Travelogue: Lido
Designer and world traveler Heidi Kelso is the creative force behind the boho-chic label LIDO. This globetrotting fashion producer spends a good part of each year traveling the globe in search of cool textiles, undiscovered souks and new artisans. With the exotic but wearable always in the forefront of her mind, Heidi?s mission is to fill her pop-up boutique on Long Island?s North Fork and her Shop Latitude collection with the essentials for a perfect summer wardrobe. We recently caught up with Heidi and asked her to share tips and images from her latest sourcing trip through North Africa, Turkey and South East Asia.Designer and world traveler Heidi Kelso is the creative force behind the boho-chic label LIDO. This globetrotting fashion producer spends a good part of each year traveling the globe in search of cool textiles, undiscovered souks and new artisans. With the exotic but wearable always in the forefront of her mind, Heidi?s mission is to fill her pop-up boutique on Long Island?s North Fork and her Shop Latitude collection with the essentials for a perfect summer wardrobe. We recently caught up with Heidi and asked her to share tips and images from her latest sourcing trip through North Africa, Turkey and South East Asia.
Favorite hotel on your sourcing trip?
Dar Charkia is my favorite in Marrakech, the English owners have become dear friends.Dar Dhaifa in Djerba, Tunisia is super cool. I was able to preview Soho House Istanbul before they opened and cannot wait to stay there this Spring. It?s really beautiful. In Goa, I always stay in Mandrem and my other favorite places to stay are Elsewhere and Yab Yum. This time I stayed in an XL family pod and loved it.
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Favorite meal?
I love a good pastilla in Morocco and although it?s not food, I drink masala chai from the chai wallahs morning to night in India. They make the best chai and no one can duplicate their technique properly outside of India. I also love Tibetan momos; and for desert...coconut ladoo.
Favorite purchase or find?
My obsession is Bulles & Huiles Beurre D?argan, an all-purpose moisturizer and lip balm with Argon that smells unbelievable. People stop me on the street and ask about it. I get it in the souk in Rabat but you can find it in Marrakech. I also love our hand loomed wool blankets from Kashmir in a soft waffle texture. I had them dip-dyed for an ombre effect and you will have them in a week! :)
Favorite mode of transportation? This could be anything form camel to elephant to business class jet?
Business class to and from the States because the distance is brutal and I generally need to hit the ground running so I need to be rested, but once on the ground it varies. I have specific drivers in different cities in India and they look out for me especially when I?m alone. Beyond that, I take auto rickshaws or motorcycles because they are cheap and quick. I usually get my own motorbike in Southeast Asia.
Please list the things you never leave home without?
I have a standing packing list I adapt for every trip. I have a drawer of foreign currency and every time I come home from a trip I throw in what?s left over and when I?m about to travel again I grab what I need. I bring at least 5 books (Old school. No kindle.) And my favorite fashion magazines (British) cell phones for India and US, an empty notebook, 2-3 medium pouches for receipts, my computer, portable white noise machine, power bars for when I can?t stop to eat, tampons (hard to find in rural areas), bug spray, extra phone chargers and adapters for multiple countries. Large shawls in cashmere and cotton are perfect for day and night in all climates. Once there, I always buy medimix soap (tons to bring back) and Kama products.
Favorite place on your most recent sourcing trip?
On this trip I loved Asilah, Morocco on the Northwest Coast. It?s a quiet little seaside town that was rehabbed in the 80?s when it was in disrepair. Now known for art, the whitewashed walls throughout the medina are painted with all sorts of murals by artisans and children. Also, the Tunisian Desert is magical. We drove the whole country from end to end and loved it!
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