Packing with Gemma Hare

The brand director of Scottish menswear label Kestin has Paris Fashion Week down to a science. Between showroom meetings, dinners, parties and repping the brand, Gemma Hare packs outfits that work for days that start before breakfast and stretch past midnight. She shares the pieces that work double duty, her favorite packing cubes, and the shoes that get her through the week.

What’s your go-to luggage and why? 
For Fashion Week in January, I used my large North Face Base Camp roller. I’m a soft-sided fan because I think they last longer than hard cases, especially if you travel a lot and your bag gets bashed around. Plus, you can always squeeze in that little bit more if needed. My carry-on is always my trusty Porter Yoshida Force 2 Way Tote Bag in navy. It has lots of pockets to keep things organised and is big enough to comfortably fit my laptop and other essentials.

How do you approach the basics?
Organisation is key for fashion week—I need to rep our brand, and also ensure that my husband, Kestin (the founder and creative director of his eponymous brand), and I don’t end up wearing the same looks. And yes, it has happened! So we both plan and lay out our outfits at home or in the studio to check we aren’t accidentally twinning. Once the outfits are planned, that’s it—they’re set in stone and I don’t have to think about it again.

Everything has to be multi-functional—worn during the day at shows, then straight to dinners and parties in the evening. And everything has to travel well: Paris hotel rooms are tiny, and I hate ironing, so wrinkle-resistant fabrics are my friend. Colour is super important to our brand, and I always prefer tonal looks, playing with texture and cut. I pack one look for each day and make sure I have layers, since it’s cold in Paris. The showroom starts off cool in the morning and heats up as the day goes on, so I like insulated jackets (our Cuillin Jacket is super warm and light), and casual suiting, shirting and knits for the shows.

This season, I mostly wore SS25 with some knits and outerwear from AW24. When I travel for fashion week, I mostly wear Kestin, as we’re there to sell the brand. When I do mix in other brands, it is usually staples from Studio Nicholson or A Golde—like denim, tees, and fitted tops. One look I wore was our Ormiston jacket in navy floral jacquard over Studio Nicholson jeans with an Agolde tee underneath. I also packed a casual suiting combo in our 37.5 fabric: the Clyde Pant and Armadale Coach Jacket in navy. The 37.5 fabric has a soft, technical handle and looks smart but casual. I styled it with a tee, knit or a textured shirt underneath to mix up the fabrics and create some surface interest. I wore tonal trainers—function is key, since days are long and I was out of the hotel by 8.30am and not back until post dinner or even midnight.

Are you a roller or a folder?
I’m a folder, and packing cubes have made travelling so much easier for me. I’m a massive fan of categorisation—it keeps things nice and neat in my bag. 

Any other packing tricks or hacks?
I packed our KESTIN 37.5 casual suiting options—made from a cloth woven with sustainable temperature-regulating properties. It keeps you cool when it’s hot, and warm when it’s cold. Plus, It’s super light, packable and wrinkle resistant. Another tip: take a spare large packing cube for laundry, and one for gym clothes.

What’s your shoe strategy?
For me, fashion week is all about trainers and comfort, so I packed three pairs and rotated them. I like playing with texture and colour, so I took my Asics x Earls that play with suede and natural mesh overlays. My new favourite are my Salomon Snow Clogs that are so easy to slip on and off. And I like to have a pop of colour when it comes to trainers, these Amethyst New Balance in hairy suede are such a great colour. 

How do you think about accessories?
Most of my accessories are from our Made in Scotland range. I packed three colours of our double-brushed Balloch Beanie, and a couple Alva Bandanas, which can be worn multiple ways. I always bring two pairs of glasses (in case I lose one), and a pair of sunglasses. Prism makes the best sunglasses—the Sydney in Zebra Horn are my favourite. 

Do you have a great travel hat or go-to accessory?
I love my Atelier EB Cap, which my sister-in-law gave to me. I’m a big fan of what the designer Beca’s doing—she’s a brilliant Scottish artist. 

What’s always in your Dopp kit/toiletry bag/pharmacy kit?
I love skincare—I’m a real consumer and love finding out about new brands and innovations. I’ve been massively into Living Libations for about two years now and swear by their Seabuckthorn Oil Cleanser and Rose Cream. Medik8 Crystal Retinol has changed my skin—I use it every night. For under my eyes and on my lips, the Surya Collagen Cream is super rich and nourishing.

On a plane, what essentials does your carry-on bag always contain?
Caudelie Beauty Elixir to ensure my skin is hydrated, the Sisley Photo Lip Balm in Crush for a super hydrating and amazing natural tint. Plus my glasses, a notebook and pen, a book, my phone, headphones and laptop. 

Any wisdom on traveling with electronics?
I always pack a multi-country adaptor for plugs and a portable phone charger. It keeps my cortisol levels down.

Do you have a travel uniform?
I hate being cold on flights, so I always travel with an insulated jacket—our Cuillin jacket is lightweight, warm, and breathable. I wear that with a soft wash denim button down, trousers, a cardigan, and socks for warmth and comfort, but the look is still polished enough to go straight to the showroom to meet with the team.