One could argue that Leset is the perfect travel wardrobe collection. Founded in 2019 by Lili Chemla, the brand embraces a modular approach to dressing with a system of mix-and-match sets, elevated basics and standout seasonal pieces. Essentially, whatever pieces you toss into your carryon will all work together for day-to-night versatility, comfort and elegance.
With that ethos in mind, we sat down with Chemla to understand her travel do’s and don’ts – from her favorite Leset look for the flight to the one Paris hotel she calls home.
Lili Chemla
Lili Chemla’s Travel Intel:
My go-to airline is: Delta & Air France
My favorite seat on the flight is: Window – I love watching the sunrise and sunset.
My go-to in-flight beverage is: so much water. I hate how dry and dehydrated I feel while flying.
My favorite airport/terminal is: Charles De Gaulle, Terminal 1. It has all of the best pre-flight shopping with the tax already excluded.
The second I get on a plane, I: take my shoes off, put cozy socks on, apply my skincare products, put in my headphones and listen to music.
My go-to travel uniform is: Leset’s Lauren set – it’s unbelievably comfortable while still looking put together. It’s my go-to, especially when I’m taking my monthly flight from New York (home) to Los Angeles (our design office). It is so cozy but also office ready.
My carry-on consists of: my laptop, an external charger, my (in-flight) skincare routine, a sudoku book, lifesavers, and my headphones.
The pieces I take EVERYWHERE are: Whether I’m traveling for business or pleasure these items always make it into my suitcase.
1. My Yoko oversized button down. Equal parts cover up and layering piece.
2. The Margo Tee, in 3 different sizes…it’s that worth it.
3. The Louis sock boots, which I generally wear on the plane. They are compliment garnering, extremely comfortable, light weight and so compact – the perfect travel companion.
My flying soundtrack is: all of Dijon’s songs.
My favorite thing about flying is: I find flying to be very peaceful. If work allows, I’ll stay off wifi and my computer. I truly try to turn off.
The worst part about flying is: the waiting. I have a knack for arriving at the airport with perfect timing but even so you never know when there is going to be an unexpected delay! Once I’m at the airport my mind’s already in my next destination!
My one flying hack is: When traveling with a partner, buy the window and aisle seats, unless it’s a completely sold out flight. No one will want that middle seat and you get all three to lounge out.
The second I land, I: Pop up and try to get off the plane as fast as humanly possible. There’s something about landing that turns me into the most impatient person in the world!
As soon as I check into my hotel room, I: Unpack, lay my skincare routine out and do as much as I can to make it feel more like home.
My favorite hotel in the world is: Le Meurice in Paris. Checks all the boxes: perfect location, beautiful rooms, incredible food and service.
My favorite city in the world is: Paris. I’m half French and my family had an apartment in Paris growing up. Going there feels like home. I could wander through the streets for hours and the vintage stores are unmatched. It’s my favorite place to pick up Leset inspiration.
A concierge will know that I prefer: the hidden gems. Places that are more authentic to the city, I want to go where the locals go.
My favorite hotel memory is: the first time my parents left me and my two sisters alone in a hotel room. They went out to dinner and we proceeded to raid the mini bar and order an insane amount of room service.
I conquer jetlag by: fighting through the exhaustion on day one. If you can make it through the first day it will set you up for the rest of your trip.
My biggest piece of travel advice is: always pack light. The key is selecting pieces that are versatile. You never know what spontaneous adventure may arise and it’s always easier to jump aboard with a carry on.