

Owner and chief bag carrier Richard Sharman has created an ostentatious collection of luggage in the most stunning colours, from Portofino to Tuscan Sunset. Check out the ultimate carry-on trolley case, Mad Dash, overnight bags, Late Night Lie Ins, and Freedom of the City, the perfect micro bag for a city break, holding all your essentials but leaving you unencumbered. Gladstn recently created a vibrant virtual reality showroom with BrandLab Fashion that allows you to interact with the collection and even create bespoke designs. There’s also a curated selection of Icon bags that can be customised just for you. gladstnlondon.com

“Chief bag carrier Richard Sharman has created an ostentatious collection of luggage in the most stunning colours, from Portofino to Tuscan Sunset”

MY NAME IS TED

This Dublin-based brand creates stunning wearable works of art inspired by the city’s doorways. Its handbags, totes and crossbody bags are stocked in the world’s most discerning stores – what could be more fabulous than walking into one of Iconic’s most splendid hotels with a bag featuring an iconic doorway? mynameisted.ie

KERIKIT

Founded by a working mum of three, KeriKit creates bags that combine style, beauty and practicality for women juggling multiple lives. Its leather bags have multiple compartments for organising all your essentials, and even include features such as insulated baby bottle or drinks can holders, pen holders and security pockets for valuables. kerikit.com

HEROCASHMERE.COM PHOTOGRAPHY ADAM LYNK. OUTFIT BY HERO CASHMERE,

What is luxury travel?

Travelling in luxury starts with ones packing, whether that be from a stylist or your own fair hands. Large luggage for a week or two away or an overnight bag, your luggage selection says far more than you may think – I once got upgraded from Business to First Class because the check-in assistant loved my powder blue ‘Fendi’ bag, which in hindsight was not the best piece to have thrown on a luggage trolley. However, the upgrade made the ensuing scuffs well worth it, and afterall, pristine luggage is a sign that it has not been used enough. Luggage needs to live and carry the battle scars of getting from A-B, however fabulous it may be.

When it comes to the ultimate ‘iconic’ packing service, if one gets invited to stay at a Royal residence, your luggage will be unpacked for you and repacked on departure, wrapped in tissue paper to avoid creasing in transit. I have never been fortunate enough to experience this rarefied service, however I do find it a treat to arrive and have ones clothes sent to press and have them perfectly lined up in your wardrobe for selection. For my own personal travel style, I am a huge fan of a cashmere tracksuit; the comfort of a cashmere sweater and joggers for long flights is like wearing a cuddle.

What a luxury it is to be able to travel, to have the freedom to escape, to celebrate a special occasion or visit somewhere new should never be taken for granted. Wanderlust for life, travel and luxury is everything!