How does Catherine Sidonio, Artistic Director of Molly Bracken and Lili Sidonio, tackle business travel? Penny McCormick gets the scoop on her suitcase…
“I co-founded the fashion brand Molly Bracken with my husband Julian 16 years ago. We had both worked in fashion previously and were inspired by pictures we discovered of Julian’s Irish grandmother, Molly, during a family reunion. We found a lovely archive of his Irish family in the post-Victorian years. His grandmother’s portrait, her style, and the context of the time, touched us, and inspired us to create our own brand under her name. Colour, print and femininity are the hallmarks of the Molly Bracken brand. Collections are inspired by bohemian, vintage, artistic and travel inspirations, and are renewed each season, with new prints, fabrics and cuts.
“I manage the artistic direction of the collection – overseeing image, photoshoots and production – while also working on strategy with Julian. Our daughters have joined us in the business: Justine launched Molly Bracken brand in the USA and Canada and Lili has created her own brand, Lili Sidonio, which is poppy, arty and preppy.
“As the Molly Bracken team is based in the south of France, I travel about 30 times a year to promote the brand. I try to mix business and pleasure on these trips.
“I always pack my bags at the last minute, making sure I only take clothes that won’t crease in transit – a creased dress is never a nice dress! I include some basics, but mostly choose what I’m in the mood for at the time: maxi dresses or trouser suits, fitted shirts or floaty blouses. I always check in my luggage as I never travel light. I have a suitcase covered in stickers from cities I have visited. It is very easy to find on the conveyor belt at the airport!
“I also like to take time to recharge my batteries after busy times, and for inspiration. Favourite hotels are Gramercy Park Hotel in New York and The Shelbourne in Dublin.” @catherinesidonio_yhuel
Catherine’s Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
“I love to stay at the Udaipur Lake Palace and dine at the Aravali Lake View restaurant. I like to lose myself in the little streets and local markets looking for fabrics, artisanal treasures, and inspiration. A must-visit is the City Palace of Udaipur, perched atop a hill overlooking the lake, with stunning courtyards, pavilions, terraces and hanging gardens.”
Packing tips:
In transit: Beige or black cashmere pants, an oversized sweater, and a large N Peal pashmina. I wear New Balance trainers and carry a large tote bag I found in Jaipur. In my handbag: Keys, passport, lipstick, hand cream, sunglasses and a large purse with museum season passes from all over the world. In my vanity case: MAC Ruby Woo lipsticks. I also love Kiehl’s Ultra Facial cream and coconut shampoo.
Shop Catherine’s essentials:
MOLLY BRACKEN
Turquoise Meera printed cotton dress, €101; www. mollybracken.com and stockists nationwide.
