22 Fashion Designers Share Their Most Inspiring Travel Destinations

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Fashion designers are constantly on the prowl for inspiration. Typically producing at least two collections per year, they often use the limited time in between to travel in search of just that.

Fashionista spoke to 21 top designers from across the world to learn about their favorite destinations. Some, like Jonathan Cohen, stressed the sanctity of returning somewhere like Mexico City, where his family is from. Others, like LaQuan Smith, waxed poetic on locales that activated their senses, like the spice markets in Morocco. Each one noted the ways in which these trips influenced their collections thereafter, whether in an ideological sense or through color palettes. Continue reading for their stories from each inspiring destination — you might just get inspired to travel their yourself.

Bach Mai on Mexico City

"After one of our brides had her wedding in Puerto Escondido on the Oaxacan coast in February, I decided to use the opportunity to visit Mexico city for the first time. Although I grew up in Texas and had been to Mexico many times, I had never made it to the capital city. I absolutely fell in love!

"The creative energy and vibrancy was intoxicating, and the food scene is so exciting and dynamic. However, it was the work of architect Luis Barragán that really captured my imagination. I deeply connected with his incredible and considered approach to design and environment curation. Getting to visit and experience so many different Barragán properties was such a gift. Cuadra San Cristóbal was like stepping into something from deep in my dreams brought into reality.

"I always get inspired by not only the work of other creators, but even more so their creative process and way of working. Learning about Barragán, his way of thinking and his perspective has definitely influenced me, and in a very direct way: My next collection for Spring 2024 will definitely be influenced by Barragán. While I have no plans to go back in the near future, I definitely look forward to spending more time in Mexico City soon."

Fe Noel on Grenada

"My most recent trip to Grenada was beyond inspiring. Although I make the trip often and am always enamored, this time I was invited to speak at Grenada's first-ever creative conference called Unleashed. The way everyone showed up to listen, learn and connect... To be surrounded by all that creative and curious energy felt surreal. I can literally feel the shift happening on our small island, and it further enables me to go out in the world and continue to accomplish my own goals and plight, which in turn opens up opportunity on the island. I was inspired by meeting all the eager and excited creatives that are hopeful for change and support from the government that will give Grenada's creative industry a chance at building the foundation for opportunities.

"After the conference, I moved full speed ahead to get Fe Noel's Little Caribbean open. Our mission is to create a space that can be an outlet for other Caribbean designers so they have a footprint In the U.S. and an opportunity to reach a wider audience."

Kallmeyer's Daniella Kallmeyer on Tuscany

"Last summer, I took myself on a last-minute solo trip to Tuscany. I literally googled 'map of Tuscany' and zoomed and picked a bed-and-breakfast at random. It was probably one of the fastest and least complicated decisions I've ever made, and it couldn't have been more perfect.

"I started in Florence for a few days, visited our cashmere factory and met Maria, who has a deadstock fabric warehouse. Then, I had the best meal at my favorite restaurant, and took the train down to Sienna the next morning to spend a week at an 1,100 year-old villa in Gaiole de Chianti. It was in the middle of nowhere, and I arrived without a plan. There were no Ubers or taxis accessible, so I rode a bike 20 miles a day through rolling hills to explore vineyards and castles.

"On the second leg of the trip, I completely disconnected. I had no plan when I arrived in Chianti and let myself totally slow down and re-center… I woke up every morning and had my coffee in an ancient garden surrounded by tall lavender and the humming of bees and butterflies. I journaled for hours, biked for miles, let my plans happen organically.

"On the way back, I stopped in Arezzo, a medieval town where an enormous antique market takes over one weekend per month, I browsed and shopped the stalls for two days. I bought garments, objects, leather goods — little things with very specific purposes... I still think about the small framed Viani piece I didn't buy.

"Expanding our manufacturing has been so exciting for the brand. In the case of deadstock fabrics or exploring different fabrications or new techniques, sometimes you just have to meet with the factories in person. They're experts and artisans in their own right; they're inspired by seeing us become inspired, which is an incentive to create and expand our work together. There are so many ways Kallmeyer is about to grow — it's just the beginning.

"I've been back to Florence twice since then, and I feel so at peace there. I'd love to take my family or a partner back to Chianti or explore other parts of Tuscany. I loved the spontaneity and simplicity of it all. Travel alone if you work in a high-demand career, especially a creative one. Go somewhere you don't speak the language. Observe how other people live. Listen carefully to your surroundings, whether it's the sound of silence or the sounds of a city. Take yourself out to dinner, eat slowly. Do research, but not too much. Take the long way.

"I'm a romantic. My work is informed by a feeling more than a look. Our Resort 2024 collection was inspired by a vintage jacket I found in Paris, and was named after a perfume I bought in Florence on that same trip called 'Lana' (described with notes of leather and cashmere)."

Harbison's Charles Harbison on Ireland

"The most recent trip that I've found inspiring was my pre-Covid trip to Ireland. The landscape around Dublin was gorgeous. I returned from Ireland the first week of March 2020, ending up in lockdown within days.

"The connection to nature I found in Ireland set the stage for my Covid lockdown life, which was super nature-centric, and that in turn inspired my return to fashion via Harbison Studio, with sustainability at the forefront.

"We spent time in Howth, a suburb of Dublin, and while looking over the sea from the peninsula, I remember praying for help and for peace. It was such a special moment. The bright, lush nature of Howth was even more intense than the Appalachian foothills I grew up around. It was a reminder that the earth is the best, most beautiful palette, and it should be preserved to the best of our ability as artists and makers. I'd love to do a photoshoot in the Irish countryside one day."

PatBo's Patricia Bonaldi on Brazil

"Whenever I travel — which is a lot — I'm always seeking inspiration for my collections. I can never turn that off, and don't want to because it comes naturally to me.

"Typically, during my travels within Brazil, I find a lot of inspiration in nature. Many of our hand -drawn prints come from ideas I found in the natural beauty of Brazil. Last year, I also traveled to London and Paris, specifically to round out ideas I had for our runway collections. My time in London and Paris was all about vintage inspiration — I felt I really traveled back in time searching through thrift stores, flea markets and fairs. Our collections are handcrafted by artisans using techniques that my hometown of Uberlandia specializes in, so going back in time for inspiration in new places really aligns with our mission of preserving traditional skill. Spending the day on Portobello Road, digging through the antiques, vintage clothing and just taking in the energy of the iconic neighborhood provided much inspiration for my mood board, for seasons past and future.

"Travel has affected every collection I've ever put out. The mission of my work is always rooted in Brazil and traditional hand craftsmanship, but the design is often inspired by observing and expanding my world view. Our references are an evolving collection of our studies and experiences, so I feel the more open you're to newness, the stronger your breadth of reference becomes!

"I can't wait to share the next story of travel inspiration in September. I always return to my favorite places. London, Paris, New York, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro — these cities never fail to inspire me."

Tibi's Amy Smilovic on San Miguel de Allende

"I went to San Miguel de Allende this past January, and it was the perfect time of year. For me, the beauty of a region has to extend beyond the locale and the food — it has to be about the people, and how they make you feel just watching them live their lives. San Miguel gave me so much hope that there's greatness in the world. I know, it sounds so dramatic, but sitting on a bench watching people dance in the streets or kids playing soccer in the evening was warming... and not a cell phone in sight.

"San Miguel attracts an interesting type of individual. I've been an ex-pat before, in Hong Kong — I know the transient nature of people moving in and out of countries. People who move to San Miguel take root; they make it their home. They really become part of the environment. We spent time at a ranch that was started by a couple that moved to the area from San Francisco 20 years ago. Mario, the husband, was from Mexico, and they chose San Miguel as a place to build their beautiful ranch and boutique hotel and spa. What was just an open plot of land has been transformed into a rich area filled with plants, horses and even horse stalls converted into glamping quarters. A guest chef from Sweden made the whole experience one I'll never forget.

"I think strolling through town in the evening and seeing the number of people just dancing in restaurants, in bars, on the street... just joy. It really affirms that you don't know everything, that your way of doing things isn't the only way. That conversation, dancing and music can often be enough. My favorite way to travel is without an agenda. I'm a true wanderer. I've always stumbled upon the best places this way. Sometimes, if you just let your shoulders relax and walk forward, you'll come upon the best things in life."

Anna Sui on Tahiti

"My Spring 2016 show was inspired by a much-anticipated trip to Tahiti. We needed to finish all the inspiration, prints and fabrics before I actually took the trip, so it was all my fantasy of what I thought Tahiti would be. I looked at Hollywood movies, travel books and postcards for inspiration.

"The most lasting impression was not only the beauty of the islands, but the fact that flowers were used for decoration everywhere: floating in the bathtub, decorating the bed, on the bathroom counters. I especially loved the flower head wreaths and leis that you could buy at the market. I also loved all the handicrafts, ta fi fi (Tahitian appliqué quilts), carved mother-of-pearl jewelry, raffia skirts and of course the beautiful black pearl jewelry. The ceremonial tribal dance performances were fascinating, and I loved that you could buy ukuleles in every color. The most beautiful experience was watching all the people sing, dance and play ukuleles together. I think about Tahiti all the time, and would love to return."

Tara Babylon on Qatar

"The last trip I found extremely inspiring was my visit to Qatar in 2019. I went to many museums that had ancient Islamic art and artifacts, particularly from Iraq, where I was born. For me, I had never seen Middle-Eastern art in such abundance and so up close. I'm Arabic, but grew up in the UK, so it was really a wake-up call to discover inspiring iconography and history for the first time from my region.

"The typography and calligraphy I saw in a huge, ancient Quran struck me. It felt so contemporary and advanced, considering it was hundreds of years old and in gold. The calligraphy in this Quran inspired my logo. The details were beautiful.

"Another stand-out was being able to see the covering fabric of the holy Kaaba, used in Mecca to covers the big black holy monument. The entire piece is hand-embroidered with real gold. The craftmanship is crazy and so inspiring.

"Being able to see an abundance of beautiful Middle-Eastern rugs over there and be by the desert was a feast for the eyes and felt homely. Rug-making has influenced my work, as it's a technique I use within my brand, as well as texture variety and Arabic font. I love combining different textiles together and experimenting with color. A huge part of the ethos of my brand is artisanal craftsmanship, so these Islamic references inspired me in regards to techniques. There's so much beauty to explore from history."

Alejandra Alonso Rojas on the Aeolian Islands

"Our trip to the Aeolian Islands was truly inspiring because of the stunning natural beauty and the unique experiences we had. We started in Salina, which is known for its lush greenery and picturesque landscapes. We spent our days exploring the island, hiking up to the highest point to witness the mesmerizing sunset and indulging in delicious local Italian cuisine. Next, we visited the island of Vulcano, which is famous for its active volcano. It was a thrilling experience to hike up to the crater and witness the volcanic activity up close. We also enjoyed relaxing time with friends and a pasta. The sand is almost black at the beach — it's a very unique landscape. Our final stop was Panarea, the smallest and most exclusive of the Aeolian Islands. It was a true gem, with its charming white-washed houses, narrow streets and crystal-clear waters. We spent our time exploring on foot, discovering hidden coves and secluded beaches by boat. The tranquility and serenity of Panarea was truly inspiring, and it felt like a world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

"As a fashion designer, this trip had a significant impact on my work. The natural beauty and unique experiences served as a wellspring of inspiration for my designs. The vibrant colors of the landscapes, from the lush greenery of Salina to the crystal-clear waters of Panarea, influenced my color palettes. I found myself drawn to shades of emerald green, azure blue and soft pastels, reflecting the serene and picturesque surroundings of the islands. The textures and patterns found in the volcanic landscapes of Vulcano also inspired me to experiment with unconventional materials and prints. The relaxed and carefree vibe of the islands translated into flowing silhouettes, lightweight fabrics and effortless styles. I aimed to capture the essence of the islands' lifestyle and infuse it into my designs, creating pieces that exude a sense of freedom and ease. The inspiration I derived from this trip continues to shape my work, reminding me to seek inspiration from the world around me and infuse it into my designs."

LaQuan Smith on Morocco

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"While I was designing my Spring 2023 collection, I went on a trip to Morocco and found it so inspiring. The colors, the textures and the soul of country were incredible. I was very inspired by the natural elements and how they created movement in everyone's clothing. Visiting the spice market was amazing — the colors were so vibrant and exciting. Color is an important part of my design process, so I loved that experience. The trip manifested itself in the color palette I chose for spring and some of the more fluid silhouettes."

Tanya Taylor on Japan

"Just this past May, I went to Japan for the first time to celebrate my 10th wedding anniversary and to explore everything that the country had to offer. We went to Tokyo, Kyoto and Hakone for almost two weeks without kids. Japan is such an electric country that's full of dichotomies: Tokyo is bustling, yet there are pockets of serenity where you can sit in a garden under a pavilion surrounded by trees, but still be so close to the busy and exciting shopping districts with great design; it's steeped in culture and history, yet so modern and adaptable.

"I loved feeling an attention to detail in everything ,from design to dining experiences, and a pride in culture and a priority of respect for people and surroundings. Being in Hakone at the Pola Museum was particularly inspiring. It's a glass museum with outstanding modern art in the middle of a lush forest near Mount Fuji. There are Joan Mitchells, Picassos, Cy Twomblys and Gerard Richeters all in really intimate rooms. It feels otherworldly that you're in nature surrounded by intense color and art.

"Japan is all about unexpected details and experiences. I find that hugely inspiring, and it always leads my creative thinking: how to take something familiar but make it new. Since going, I think I'll try to make any friend I have dinner with commit to return with me in the fall — I loved it. I left Japan feeling a sense of celebration to create and a culture that values creativity. It made me feel more intentional with design decisions and more permission to be bold with ideas."

Brandon Blackwood on Menorca

"I went to Menorca, Spain for a close friend's wedding last summer, and till this day, I think it's one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to. It's just so peaceful, not industrialized and there's water everywhere you look. It was probably one of the most peaceful settings I've encountered in my adult life. The people are warm; the island is filled with beautiful earth tones; there's a mix of desert plants and ocean life; the sky is cloud-free; there are wild olive trees everywhere. You really can't help but to take in the scenery and find some inspiration in it.

"Besides my friend Megan's gorgeous wedding (we're talking custom Erdem dress, decked-out courtyards, basically renting a whole castle with a church), I would say the hotel I stayed in, Torre Vella Fontenille, was an inspiration. Every room was essentially a suite with its own mini pool looking out to the farm. The whole hotel was farm-to-table, with every ingredient coming from the property. I would just aimlessly walk around, taking in all the natural sounds. Imagine everything in your view being earth tones, and then the deep blue of the sea. It was truly next-level.

"After that trip, I worked with a lot of natural materials like rattan, light woods, linen and dried sea grasses into the collection. The colorway was very 'Menorca,' and I wanted to bring my customers a bit of that Balearic magic. When the first chance appears, I'll definitely return. We have an unknown time on this planet — might as well make the most of it and see something new. Traveling keeps me interested in other aspects of my life, and it's always refreshing meeting people from different walks. Travel as much as you can."

LoveShackFancy's Rebecca Hessel Cohen on Marrakech

"Over New Years, we went on the most life-changing trip to Morocco as a family. Landing in the warmth of Marrakech as the year ended was the most inspiring adventure, filled with magical colors, wonderful people and so much beauty. Everything was inspiring: the smells, the mood, the energy, the love. From the pink skies of the desert to the textures of the souks, the vibrancy of colors and the music, I was beyond inspired. There isn't a day that I don't think about going back.

"Every moment and memory from that trip inspired Resort 2024. Lavish days and nights in Marrakech filled with magic and ambiance, plus the rich textures and local textiles like sequins, pearls, paillettes and velvets created a collection of airy feminine floral embroidered mesh dresses, sparkling crystal bows embellished on Shantung silk, fil-coupe maxi skirts and floral-print cover-ups worn with bikinis. Tones of tropical blues, lemon yellow, lilac and rose petal pink are inspired by the Moroccan landscape: its desert sand, sunsets, tiles and flowers. And our pinks, from rose petals to electric fuchsia, are inspired by the city's walls. High-shine metallics are reminiscent of the shimmering moon and add to the collection's timelessness. It's one of the absolutely most magical places!"

Jonathan Cohen on Mexico City

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"Mexico City has always been an inspiring place to me, and a second home! I wan't able to travel there for two-plus years due to Covid-19, but having gone back multiple times this past year, I find inspiration in every corner. Even though I have been going to Mexico City since I was little, it has become a more meaningful place to me as I get older. Every time I go back, I'm inspired and learn something new. The energy there is unlike anywhere else in the world.

"I went in November 2022 to dress Lupita Nyong'o for the 'Black Panther' premiere in Mexico City. It was incredible to not only dress her, but to also attend the premiere with her in a place that means so much to me and my family. It felt like a full-circle moment, and it was an amazing way to get in touch with Mexico again. I then stayed for a few days and enjoyed going to some of my favorite places I had gone to since I was a child, visiting new places as well. Since my family is from Mexico City, it has always influenced my designs. It's such a part of who I am, and going back to visit always solidifies that even more. I finally got to eat at Contramar, and it lives up to its hype!"

House of Aama's Akua Shabaka on Cote D'Ivoire

"Last summer, I had the pleasure of visiting Abidjan in Cote D'Ivoire within the Ivory Coast of Africa. Immediately, I felt like I was transported into this oasis of sorts, with a mixture of the feeling you get from an island and city combined.

"Recently, I've been getting more interested in interior design while furnishing my new home. One thing that I found very inspiring about Abidjan was the interior design.I found that Abidjan uniquely shows pride in its Ivorian culture and motifs through home décor. Whether it was a restaurant, business or hotel, you would find masks, textiles, unique traditional chairs and artwork represented by the Ivorian culture.

"Based on my experience during that time, I was inspired when I arrived back home to ensure that my space felt like a unique representation of my culture, who I am and [my] interests. Most importantly, it reiterated to us the importance of storytelling and cultural identity. As a storytelling brand with an emphasis on cultural history and celebration, it felt warm to be in a space that led with that view through design. I think it's truly important for us to travel, explore new languages and cultures around the world different from our own. Those of us who are physically able and privileged to do so, I encourage."

Rebecca Vallance on Malta

"One of the most inspiring trips I embarked on was my first visit to Malta. I was accompanied by my then-boyfriend, now-husband — it was an opportunity to meet his family for the first time. Little did I know that this journey would leave an indelible mark on my personal and professional life.

"What captivated me most about Malta was its rich history and stunning architecture. As I explored the ancient temples and medieval cities, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of awe. The intricate details and grandeur of the structures served as a constant source of inspiration. Moreover, immersing myself in Maltese culture was a transformative experience: Learning about my partner's background and getting to know his family allowed me to appreciate the unique traditions and customs of the island. It was during this trip that I made significant life decisions, shaping the next phase of my journey and career. The combination of history, architecture and personal connections created a truly special moment in time.

"Adding to the allure of Malta are its picturesque landscapes. The breathtaking coastlines, adorned with hidden coves and sandy beaches, provided a stunning backdrop to my exploration. The juxtaposition of ancient ruins against the turquoise waters was a sight that sparked my creativity and fueled my fashion inspiration. It was a journey that not only allowed me to connect with my partner's roots, but also ignited my passion for incorporating diverse cultural influences into my fashion career."

Roxanne Assoulin on Italy

"I'm on a trip right now, and I'm going to be honest with you: The last time I truly got inspired was really before social media. When I design, I'm kind of back in the '70s, before we had all of this information at our fingertips, and it was really about just seeing the most fashionable people and how they put stuff together. I think that certain cities have gotten a little bit commercial. I was just in Rome — and I love Rome — but I couldn't figure out if it was like Disneyland or Rome. It was so crowded that you couldn't see anything. There was no space, and for me and for a lot of creatives, we need space. We need to get out of the city and out of our grind, and we need to see space and color and art. The collection we just did for holiday was very much inspired by Morocco and the French Riviera back in the '70s and '80s. I think traveling is nice because you see different colors, different culture, different foods. It's always beautiful. Even in my hotel home, the bathroom floor is inspiring, and I'm always inspired by people."

Markarian's Alexandra O'Neill on the Orient Express

"I went on this incredible trip on the Orient Express a few years ago, right when I was starting Markarian. We went from Paris to Venice, and had such a fun time. It felt like we were thrown back in time with the most beautiful setting and décor, impeccable service and black-tie clothing. We were up dancing in the bar car until the wee hours of the night, and then woke up to rolling green hills out of our car window in the morning. It was magical!

"The train itself was inspiring. The fabrics, the wood, the light fixtures were all beautiful. It felt like a different world, where people still get dressed up for dinners and make friends with the strangers around them. It made me think of what this trip would have looked like in the past and what kinds of people would be on it. I think I have always felt a sense of nostalgia in my designs, so it inspired a certain bygone world for me, where clothing was made beautifully and meant to last more than just one night."

PH5's Wei Lin and Zoe Champion on the ocean

"I went scuba diving in Raja Ampat, Indonesia back in November 2017, and it was honestly the best trip I've ever gone on. It was my first live-aboard experience and my first time meeting some of the most interesting and inspiring sea creatures, such as wobbegong sharks, manta rays and mantis shrimps. In one of the dives, me and one other person got separated from the big group and ended up spending a good half an hour alone with thousands and thousands of mabolo rays. They kept circling around us from all directions. It was so surreal that I felt like I was in another world. Even to this day, I have tears in my eyes every time I talk about it. The fact that we know more about space than we do about the ocean is so bizarre to me. I want to inspire our customers to seek adventure in this world we live in and do what they can to help protect it." —Lin

"In 2014, I went camping on an island in the great barrier reef of Australia. We had to take everything over on a boat and were there alone for a week. Being completely surrounded by beautiful reefs and aquatic life, without any phone reception; being able to just be immersed by the beauty and magic of nature... It happened to be sea turtle laying season, so at night we were able to sit and watch mother turtles dig in the sand and lay their eggs. One day, I went snorkeling by myself and was met by a young sea turtle in the reef. We spent two hours swimming around each other and playing. The beauty and power of nature and specifically the ocean has been a large part of PH5's design language. It's always a source of inspiration and where I go back to when I need more." —Champion

Teniola "Tia" Adeola on the Maldives

"I went to the Maldives in December last year. I'm most inspired by the ocean, and I was completely surrounded by it. We've only discovered 8% of it, yet it's one of the most calming, powerful forces of nature. I guess the idea of the unknown is also exciting to me. I've worked with different hues of blue over time, inspired by nature, but you can see blues of Maldives in my most recent runway collection, for Fall 2023. It's also shaped me as an individual and a designer, that element of being powerful with still so much to be discovered."

Veronica Beard's Veronica Miele Beard on Tibet

"Many moons ago, I traveled with my mom to Rajasthan, India. The trip was life-changing. We met a lot of Tibetans living in India because the Dalai Lama was living there, and it inspired me to visit Tibet years later. Tibet is fascinating, and it's not that easy to get to: Lhasa has an elevation of almost 12,000 feet, so you have to work your way up.

"We started our trip in mainland China and increased our elevation, visiting different cities before heading to Lhasa. We explored everything from the Jokhang Temple to the magnificent Yamdrok Lake. The sun shines in Tibet. The colors, the expanses, the smells, the architecture — everything is otherworldly.

"We took a 22-hour overnight train from Xining to get there. It helped us acclimate to the altitude — plus, the views are spectacular. We arrived at the Potala Palace, a famous Buddhist monastery and the highest palace in the world! It was something I will never forget. Tibet is also home of the massive Tibetan Mastiff, and my kids will never forget meeting these dogs on the mountain tops! Animals are sacred to Buddhists, so there's a spirituality in meeting one.

"Traveling is one of my greatest passions and sources of inspiration. I love learning the local culture. My greatest triumph is that I've exposed my kids to off-the-grid destinations. I think we've all found an essential appreciation of humanity, and my kids have learned endurance and respect for other cultures and for the nature around them."

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