Models often travel for bookings, sometimes crossing timezones and climates multiple times in a week. Packing for this sort of life becomes a survival art and we can all take a few tips from them, learning how to pack just what you need on short notice. Models might receive their bookings only days and sometimes even hours ahead, so being ready at a moments' notice is critical. Some models might be shooting a catalogue in Miami on Monday, fly overnight to Paris to shoot an editorial for next day, rounding out the week walking a runway in Hong Kong or Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The model "uniform" has to be versatile and go from airport to studio or location, to castings, fittings, and even out to dinner with model friends who might be lucky enough to land in the same city at the same time. Since everything has to work together, sticking to a simple color palette of black, white and grey, and adding pieces to layer for warmth or to dress up or down a look, simplifies things. You can't go wrong with classic basics.
Start with a great black jacket in leather, or lightweight down in a blazer style. Simple white and grey tank tops and t-shirts can be layered under a warm sweater under the jacket when it gets chilly on the plane. Black jeans work for both work and travel, so find a pair with some stretch so they keep their shape between washes. A large scarf or wrap can work as a blanket on the plane or in a drafty studio, and just as easily as a coverup over your bikini for beach locations. Yes, don't forget a bikini!
Since models can't forgo their workout routine just because they are constantly on the move from place to place, pack workout leggings, sports bra, and athletic but fashion-forward sneaker that can also be worn running between appointments in and out of subways. Pack a great pair of black booties and heels for arriving on bookings, meeting clients, and going out. Bring one amazing blouse that can be worn with the jeans, and one little black dress that doesn't wrinkle when packed away. Of course, nude lingerie is a must-have for every model, so a few pairs that can quickly washed and dried in a hotel room are practical. Bring a wallet that can double as a clutch, statement sunglasses to arrive in star style, and a classic watch.
Packing for your beauty routine is easy with so many travel-sized products available now. Try sheet masks in individual packets for face-saving treatments after long flights and different makeup products. Take face cleansing wipes, a moisturizer with SPF, travel shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, brush and floss, trial-sized body moisturizer and deodorant, a brush and comb. Pack simple makeup products such as mascara, concealer and eye liner. Find the perfect chubby crayon sticks that can be used on cheeks, lips and eyes. Indulge in a great lip balm or treatment product since lips dry out from repeatedly wearing lipstick, and flying can leave lips dry and flaky like the dessert. It is always a good idea to pack a little SOS kit with Ibuprofen, some bandaids, and antibacterial wipes. Bug bites, flu, or cuts in foreign lands are not fun and having even a small emergency kit is a very good idea.
Look for a bag that expands and isn't heavy before you actually put anything in it. Models often show up to bookings with luggage in tow to make the mad dash back to the airport right after the workday ends, so think chic and practical with pockets for your phone, chargers, passport and wallet. I always carried a tiny teddy bear with me and sometimes even a small candle to make foreign hotel rooms feel a little more like home.
Packing light doesn't mean without style! Models are always photographed for their amazing outfits running between shows at fashion week and more often than not, they are carrying this week and next weeks gear right along with them. There is something to be said for knowing you can throw a bag together, fly somewhere at the drop of a hat, and be able to pull yourself together in a flash for whatever the adventures throws at you. Bon voyage!
