Travel Diaries with Cleverly Textiles
roshana lewis and amelia mcphee
This week we catch up with the globetrotting co-founders of Cleverly Textiles Roshana Lewis and Amelia McPhee. In this interview, we delve into their travel experiences, packing hacks and the personal touches they bring to every journey.
Roshana
What would people be surprised to learn about you? That I move at great speed in airports, literally hit the ground running.
Most memorable travel experience? Biman, Air Bangladesh, KL to London, 5 refuelling stops.
Packing hacks? No one remembers what you’re wearing so outfit repeat is the key to packing light.
Who is your fantasy travel companion and why? (can be anyone) Actually, Amelia. But I’m not surprised she said Nigella.
What travel faux-pas do you try to avoid? I hope I don’t do any, I try to be as courteous as possible, it’s a squishy experience and thoughtfulness helps.
What’s your go-to order (aperitif included) at your favourite restaurant? Prosecco at Via Carota.
How do you combat jet-lag? Travel with Amelia. She makes no allowance.
How do you bring your holiday home? Usually in an extra suitcase.
What three items do you always pack, no matter the season or destination? Cleverly pillowcases, a pair of bathers and an extensive medical kit.
What do you wear to the airport? Cleverly pants, t-shirt and a soft lightweight scarf. Amelia and I have it down to a fine art.
What’s the first stop you make at your favourite destination? Food, I have no choice if I’m with Amelia.
And what’s the last stop? Again, food, to take on the plane. We do get envious looks as our picnic unfurls and the roast pork and fennel comes out.
Do you believe in buying souvenirs, taking photos or bringing only memories home? Fridge magnets, photos, lacquer trays, lights, books, maple syrup – nothing is off limits.
Do you tend to travel for business or pleasure? Travel is generally pleasurable regardless of purpose although it is 90% business.
Any other travel hacks? I can’t risk having a rash-y face travelling, I pack my Cleverly pillowcase in my handbag (to cover the airplane cushion)
What beauty product do you rely on to arrive at your destination feeling fresh? Water.
What does luxury mean to you? Sliding into a comfy bed.
Amelia
Most memorable travel experience? It was for work. I was part of the OMA Netherlands team of architects that put together Rem Koolhaas’s exhibition at Venice Biennale in 2010. Living life behind the scenes at the Giardini, in the lead up to the Biennale opening to critics and the public, was special. Actually it is a tie between that and travelling around Mexico for a month with my future husband, a few years later. Oh and also the time that Roshana and I arrived in Lisbon for our very first trip to Portugal. It was summer and we walked up a hill to a park with a view over the city. There was a kiosk selling mojitos, packed with lime wedges, mint and ice. Whoops that is three!
Packing hacks? Go monochromatic. I am fine about it if the tones and textures are different. An all-navy blue selection of clothes, for example, some linen, some silk or drill cotton. Mr Armani does that best. To pack all white would be channelling Brancusi.
Who is your fantasy travel companion and why? Nigella Lawson. Nigella’s first book, How To Eat, was a gift in my early twenties and it is so well leafed by me that the pages are now coming away. There are no pictures in this book, it reads like a long, free conversation. And I love the way Nigella writes ~ opinionated, funny and completely herself at all times. Roshana is the same. These are the traits I like to have in a travel companion.
What travel faux-pas do you try to avoid? Frustration at slow drivers, delayed flights or issues with hotel rooms. Always be polite.
What’s your go-to order (aperitif included) at your favourite restaurant? At Via Carota, I love to order a sbagliato, the olive all’ascolana, insalata verde and the meyer lemon risotto. Then I must have a slice of raspberry crostata to go, which I eat later in the hotel room with a cup of tea.
How do you combat jet-lag? If you are feeling deep tiredness, put all your devices away. Take a cold bath or a swim if you can. Get outside and walk. Drink a litre of water before 12pm. Resist the urge to nap! Your prize for getting through the day is an early dinner at your favourite restaurant.
What three items do you always pack, no matter the season or destination? A book, a notebook and tea, and those important three things go into my favourite Haulier carry-all tote bag. When I get home from being away, I am always finding packets of tea in my pockets and bags.
What do you wear to the airport? It must be loose-fitting, lightweight, soft, oversized. Cleverly shirts and pants are perfect for flights.
What’s the first stop you make at your favourite destination? A favourite restaurant of mine at that destination. Once when we arrived really late at night in NYC and I insisted we walk up to Hanoi House in the East Village for a bowl of pho. No matter what time we arrive, I can’t wait to get out and see the city.
And what’s the last stop? A favourite restaurant. The last supper before a long-haul flight, or short for that matter, is a sacred moment for me.
Do you believe in buying souvenirs, taking photos or bringing only memories home? I have a collection of porcelain ornaments on my mantle piece ~ tiny white Greek villas with purple bougainvillaea and fishing boats, and a collection of little jade green temples from Singapore. My kids love them. I do remember similar, interesting little things on my parents’ mantle as a child and being so curious about these objects. I like the sort of souvenir that becomes a treasure in your home. I have a number of green and pink woven baskets from Mexico, which are traditionally used to keep tortillas warm. It was an absolute mission bringing them home in my luggage, but it was worth it. I use them everyday for keys and bits and bobs.
Do you tend to travel for business or pleasure? Business has involved a lot of flying. Family trips to date have been mostly road trips along our coastline.
Any other travel hacks? Not a hack, an anti-hack. I will always pack a book. Don’t talk to me about kindles. I like the inconvenience of a book, it reminds me it is there. I like the action of turning a page.
What beauty product do you rely on to arrive at your destination feeling fresh? Marrakesh Intense by Aesop.
What does luxury mean to you? I love how Andre Leon Talle answers this ~ “The most luxurious item is a beautiful bed and beautiful, simple sheets.” In other words, Cleverly.
Photography © Cleverly textiles