Globetrotter: Pauline Chardin

The Voyageur is one of our all time favorite travel blogs. Paris based designer and photographer Pauline Chardin constantly charms us with her good taste, thoughtful eye and keen observation on destinations as far flung as Japan, Sri Lanka and Egypt.

How would you describe your personal style?

If there is a place where glamour meets adventure, that's where I'd like to stand. In terms of icons, I keep coming back to ladies like Katharine Hepburn, Winona Ryder and Annemarie Schwarzenbach. Aesthetically, it is 1930's, tropical modernism, the Middle East and Japan, would be my main influences.

How does travel influence your style?  

Travel is big source of inspiration for me style-wise! In our so-called "globalized world" I'm always impressed to see how every country ends up having is own style vocabulary, even if it's only in the details. I can spend hours observing crowds and I'm equally interested to see how South Indian men pair patterns or how Milanese women make Doc Martens shoes work in their glamorous wardrobe!

What city do you have an endless love affair with? 

Paris. She's the kind of lover that has bad manners but keeps sweeping you off your feet. I wish I could leave her, but she has a way of making me feel special!

Can you share your top spots for eating, drinking, and shopping in Paris? 

Retro Bottega - A marvelous little Italian on a quiet street, 12, Rue St Bernard

Christophe Lemaire - He makes wearing a uniform feel like an unprecedented luxury, 28, Rue de Poitou

La Pette Table - My favorite place for a Franco-Italian Go?ter, 27, Rue de Saintonge

What is your most desired passport stamp?

Polynesia. I love that even today it stills feel almost too remote to reach. I keep imagining Gauguin discovering this place a hundred years ago and how incredible it must have been.

Best trip so far?

My first time in Japan, in the Spring, was a bit of a game-changer. 

Favorite form of transport?

I'd like to say canoe, but I'm not sure that qualifies. Walking is the best choice if you want to take pictures, so maybe I'll stick to that.

Always in your suitcase?

A bathing suit. I actually have dreams (nightmares?) where I'm in front of this beautiful turquoise sea and find out I've failed to bring beachwear!

Favorite hotel that you wouldn't mind staying in forever?

Forever sounds a bit extreme, but I wouldn't mind dropping by Vil Uyana, in Sri Lanka, every once in a while.

Most beloved souvenir?

My (ever-growing) collection of Japanese ceramics. They definitely improve my daily life.

Favorite shop, market or souk?

I believe the Tenjin-San market in Kyoto would make any fabric lover quite hysteric.

Ultimate escape fantasy?

Managing to escape the dreadful French winter by living elsewhere during this time! Something along the lines of Autumn in Italy and Winter in Southern California...

Globetrotter Stats

Souk or Department Store?

I'm all for unique, curated content, so...both or neither, depending on where you are! 

DIY or Concierge Service?

I take pride in DIY but I also know my limits.

Buy Everything or Buy Nothing? 

I'm always looking out for interesting buys but have learned with time when it's actually worth it.

Camping or 5-Star Hotel? 

Glamping and boutique hotels!

Drive or be Driven?

Totally driven, currently trying to learn to drive!

Room service or Street Food?

Room service is quite a guilty pleasure, I confess.

Lots of Luggage or Carry-on Bag?

Too much luggage, but working on improving that!

Shop the Look

Tom checks cotton shaana dress (Bungalow 8)

Grey Cotton Charolette Patch Front Tote (Jade Tribe)

Aesop Jet Set Kit (Hotel Americano)

Luck Art Cashmere Pashmina Scarf (Janavi)

 Follow Paula' on her voyages here and there.