Salone del Mobile Milano - Travel Survival Guide
Chic packing guide for Milan Design Week that is fast approaching.
As we get ready for Salone del Mobile Milan, have you wondered what to pack? If so, firstly YAY you lucky thing! Since I’m also getting ready for Milan (and Paris!), I thought I’d share some packing tips with you.
I’m preparing for this fabulous trip with eight other cool designers on this Paris + Milan design tour alongside my Design Anatomy bestie Bree Banfield, and I’m beginning to realise that the pressure is on!
It's essential to pack smartly and chicly. To help you navigate through the fashion capitals of the world with style and ease, I've put together a packing guide tailored specifically for designers like you.
What I’m Packing
Travel Kit: Practical Stuff
How to Pack
What to Wear
Shoes
What I’m Packing
Okay, so here’s the packing game plan for Milan and Paris—because, duh, we’re talking about the fashion capitals of the world and we’re designers. OMG the pressure!! I’m not a fashion girly, interiors is my world so I’ve done a bit of research here.
New Balance 550 sneakers.
Juliette Soft Fold Crossbody in Whisky from July.
Anine Bing ‘Jeremy’ Baseball cap in brown.
Square Brown Alalone Shell iPhone Case by Flaunt.
Checked Case in Toffee from July.
Vanity Cosmetic Case in Light Brown from July.
Decanter! The Somi Vacay Kit for your body and hair products.
Juliette Soft Large Tote from July.
Packing Cells from July.
Tech Kit from July.
Travel Lipstick Underwear from Paire.
Cashmere Lightweight Shawl from Myer.
Travel Kit
Here’s some practical stuff you’re going to need. Pop these in your carry-on
Born This Way Concealer in a travel size - there’s going to be lots of parties and long dinners. From Mecca.
A nourishing hand cleansing gel Merci Handy from Mecca.
Band-Aids
Chic Mimco umbrella
Portable phone charger by Moki.
Panadol. Just in case.
How to Pack!?
I’m packing light - I mean it this time! I found these cool packing cells (above no. 9) to keep stuff organized - surely I can be that kind of person, right?
A Tech Kit - who knew this was a thing? (see above no. 10) I’m going to keep my charging cords, airpods, portable chargers, adapters and stuff organised to save headaches!
I never heard of Lipstick Underwear before, have you? It’s basically a lightweight pair of undies that fits in a tube about the size of a lipstick. They dry fast too. From Paire.
Forget carrying heavy bottles of shampoo and conditioner. Plus that heavy glass jar of moisturizer etc etc. Somi is a brand I came across and their containers are kind of square so they pack effeciently and you just decanter your stuff inside them.
I’m also going to pack one of those suction things for your phone so I can take photos and we can all be in the shot. Is a tripod going a step too far? Maybe!
Next up, your bag. A sleek tote or crossbody is perfect for all your essentials—something that’s practical for all your shows and meetings, but still stylish enough to make an impression. I found this one from July that’s chic yet has a functional vibe.
I found this luggage by July in SUCH cool colours. Now, I know what you’re thinking - typical designer who just cares about what colour it comes in. But seriously - this colour is called Toffee and it’s just gorgeous. And well actually this luggage is quite clever too. It just arrived and it’s lightweight, has lots of clever sections inside and swivels around effortlessly. And did I mention that colour is just so delicious too!
What to wear?!
The weather is Paris and Milan in April ranges from a low of 8 to 18 degrees. So in other words, it’s like the middle of a Melbourne winter.
Versatility is the name of the game, my friend. The goal is to look effortlessly chic while still being practical for all the design events you’ll be schlepping around to.
Start with a capsule wardrobe—you know, the classics that are always in style and can be mixed and matched. Think: a tailored blazer, a crisp white shirt, a little black dress (you can never go wrong), and tailored trousers. These pieces are the foundation of your trip, and they’ll serve you so well that you’ll wonder why you don’t wear them every day.
I found some great pieces at Motto. A soft blazer in a dark subtle leopard, skirts WITH POCKETS and some cute jackets in the most stunning fabrics. You’ll probably see them soon if you follow me on insta (@sisalla_interior_design).
And, because we’re talking spring in Milan and Paris, don’t forget that unpredictable weather. Pack a classic trench coat to keep you warm (and dry) without sacrificing style. I mean, can you imagine? All those beautiful museums and galleries and you’re wearing a puffer jacket? Not on our watch.
Shoes
Now, when it comes to shoes, comfort is everything. But it’s such a hard one because we want to wear gorgeous shoes - yet I’m old (and wise enough) to know that comfort must win. We’ll simply be doing too much walking on cobble streets and it’s not worth complaining and being in pain.
I’m going to bring loafers and heels for dinner, but I wonder if I’ll actually wear them…?
You want your feet to be as happy as your outfit looks, especially when you’re strutting through design showrooms. So wear them in NOW - not on the trip.
Trust me, pack these essentials and you’ll be set to make a fabulous impression while exploring the best design these cities have to offer. Bon voyage!
See ya there!
Lauren
ps. If you’re sitting there, devastated that you missed out on this design tour (valid), then breathe, darling, because guess what? We’re doing it again in 2026!
Yes, more jaw-dropping interiors. More inspiration. More pinch-me moments in Milan. And this time, you’ll be ahead of the game.
Pop your name down here and you’ll be the first to know when applications open. No FOMO, just front-row access to an unforgettable design adventure.
Go on, future-you will thank you.