Packing for Tokyo with Jeanne Signoles

We love L/Uniform’s design approach—pragmatic and restrained, with just a hint of whimsy. True to their philosophy of “putting the beauty in the useful,” they create accessories that range from essentials like duffles and carry-ons to delightful eccentricities like yo-yo cases and log holders. Working exclusively with canvas and leather, their focus on simplicity and practicality is unwavering. Which is why we were so intrigued to find out that their founder, Jeanne Signoles, travels with a caravan of suitcases and has an everything- but-the-kitchen-sink approach to packing. So finally, some words of wisdom—or, at least validation—for all the overpackers out there!

I started L/Uniform initially because I wanted to build a joint project with my husband. I was pregnant with my first two children—twins—and L/Uniform was another link between us and a good way to continue to explore the everyday together. The minimal design comes from my first love for mathematics (I am an engineer in econometrics). The L/Uniform is a mix of the daily life of my family and the rigoristic side of my almost maniacal character. Because I travel a lot and am often far from my family, it is important to travel with all my essentials! It reassures me. So I am a maximalist, but very well organized.

I go to Japan at least three times a year and have stayed at the same hotel in Tokyo for the past 15 years—the Palace Hotel in Marunouchi, always on the same floor, the 18^th, and in the same room, 1804. There is a great view, but it’s also very comforting to always find this same room. Japan is like my second home and this room participates in that feeling.

What’s your go-to luggage for this type of trip? 

Two trolleys checked (one empty), two L/Uniform duffles, and two L/Uniform totes…

What do you fill the empty bag with? 

I love to buy dishes or household items, and kitchen utensils too. I also collect Japanese toys from the 1950s to 1990s. I bring at least one toy back with me from every trip!

How do you approach the basics? 

I never know how to pack my bags and suitcases—that scares me. So I bring too many clothes, and too much everything. 

And how do you think about how they’ll work together?  

I try to make outfits, but strangely everything goes together. Very often it’s dark bottoms and bright tops, a few white t-shirts, and always one nice gray t-shirt. 

Are you a roller or a folder?

Folder. I only roll t-shirts. 

Any other packing tricks or hacks? 

I have absolutely no trick.

What’s your shoe strategy? 

No strategy! I pack a different pair of shoes per day, it’s appalling. I also love to bring extravagant shoes, because anything goes in Tokyo. 

How do you think about accessories?

I have many L/Uniform bags and pouches. Gibeciere no146 in a few colors—pink, yellow and black. And my new fave, 139 in brown and also in the new khaki-beige cotton with chocolate leather.

Do you have a great travel hat? 

Just a L/Uniform 124 cap in the new dune canvas, one in khaki, and also a vintage indigo cap I bought in Japan three years ago. 

What’s always in your Dopp kit/toiletry bag/pharmacy kit?  

I am a Herve Herau addict, so I travel with the whole protocol to guarantee my beauty routine is the same as it is at home. All the bottles and cream jars take up a crazy amount of space in my suitcase, but I like to set up the bathroom of the hotel like home. I hate to transfer my products into small plastic packaging. And I always bring my Combeau skin supplements and sometimes a bottle of organic apple cider from Archie.

On a plane, what essentials does your carry-on bag always contain? 

Herve Herau L’O spray and La Pommade sometimes Active Lotion Care. My large silk eye mask, a gray hoodie and some melatonin pills. Always a silk Hermès scarf and my Chanel Eau de Cologne already transferred into a nice pink leather Hermès travel bottle.

Any wisdom on traveling with electronics? 

NOTHING!! Only a book and ear plugs.

Do you have a travel uniform? 

Cashmere gray pants from Céline (Phoebe Philo from 10 years ago, the best purchase), a white t-shirt and a blue shetland knitwear, navy cashmere socks, New Balance sneakers and my silk scarf.