Packing for Jaipur with Pippa Small

Pippa Small has spent the past 30 years traveling all over the world, working with artisans in areas of conflict to help generate secure livelihoods through jewelry design. On the road for half the year, she has her routine down pat—even if she’s still a self-proclaimed over-packer. No matter where work takes her, Pippa is never without her jewelry stack or signature blue wardrobe. She shared the versatile pieces she reaches for on every trip, and how she manages traveling with the bags of samples she brings along.

What’s your go-to luggage and why?  
First, I need to confess that I am an over-packer. I have traveled my whole life, and for the past few decades, I’ve spent at least half the year traveling—everywhere from Afghanistan to the Andes, the jungles of Colombia and Borneo, the deserts of Rajasthan and the Kalahari—working with communities of artisans making jewelry. I love my life and my travels, but I never know what will happen: an unexpected party or wedding invitation (in India, there is no competing with the splendor of saris, but you have to try),  a sudden temperature drop, or a cosmetic spill in the suitcase that results in mass oil stains. So I over-pack. I hate it, but I’ve grown to accept it.

With that confession made, let me tell you about the wonderful world of Lipault Luggage. It’s strong, the wheels roll well, the colors are delightful (very important after a bleary 12-hour flight when you’re trying to spot your bag at the carousel), but best of all, it’s stuffable. As I dash about my home at 3 a.m. grabbing books, shawls, and an extra pair of jeans, they somehow all fit into an already full case. Because they are soft-sided—not hard shells which demand organization and restraint—they somehow expand endlessly.

How do you approach the basics?  
I am a narrow-palette packer. I wash, iron, and carefully fold all my outfits in shades of blue. It works so well—every shade goes together. With a denim skirt, pair of essential jeans, and a blue shawl, I realize that I feel very safe in blue. It works everywhere—from deep indigos by Japanese label Arts & Science, to blue linen from Dosa (an LA-based brand), lightweight mulmul cotton by Indian brand Injiri, and soft cotton from the Italian brand Daniela Gregis.

Are you a roller or a folder?
A folder.

Any other packing tricks or hacks?  
Since many of the places I work require modesty and are often very hot, I’ve found the kaftan to be a brilliantly versatile piece. It’s modest, and easily goes from day to night with swapping sandals for heels. It can be slim-fit or loose, and it feels both feminine and respectful. Some of my favorite kaftan designers are Pero, Injiri, Dosa, Thierry Colson, Bokja, Eka, and Two New York. 

How do you think about jewelry and accessories?
I make, design, and love jewelry—it’s a huge part of my life. I always wear a mine’s worth and carry additional pieces for the artisans I work with, to reference textures, shapes, and forms. This inevitably leads to my hand luggage being searched, but I could not travel without my lucky charms and protective amulets, the jewelry I always wear, and the samples that help explain my designs. My clothes are often plain, so the jewelry dominates and makes the statement.

Any tips for packing jewelry or keeping it organized on the go?
I keep my pieces in small bags, and I’m very careful and conscious of keeping them protected and in order—placing small bags inside larger bags, always in my hand luggage, and always with me at all times.

What’s your shoe strategy?
Luckily for me, I’m not really a shoe person (having very large feet!). Sandals: Birkenstocks for comfort, Ancient Greek sandals for night, and trainers for riding horses with chaps and walking. The Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle in cognac is a favorite—perfect for slipping on and off when entering workshops, homes, or temples. The Ancient Greek Thalia sandals are beautifully simple and elegant—you can’t go wrong. I also love the Daphnae in Natural—the perfect neutral footwear.

Do you have a great travel hat?
I have such thick, curly, unruly hair that a hat has never really worked. I’ve only recently taken to wearing sunglasses—when I can remember.

What’s always in your Dopp kit/toiletry bag/pharmacy kit?  
In India, there’s a great Vedic skincare line called Kama—I love their rose-scented body cream, Himalayan cedar shampoo, and jasmine conditioner. They all smell wonderful and suit the climate. I bring Augustinus Bader face cream, as it really does work well. I always buy pharmacy products wherever I go.

On a plane, what essentials does your carry-on bag always contain?
Jewelry, at least three or four books (two novels and two books on the politics/religion/culture of the country I’m traveling to), a bag with a small Augustinus Bader face cream, thieves’ oil, lavender and mint oil for the flight.

Any wisdom on traveling with electronics?  
No headphones ever—I don’t like to be cut off. I carry an iPad full of reference photos for work, and world chargers always live in my carry-on. I also keep a dedicated wallet with currency for each country I work in, so I just grab the one I need.

Do you have a travel uniform?  
Loose, wide-leg jeans, trainers or sandals, and layers of cotton and wool. For jeans, I love the Odette and Audrey jeans from E.L.V. DENIM, whose recycling of denim is an inspiring business model for sustainability. I also love the RE/DONE High Rise Wide Leg Crop, which again explores the idea of taking the old and making it new again. I always pack PÉRO for when I want to feel instantly put together—their pieces feature beautiful details like hand-dyed fabrics, intricate embroidery, and artful patterns. And I always have one of my Andraab cashmere shawls—for wrapping up, warming up, and disappearing into on the flight.