When the weekend comes, many fashion designers make a beeline for the countryside, lakes or the mountains, seeking respite in nature. Still others prefer city breaks — or simply staying put.
During the latest fashion month, WWD Weekend asked a wide range of designers in all the main capitals to name their favorite place to escape.
Nicolas Ghesquière, Louis Vuitton: “I enjoy getting out of the city to go to my country house. It is located just outside of Paris in a charming town called Montfort-l’Amaury. The house is nestled in between a beautiful historical landmark and next to an immense forest. It is a place where I like to be surrounded by friends and family, which is my favorite way to spend a weekend.”
Chemena Kamali, Chloé: “Definitely Trouville, because it’s by the beach, and if you know your way around, there are amazing, beachfront hotels, and little restaurants that are very local, that not many people know. The kids can play in the sand, and you can have moules-frites [mussels and french fries] by the beach, even on a colder day when the sun is shining.”
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Sarah Burton, Givenchy: “‘I love going to the Lake District [England’s largest national park] and being surrounded by nature.”
Julian Klausner, Dries Van Noten: “I like to go home to Brussels. That’s where I grew up. And I think Brussels is having a great moment in the last few years, it’s becoming a very young city and has a lot to offer, great food, people, and beautiful galleries.”
Rick Owens: “I don’t travel as much as I used to, because I feel guilty because of the whole ecological element of it. Plus I’m thinking, I live in f–king Paris! My every day could be a walk through the Tuileries to the Louvre. How am I gonna wear that out? Also, just my own little neighborhood with its church, the cafés and stuff. Everything I want is within walking distance.”
Marc Jacobs: “More than anything, I just like to be home. I am grateful to get to spend time in this beautiful house in Rye, (N.Y.)… There is no place I would rather be.”
Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior: “If there is the sea not far, it could be great. I love the sea. But I am a very simple person. I like very simple things — seeing exhibitions, films, normal things: to see my friends, to read my books, to stay at home, too. People like me that are born in Rome, we are not obsessed with the weekend. We don’t have this attitude. It’s something more in the cities that have no parks, no greenery. Honestly, I was very surprised when I was younger and I started to go very often to Milan, and one of my friends living in Milan was obsessed with organizing every weekend in the mountains, on the lake. If you have to organize all the time your weekend, it’s another job.”
Brunello Cucinelli: “None among the most fascinating locations I have visited in every part of the world is more dear to me than the island of Capri. I consider its inhabitants, descendants of the ancient Greeks, among the most amiable, generous and witty people. I love Capri for its balsamic air, which reaches the balconies of its beautiful villas filtered by the fragrance of lemon and orange blossoms. I honor Capri, which 2,000 years ago Augustus turned into a Roman town and after that Tiberius chose as a summer residence.”
Olivier Rousteing, Balmain: “My favorite weekend getaway is the Sha Wellness retreat in Spain. It’s my sanctuary to reconnect with myself and with nature. I go there to take a breath of fresh air, meditate, do yoga, and focus on my mental well-being. I take the time to learn new routines, to listen to my body, and to talk with experts who sometimes make me laugh, sometimes make me question myself, but always help me grow. I indulge in massages, spend time at the spa, take care of my skin, and soak in the extraordinary Mediterranean sunsets. I always come back feeling refreshed, reenergized, and ready to face the next season, or the new week, with clarity and strength.”
Alessandro Michele, Valentino: “I have two places that I really love to go: my countryside house in Umbria, an hour and a half from Rome, and Venice. I always loved Venice, but maybe now that I’m trying to escape from many things — escape, or change the view — to be in a very surreal place that I love, I feel myself in between. I mean, there are no cars, just these decadent, amazing gates in the water, and it’s hard to go almost everywhere, because to go on the other side of the canal, you have to do a long trip around. Everything is poetic and hard, and sometimes it’s foggy and wet and slippery walking, and alive and dead at the same time. I have roots in Abruzzo and we had a nice house on the mountain, and I went there when I was young, but I decided to build my temple, my own. I care about my roots so much, but I also discovered, living, that I need to build my own roots. Many people, friends of mine, they said, ‘Why didn’t you go there?’ because it’s a crazy, beautiful, hidden place. I don’t know, because there is a part of me that is obsessed and scared to drown in the past. That was the place of my dad, my mom, my uncle, my granny, and it’s incredible with memories. It’s still with me, but I love to do my own thing now.”
Daniel Roseberry, Schiaparelli: “I like to go to Switzerland. Two of my best friends and my goddaughter live in Lugano, so any chance that I can, I’m going to Switzerland, or I’m going to New York. I love Lugano. It’s so beautiful. The weather is always incredible, and you’ve got the lake there. It feels like an up-and-coming city with a younger scene coming on to it. But it’s also a great place to go and feel completely anonymous and completely detached from fashion.”
Yohji Yamamoto: “When it looks dangerous, I’m attracted. Can I climb up this dangerous [mountain] or can I swim this hard-weaving water? I feel strongly attracted by beautiful nature, even if [it’s] dangerous.”
Roksanda Ilinčić: “Apart from traveling back home to visit my family, which always is one of the nicest weekend gateways, I also adore hotelier Marie-Louise Sciò’s getaway, La Posta Vecchia. Situated just outside Rome, by the sea, this hotel and museum offers an incredible, stylish escape. Its famous Getty suite still has the original furniture and Gobelin tapestries brought in by its first owner — J. Paul Getty — who was a great collector of rare vintage furniture. The hotel is the perfect mix of escape and culture, paired with an incredible welcoming atmosphere.”
Adrian Appiolaza, Moschino: “I would say Ibiza — it’s always the best energy and you can always count on friends being there.”
Dean and Dan Caten, Dsquared2: “Mykonos holds a special place in our hearts. We not only spend many weekends there, but also most of our summers. A dear friend introduced us to the island 30 years ago, and since then, every visit has been more enchanting than the last. The energy of Mykonos is truly electric. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the beach or dancing the night away, it’s impossible not to get swept up in the vibrant atmosphere. Beyond that, the iconic whitewashed buildings and cobblestone streets of Mykonos Town beautifully blend Greek charm with modern luxury. The shops, restaurants and cafés create a relaxed yet chic vibe, making it easy to unwind. And spots like Little Venice offer breathtaking sunsets that stay with you long after they’ve faded. We have a few favorite spots on the island. Nammos on Psarou Beach feels like home to us. Spilia on Kalafatis Beach offers a peaceful retreat, while JackieO’ Beach Club brings a fun and lively atmosphere. Finally, Principote on Panormos Beach boasts elegant design, and before you know it, you’ll find yourself dancing as the sun sets! For us, Mykonos represents freedom.”
Tory Burch: “Antigua. The minute I arrive, I can breathe, and I feel an overwhelming sense of calm. The beauty, the nature, the birds — it’s always impossible to leave.”
Wes Gordon, Carolina Herrera: “Our farm in Roxbury, Conn. In spring, summer and fall we love to spend every weekend there with the horses, sheep, and chickens.”
Tommy Hilfiger: “There’s something about the Bahamas that feels like an instant reset. Just a 30-minute flight from Florida, it’s close enough for a quick getaway yet worlds away from the everyday. A personal favorite, the Exumas, are pure magic — endless turquoise waters, hidden coves, and some of the best snorkeling you can find. Whether floating in the shallows, exploring the marine life, or soaking in the natural beauty, it’s the ideal balance of adventure and relaxation.”
Diane von Furstenberg: “At this point of my life, my favorite weekend getaway is home in Connecticut.”
Stephen Jones: “Home [in London], because I travel all the time, so my favorite getaway is home. It’s the complete opposite to most people.”
Jenny Packham: “Paris has the edge for me. It’s an inspiring getaway and my home from home. The Parisians’ love of tradition and romance combined with its youthful modernism is the pull for me. It’s a place for hedonists, dreamers and voyeurs. Everyone dresses up to go to Paris. It’s a fashion designer’s visionary delight.”
Stacey Bendet, Alice + Olivia: “Aspen is one of our favorite family trips. We have a home there, and both my husband and I have been visiting since childhood. My kids are great skiers, but I actually love Aspen most for its summer beauty — hiking, great yoga, and, of course, our Aspen Alice + Olivia store, which is one of my favorites. The beautiful scenery, overall vibe, and all the cool locals who live there make it a very special place.”
Albert Kriemler, Akris: “I love the Engadin because it’s the most beautiful valley on earth. It’s at an elevation of 1,800 meters high, it has four lakes, and it has a wideness you would not expect to find in Europe. There is a sensation of color in the sunlight during all the seasons…. Whenever I go there, I find a new sensation of discovery of nature.”
Early summer on Silsersee in the Engadin, Switzerland. Switzerland Tourism
Alexandre Mattiussi, Ami Paris: “My favorite escapade is leaving the office and going home in Paris’ lively and multicultural 20th arrondissement.”
Hun Kim, Karl Lagerfeld: “I’d say Mallorca. Over the past 10 years, it’s been the place I’ve returned to most for a quick escape. I really love the old town — so full of charm — and the beautiful cathedral right by the ocean. Gaudí actually worked on a big restoration project there, presented to Bishop Campins. One of the major changes he made was removing two altarpieces that had been blocking the view of the bishop’s throne. It totally opened up the space and gave it a whole new feel. And I can’t forget Sóller — such a gorgeous little stone town. It has this Old World charm and the views are just breathtaking. I honestly can’t describe how much I love it — it’s one of those places that just sticks with you.”
Fausto Puglisi: “I was born in Messina. I miss the sea in Messina, and I miss its natural light. I love the places where the light and the colors shine bright and brighter together. It’s a special light. Every morning, when I wake up, ideas and inspiration come together in the easiest way, it’s a natural approach and I feel so happy. That sky light is unique. It shines bright and it blinds you, and for me it’s like a creative hug. That’s the light in the Stretto di Messina that you can’t find somewhere else in Italy.…I find that same light in Miami, it’s a beautiful emotion. I adore Miami and its history. It’s wild and it’s about freedom. When I am in New York, the city I love most, I find the time to fly to Miami. It’s fast and easy.
And when I am in Miami Beach I feel like I’m living back my childhood happiness.”
Ian Griffiths, Max Mara: “My cottage in Suffolk, [England]. I’ve got a beautiful garden there, and it’s in the middle of the countryside, only five miles from the sea. You can walk to the beach if you want to through the woods, the estuary and the warrens. The first kings of England lived there, the Anglo-Saxon kings, so it’s a historic place, too. Lots of creative writers and painters live there, and there’s a lovely social life that’s completely informal. It’s got everything.”
Nigo, Kenzo: “I like to escape to the Japanese countryside, especially the mountains, to do pottery. It’s a chance to disconnect from technology and reset my mind.”
Marco De Vincenzo, Etro: “My first weekends at the seaside are always on the Amalfi Coast. I found in Positano a place I really like, because after a winter spent mainly in the north [of Italy], I immediately feel the need to head south, and that’s the easiest place for me to reach. I go there often, it’s a little bit like my refuge in June — I think I’ve been there for a few years now…. I don’t get bored staring at the sea, and that kind of isolation is very enriching for me. There are people who ask me, ‘How can you sit there for an hour?’ but for me it’s an important thing to do. And I don’t switch off — I think, I mull over things and I reconnect with a Southern aesthetic that is essential to me.”
Lorenzo Serafini, Alberta Ferretti: “Capalbio, because I think it’s the perfect location to immerse oneself in nature and unplug, but at the same time also to enjoy an artistic and cultural offer that is always stimulating.”
Philipp Plein: “I go away every weekend to my home in Cannes — even if it’s for a short weekend. It’s my personal paradise, and the weather is always beautiful. I’ve owned a house there for 13 years and I keep expanding it. Now it’s four houses. Every May [during the Cannes Film Festival] we have a fashion show and this year, we’re doing a pop-up of Philipp’s Club in the garden. Cannes is three-and a-half hours from where I live in Lugano, Switzerland. I have four sons and we go to the beach throughout the year — even in December. We are two minutes from the beach, and the kids just love it.”
Fausto Puglisi, Roberto Cavalli: “If I go away for the weekend, it needs to be at least five days. Otherwise, I prefer to stay at home, read a book and design, design, design. To create something beautiful, you need time to reflect. You need to study, go to museums — and take fewer flights! I have a beautiful terrace in Milan, with flowers and trees — and I have my dogs. Otherwise, if I have the time, I like to go to Liguria, or Lake Como, and I love Lake Maggiore, too. I also go to Sicily, which is where I was born — it’s my place.”
David Koma: “If I’m in the U.K., I love the countryside, and spending time in the beautiful house of my friends, where we always chill. We spent time during COVID-19 there, so it’s very special. But when I’m in Italy, there are so many beautiful places, so every time I go to a different one. Because of work [Blumarine], I go quite a lot to Bologna, which I love, but also Florence or Rome. I’m still new here, so I’m still exploring.”
Luis de Javier: “My favorite place to escape is my mom’s house. I just go surfing. [Sitges is] calm, it’s a little town, a little gay town. There’s always so much noise [around me] that whenever I need to just stop, I go there, get in the water, dive. I think [that’s] it’s the only time I actually forget about everything.”
Christopher Esber: “I feel like I was just born every time I’m there. For me, it’s always
[about] water. I love going to the beach and swimming, that’s how I recharge.”
Pelagia Kolotouros, Lacoste: “One of my favorite books is the ‘Odyssey’ and when I return to Greece the stories of Odysseus and his journey become so visceral to me that I can’t help but feel a deep connection to this land. Its wonderful tales and the greatness of its history all seem to suddenly be within my reach. And the beaches are awesome too.”
Burç Akyol: “Pantelleria, Italy. Everybody goes there but you can’t see anyone because it’s so private. It’s very rural. We work in the capers field and the vineyards. It’s where I go to disconnect and recharge that Mediterranean blood I have.”
Maiko Kurogouchi: “Since the altitude of my vacation home is quite high, 1,600 meters, it feels like stepping into a completely different world. There, I do nothing but cooking, take walks, and go hiking, enjoying a way of life that is entirely different from Tokyo. It only takes one hour to walk to the summit, where I can see breathtaking views that make me feel like I’m above the clouds. The view changes every day, and I just embrace myself in the landscape, staring at the sky for hours. When I get tired from walking I take a break at a mountain hut where I always enjoy my favorite treat — a plate of honey toast.”
Rocco Iannone, Ferrari: “Athens, not only for its historical and cultural stratification but also for its beautiful riviera with excellent accommodation facilities, breathtaking sunsets and a scenery where, through mythology, everything about us has been told!”
