An interview with Fracncesca Bortolotto Possati

Bortolotto Possati is the president and CEO of Bauer Hotels in

Allure Magazine February 2008

To travel efficiently you don’t need an all-beige wardrobe or sensible shoes-and you don’t have to leave your favorite fragrance at home. I pack my suitcase until it’s full.  Why have extra space in your bag?  Packing light just leaves you with fewer choices.

Hold everything.  I check my luggage and carry only a small handbag onto the plane.  Ideally, your suitcase should be large enough to fit a blazer laid flat across the bottom. I’ve been traveling with a classic Gucci one for many years, and I recently upgraded to a beautiful Bottega Veneta bag.  Neither is very flashy but they are stylish, robust, and easy to recognize on the luggage belt.

Allow for extra.  I always check a nylon Longchamp tote as well-I have them in a whole range of colors.  They hold all of my shoes, which I pack in cotton drawstring bags, and extra fold up tote to allow for shopping and dirty clothes (they always seem to take up more room once they’ve been worn).

Take the essentials.  There are some things I never leave home without: three crisp white shirts, because when you’re fatigued from flying they make you look sharp and fresh; a pair of jeans; and my gym clothes, so that I can work out wherever I am I also pack plenty of accessories-a variety of belts and high heels make the same pair of pants look casual or elegant.

Make some order.  Fold your clothes rather than roll them.  When they’re in neat layers, you can easily retrieve a piece without disrupting everything else.  The last things into your suitcase should be the key pieces, such as jackets or pants; lay them on top with as few folds as possible so they are instantly wearable when you arrive.

Save face. I always bring my favorite beauty products rather than rely on whatever the hotel provides.  I put the bottles in plastic bags, and store them in a soft toiletry case.  Use my own moisturizer and shampoo is crucial to helping me feel like myself when I’m in a strange place.