Home JOURNAL Globetrotter | Rebecca Suhrawardi

Globetrotter | Rebecca Suhrawardi

Globetrotter Rebecca Suhrawardi frequently travels between London, NYC and India. This graduate of Central Saint Martins began her career at Interview Magazine and steadily worked her way through top publications including ELLE, Paper, Harper's Bazaar UK, Vogue.co.uk, Fashionista and is now currently writing for VOGUE India. We recently caught up with Rebecca and asked her to share her tips on style and travel.

How would you describe your style?

My style is classic with an edge. It wasn?t always like this, though, there was a point where I devoured directional looks from designers like Rick Owens and Lanvin, but something about dressing classically feels right at this moment.

Who, what or where is the inspiration behind your style?

Whenever in doubt, I think of Audrey Hepburn. Her look is timeless; a reminder that keeping things simple and classic always works.

What do you love most about the city your live in?

I live in New York and I love it most for the abundance of culture available at our fingertips. There are so many museums, galleries, readings, productions and shows you can?t help feel a bit spoiled, the sheer magnitude of culture is incredibly exciting. I love to eat at Bar Pitti in the West Village, Maze by Gordon Ramsey and Hakkassan in Hell?s Kitchen. For shopping, Barneys New York and Opening Ceremony always have what I need. For drinks, Soho House is very comfortable.

What is a typical [if there is such a thing] day like in your life on the road or at home?

The only thing typical about my days is that there is hardly anything typical about them! I can say, I love the days when I wake very early?5:30 AM is my sweet spot. I love the quiet and peace at that time of the day and I use it meditate or work. It leaves me feeling as though I have had a big head start.

Keeping fit is also important to my routine and I am an avid practitioner of Bikram yoga. The practice is consistent, with the same poses and dialogue in every class around the world, so it affords a certain level of structure, which I welcome while traveling. I also love visiting different studios around the world because it?s a nice way to interact with locals. I have practiced everywhere, including New York, Boston, London, Los Angeles, Paris, Basel, and Amsterdam.

Name three of your favorite shopping destinations anywhere in the world.

I love London shopping, because it is such a hotbed for fashion creativity. I absolutely adore Liberty of London. It?s very intimate for a larger department store and their buying choices are sprinkled with a touch of the eclectic. I also swoon for their furniture ? divine! Dover Street Market, which is now opening in New York, is another favorite. And Barneys New York along with Joseph are a go-to when it comes to stocking up my wardrobe.

What is your favorite item you have ever purchased while on a trip?

I picked up a pair of stunning pearl and diamond chandelier earrings while on holiday in Sri Lanka. They are so delicate, yet heavy, and graze just above my shoulder.

Where do you like to shop while travelling?

I love markets and secondhand shops because you can find very special gifts in these places, like pieces of old china and crystal or antique fine jewelry. I also love to ask local kids what they?re listening to currently. I have pick up on some brilliant international artists this way.

Where is your favorite travel destination?

I am a big fan of Bangkok, I think because I am hypnotized by the idea of jolie-laide, and Bangkok seems to define this in so many ways. It is the intersection of hard and soft, old and new, ease and hardship. There is so much day-to-day toughness to life, which is balanced with such beauty, like the Thai people (who are so incredibly warm) and the Buddhist temples that are everywhere. Their warm climate and riverside life is always a constant source of seduction. Then, there is the Mandarin-Oriental Bangkok, quite possibly my favorite hotel in the world. For the comfort, the service, for high tea in the sun-drenched Author?s Lounge, and the world-class spa featuring the best in Ayurvedic treatments in addition to a full-spa menu.

What is your dream destination?

I think a month?s tour around Africa would be a dream, starting in the South and ending up on the Northern shores.

What is your #1 travel/packing tip?

Because I pack to be ready for anything, from a black tie affair to trekking, wrinkling is what I worry about most. So I keep a roll of the plastic sleeves that come over dry cleaning on hand at home. When it comes time to pack, I hang as much as I can on hangers and then wrap them individually in the plastic garment covers. Everything comes out very crisp when you unpack.

Describe the last exotic trip you took.

I am unsure if this is exotic, because I hail from this part of the world, but I was last in India, which never ceases to seduce me.