Instantly recognizable for their classic shapes, modern details and Parisian flair, Clare V.’s handbags and accessories have earned a cult following worldwide. Designer Clare Vivier shows no signs of slowing either. With four store locations in California and New York, an expanding product assortment and a family, Clare is a modern icon. To celebrate our limited edition Parachute X Clare V. travel kit that we co-created – and to learn more about how she maintains a steady work/life balance – Clare was kind enough to share her sleep essentials, travel tips and perfect breakfast in bed…
What do you change into when you return home at the end of the day, and how do you unwind?
When I really know I’m in for the night, I put on a pair of Sleepy Jones pajamas, cozy socks and Birkenstocks to wind it all down!
Bedside tables can reveal a lot about a person. What’s on yours?
Always water, earplugs and eye mask. Then my huge iPhone sits on there somewhere, and that’s where I read most of my books these days.
Walk us through your nighttime beauty routine.
The Clare V. graphic designer, Lizzie, put this so well – “the drudgery of our nightly routines.” Girls really have tied ourselves to a good 20-30 minutes a night in the bathroom. Sometimes it’s a lot to do after a long day! All nights though, I’ll at least wash with iS Clinical Cleansing Complex, apply Resurface by Shani Darden Retinol Reform and finish with Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hydra-Pure Oil-Free Moisture.
How many hours of sleep do you need to have a productive day?
Seven.
How do you take your morning coffee?
A double espresso – straight up.
Describe your perfect breakfast in bed.
A double espresso, a banana smoothie from Moon Juice and The New York Times.
What are your tricks or tips to decompress when traveling and adjusting to new time zones?
Always earplugs and an eye mask. I’m a firm believer in tricking your brain into thinking it’s dark and quiet. Those two things are essential when I’m traveling so I can not only fall asleep at any hour, but also stay sleeping when I would normally be awake back in California.
You’ve spent loads of time in France and have traveled extensively. What are some of the best views to wake up to around the world?
I love to be on a high floor at hotels, and I’ve marveled at the views from high floors in Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and New York City. I love to feel like I’m flying – not in an airplane – but just above it all. And sunsets and sunrises are breathtaking.
Like Parachute, Clare V. has found its home in LA. How has this city been important to your business?
The incredible creative community has been extremely influential and helpful to my business. I try to surround myself with people who are hardworking but don’t take themselves too seriously.
What do you love most about the co-branded Travel Kit?
I love everything about it. I use the Parachute Merino Travel Kit already, so I’m super psyched to have it in our colors and design. I will use the blanket on many, many airplanes, and the eye mask will see many a foreign bed.