It should come as no surprise that Renaissance woman Lisa Marie Fernandez, a former stylist and the designer behind her eponymous, cool-girl swimwear label, is as interested in art and design as she is fashion. Since she’s headed to Art Basel Miami Beach this week—and knows how to dress for a cultured beach destination better than anyone—we asked what she's packing in her carry-on, and what she’s most looking forward to seeing in Miami.
How long have you been going to Basel? It is an annual trip for me, I have not been to every Basel but I started going to Basel in Switzerland about eight years ago and then started going to Miami. Since I started going I have traveled to Miami every year.
Where do you like to stay in Miami? I always stay at Soho Beach House (4385 Collins Ave.; 786-507-7900; sohobeachhouse.com). The hotel is always fully booked during Basel but I was lucky and got the last room!
What are your favorite restaurants in Miami? My favorite restaurant is Mandolin (4312 Second Ave.; 305-749-9140; mandolinmiami.com) and I also love Cecconi’s at Soho Beach House (4385 Collins Ave.; 786-507-7902; cecconismiamibeach.com).
Are there any exhibitions, fairs, or artists that you specifically looking forward to seeing this year? I always go to the Main Fair on the preview day, I go first thing in the morning and then to Design Miami, which I love. There is so much to see so I have to be careful and make sure to space it out over the few days.
What are your packing must haves for the trip?
Fashion: My must haves for Art Basel always include beautiful day dresses; I will definitely be packing some from Vita Kin and some of our new ones that we have made for resort, including the Patchwork Chambray Shirt Dress ($555). For swim, I will be wearing my Leandra Bikini ($400)—the design is new for Resort 2016 and we are making it in a gorgeous yellow-and-purple stripe pattern. I always bring Ancient Greek Sandals with me. They are my sandals of choice and the most comfortable.
Pictured above, clockwise from left: Soho Beach House, terrycloth LMF Pochette, LMF Patchwork Chambray Shirt Dress, Hermès Chaîne d'Ancre Silver Necklace, Yves Saint Laurent waterproof mascara.
Beauty: I always use La Roche Posay for my face; I have over 25 products that I bring down to Miami. My terrycloth LMF Pochettes ($50) are filled to the brim with SPF ranging from four (unfortunately) to 30. I have a Bain de Soleil 4 Gelèe, Clarins, and then I have the Yves Saint Laurent waterproof Mascara.
Travel gear: Lately, I have been living in our activewear, which is my new uniform since I do not have any time to work out. I have been wearing our black velvet Karlie pant ($265) almost every day—they are so comfortable and are the perfect item to wear on a plane. I have a few scarves that I found in Capri that I like to layer on with a knit poncho. I never like to wear a heavy coat when I am traveling somewhere warm so I always have to keep my fingers crossed that when I arrive back at JFK there is no snow on the ground!
Reading material: Magazines! All the magazine that I have not had time to read for the past few months.
Sunglasses and accessories: Of course Celine sunglasses, and I always bring a selection from The Row. For jewelry, I'm bringing my Hermes ankle bracelet that I never take off. We shot our Resort 2016 look book a few months ago and I styled the model in hoop earrings from Farone Mennella—ever since then I have been wearing the hoops! Of course I always have my Eddie Borgo estate jewelry and my Cartier Juste un Clou.
Photos: Courtesy Soho Beach House / Courtesy Lisa Marie Fernandez (2) / Courtesy Hermès / Courtesy L'Oréal
