Lifestyle // Men's // Women's
Traveling With: Trina Turk
Trina Turk in Capri, photographed by her husband Jonathan.
Splashed in color and swimming with retro patterns, Trina Turk‘s caftans, maxi dresses and bikinis beg for the beach; and for Spring that’s exactly where the California-based designer sought inspiration. Work tends to determine Turk’s travels, but twice a year the designer and her photographer husband make a point to slip away and visit a place they’ve never seen before. Last summer, right before the Trina Turk Spring 2012 collection was underway, the couple crossed Turkey and Capri off their travel list.
“We chose Turkey as our vacation destination this past summer for its combination of culture, textile shopping and seaside relaxation,” Turk says. “The fact that the city of Istanbul is split between Europe and Asia is intriguing enough, but vague memories from college art history classes, the lure of the Grand Bazaar, and photos of the Aegean coast sealed the deal. On our way to Turkey, we made a quick stop in Capri. The warm sandy beaches of the Aegean, the blues of the crystalline water and the rocky terrain of the Mediterranean can be seen in our Spring delivery aptly titled ‘Mediterraneo’.”
Trina and her husband Jonathan saling in the Mediterranean.
NM: What are your packing essentials? Do you pack light or tend to over-pack?
TT: I tend to pack light. I like to stay away from checking bags whenever possible! My travel essential include:
- A few statement jewelry pieces like our coral & gem necklace, disc toggle pendant and riviera cuff are a great way to mix-up your travel looks without over-filling your suitcase.
- Metallic sandals for summer
- Neutrogena spf 45 Sunscreen with helioplex
- Printed everything!
- The fontaine jersey dress in bright paprika works as a swim cover up or a dress.
- White shorts – like our vineyard short.
- Our striped bondi tank
NM: Did you go shopping?
TT: Of course! While in Turkey, we went to the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market, which were surprisingly mellow–we expected the more aggressive hawking of wares we experienced in Morocco. The Bazaar, which opened for shopping in 1461, was a huge maze of stalls that was somewhat daunting, even for professional shoppers like us!
NM: Did you pick-up any souveniers?
TT: We wandered into an exterior courtyard and purchased a couple of boldly striped Anatolian tent blankets purportedly “from the 1920s”, but the blue plastic beads on the fringe indicated otherwise. I also bought two vintage Uzbek robes at a nearby shop called Cocoon, one an orange and hot pink ikat stripe, the other an ombre stripe that was weirdly Mexican.
Trina shopping for Uzbek robes in Turkey.
NM: Where is your favorite place to travel?
TT: We have a home in Palm Springs that we spend a lot of weekends at… not sure if that qualifies as travel but it always feels like a mini vacation when you’re out there! Outside of that I would have to say Italy.
NM: Can you share any packing tips?
TT: Pack light! Don’t worry about having a completely new look for every day, but rather find a few basics that you love and then mix in some fun colorful and printed pieces. I always pack way too many shoes… so after you’re done packing, remove 3 pairs of shoes!
Trina and Jonathan met up with friends Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan in Capri.
NM: Do you take pictures, do you bring good books or magazines?
TT: My husband Jonathan usually is the one taking all of the photos. I love magazines and books and tend to bring too many of both. I haven’t fully converted to using my Ipad. I like to turn the pages.
NM: What place are you dying to visit next?
TT: Bali – Not only is it supposed to be incredibly beautiful and relaxing but there are amazing textiles and jewelry that come from Bali.
Trina basking in the sun on their yacht in the Mediterranean.
NM: How many times would you say you travel in a year? Why is getting away and vacationing so important to you?
TT: I travel mostly for work and we try to take two trips to a place we’ve never been before each year. It’s no secret that travel inspires you to see the world in new ways.
NM: Are you taking a Spring Break or heading anywhere this summer?
TT: I’m actually on my way to the Grace Bay Club in Turks and Caicos this weekend! As a California designer, I’ve always been inspired by the ocean and the coastline, and Turks & Caicos has its own beautiful version of both.
NM: What item is your must-pack from your Spring 2012 collection?
TT: There are so many great colorful pieces for Spring!
- From our RTW collection I would say the Joni dress in the Waterbird print. It has both turquoise and bright orange tones – two of spring’s hottest colors – and the jersey knit makes it easy to wear and great for traveling!
- From our Swimwear collection I love the Deco Palms printed halter top and bikini bottom. The tangerine enamel jewelry-styled embellishments are fabulous.
- This week I’m on the road for both business and pleasure. I brought items that would work for business meetings in NYC, like the Nahla Knit top, and I’ll wear it in Turks & Caicos this weekend with white shorts.
- I also packed the Ashbridge cardigan for layering. I’ll wear the printed Atlantisdress as a cover up or to dinner.
Turk's inspiration board for her Spring 2012 collection.
Trina Turk is available in Neiman Marcus stores. The Current Event online and in stores now through Sunday, March 18 and receive a NM exclusive Moyna clutch with your select regular-priced Contemporary Sportswear or Dress Collections purchase of $350 or more.
