The past two years have been a time of changing restrictions on what we can do and where we can travel, but this hasn’t stopped many of us imagining where we would go, who we would see, and what we’d experience if anything were possible. And perhaps no one has been dreaming more fervently than the world’s most creative people. From top architects and elite designers to leaders in sustainable fashion, we ask imaginative innovators from across the world to share what they miss most about travel, and where they’d love to go as soon as they get the chance.
Garcia Bello, Sustainable Fashion Designer at Garcia Bello – My perception of distance has changed a lot, and now I try to get to know my close surroundings and travel through cities in the country where I live [the Netherlands]. During my trips, I stop to observe the different ways people relate to clothes and objects; I’m interested in crafts as a way to understand a culture and its history. The island of Tierra del Fuego in Patagonia, Argentina, is my next destination, to return to the place where I belong. Not only to visit my family, but also for the unique landscapes, between mountains, lakes, sea and desert.
1/22
Travel
Designs On Travel: Our 2022 Destination Hotlist.
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Qin Li, Vice President of Design at The Fuse Project – So many of my life-shaping experiences have come from travelling – particularly to far-reaching places abroad. Chile in particular is an incredible country with amazing people, otherworldly landscapes, happy animals, innovative food, and land that stretches across the Atacama Desert in the north to beautiful Patagonia in the south. The last time I was in Santiago was in 2019 during the social inequality protests. This type of first-hand experience quickly puts things into perspective and reminds us of all that we can be grateful for. I can’t wait to rediscover Chile and experience its lovely culture, people and land again.
2/22
Travel
Designs On Travel: Our 2022 Destination Hotlist.
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Yves Béhar, Founder of The Fuse Project – It’s always people that spark my imagination! Sharing human experiences creates insights that lead to new ideas. Being in a new place makes it easier to meet people and experience local life and culture. We tend to live in bubbles, and reaching beyond them is important to acquire perspective. People and travel are the catalysts to both personal and professional realisations. [In the future] I’m excited to return to Japan, Indonesia, Fiji, Iceland, Morocco and Portugal. I’m also looking forward to exploring new places farther south on the African continent. Covid has shown us how inherently connected we are around the world, and beyond this virus, it’s important to meet and understand each other.
3/22
Travel
Designs On Travel: Our 2022 Destination Hotlist.
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Daniel Libeskind, Founder and Principal Architect of Studio Libeskind – I think travel is absolutely necessary. I think without travel you become a provincial. You become somebody who lives in a very narrow idea of the world. I think travel, and especially travel to unfamiliar far away locations, is the key to creativity because that’s where you meet people, that’s where you transcend borders, that’s when you transcend nationalities, languages, religions. [In 2022] I would love to go back to Asia, though that seems to be a very remote possibility right now in terms of the requirements of travel.
4/22
Travel
Designs On Travel: Our 2022 Destination Hotlist.
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Nina Libeskind, Founder of Studio Libeskind – Cities are where I find my greatest imagination – I’m not an architect. I’m more of an urban planner. I would say that’s personally where I enjoy myself most. [In the future] I’d actually love to go to places I’ve never been. I’ve never been to Antarctica; I’d love to go to Patagonia. [Photo: Martha de Jong-Lantink/Flickr]
5/22
Travel
Designs On Travel: Our 2022 Destination Hotlist.
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Jay Osgerby, Industrial Designer at Studio Barber Osgerby – Travel has always been very important to us, not only to visit our international clients but as part of our design process. [In 2022] I am looking forward to going to Milan in April for Salone del Mobile. Italy has always been one our favourite countries to visit, not only as the home to a number of long-term collaborators, but also as a place where some of the most skilled makers are based. Salone del Mobile is always a poignant date in the calendar, and this year will be particularly special. I am looking forward to launching several new projects and reconnecting with others in the industry that I have not seen for almost two years. [Photo by Andrea Mariani, courtesy Salone del Mobile.Milano]
6/22
Travel
Designs On Travel: Our 2022 Destination Hotlist.
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Lucía Chain, Fashion Designer and Founder of Chain – Travel for me is everything. In fact, I have an entire collection inspired by my travel photos. For me, travelling means enriching myself with a new culture, getting to know people with different points of view, learning new languages, tasting different flavours – it’s all about sensorial experiences. I recently moved my studio to the Italian alps; mountains are so inspiring for me, and so is the natural lifestyle. Here I can work in a sustainable way, much more connected to the natural environment. I would love to return to the Japanese countryside as soon as possible. I would also love to visit China and South Korea, to better experience Asian cultures.
7/22
Travel
Designs On Travel: Our 2022 Destination Hotlist.
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Nifemi Marcus-Bello, Founder and Principal Designer of nmbello Studio– I [was] excited to be visiting Dakar for the Christmas holiday. Through friends and family, I have been fascinated with the vibrancy of the city and its use of colour. From afar, my observation of Senegal is that it never shies away from the juxtaposition of food, materials and colours. New York also holds a special place in my heart, as it always feels like home and I feel a warm embrace every time I’m in the city. In my previous life, I was for sure a New Yorker.
8/22
Travel
Designs On Travel: Our 2022 Destination Hotlist.
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Matali Crasset, Industrial Designer and Founder of Matali Crasset – For several years now, I’ve been spending my summer break in France, in peaceful regions not prone to mass tourism. I am more attracted to rivers, even if I prefer to swim in warmer water. I’m looking forward to returning to Dar Hi in Nefta, Tunisia, at the end of this year [2021] – to the retreat I designed at the gates of the desert – and celebrating the publication of the book La cuisine de l’oasis (published by Le Cherche Midi) with the whole team. This book celebrates the cuisine of the few but the essential – authentic generational cuisine made by women.
9/22
Travel
Designs On Travel: Our 2022 Destination Hotlist.
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Raul Solís, Fashion Designer and Founder of LRS Studio – Travel is a complete eye-opener. When travelling, we are more aware in general. We look at places, things and people with a more welcoming and loving eye – this makes for great inspiration. I’ve always said my design comes from a city environment. I love culture and subculture. I love the idea of an informed decision of dressing. My designs aren’t necessarily practical as much as they are individual; I’ve always envisioned them being worn by creatives in bustling cities. Where to next? I have always wanted to go to Turkey. I hope I’ll be able to visit soon.
10/22
Travel
Designs On Travel: Our 2022 Destination Hotlist.
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Nienke Helder, Product Designer and Founder of Studio Nienke Helder– I love New York. Before Covid, I would go at least once a year and would try to stay for a minimum of two weeks. I went there first for an internship 11 years ago, and ever since, I really enjoy going back. This city is always changing, and it’s enjoyable to find cool stores, or great sandwich places, see beautiful art exhibitions… But gentrification is continuously shifting living conditions. When I first came, I lived in Bed-Stuy in Brooklyn, and when I visit I still try to stay in that area. The neighbourhood is unrecognisable compared to 10 years ago, and you see the struggle between the original community and the new people moving in trying to claim their spot. [Photo: Matthew Rutledge/Flickr]
11/22
Travel
Designs On Travel: Our 2022 Destination Hotlist.
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Matteo Thun, Architect, Designer and Founder of Matteo Thun & Partners – Every journey inspires me. Sometimes these are small things that move me – it can be a colour, a conversation, a special form or just a tree. When travelling, I try to see art exhibitions, galleries and museums – if my time allows, of course. I also love being in the mountains, especially in the Dolomites. Every season and time of day has a different secret. At sunset they become pink first, then orange, then purple, because the Dolomites are of coral origin. We’ll spend the winter weekends in Engadin and in Venice – but by Easter [in 2022], we are looking forward to the softness of Capri island. In August the mountains are unbeatable, and we plan to go back to Engadin.
12/22
Travel
Designs On Travel: Our 2022 Destination Hotlist.
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Sophia Lewis, Fashion Designer at Closed – Apart from my family in the UK, whom I thankfully did manage to visit this summer [2021], I have to say I’d like to visit Romania and Venice, because of the people. I consider these suppliers to be friends; we exchange ideas and recipes. I also love the countryside in Romania, it is so untouched and pure, you have a true sense of freedom when you drive through the mountains. Venice is my favourite city in the world, but it is unfortunately also at high risk from rising sea levels.
13/22
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Designs On Travel: Our 2022 Destination Hotlist.
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Richard Hutten, Designer and Founder of Richard Hutten Studio– I’m more inspired by people than by places. That being said, I really enjoy cultural places where you can see objects or artefacts made by top craftsmen. It’s probably a professional quirk, but I really can find pleasure in something which is beautifully made. … After my graduation in 1991, I went on a long trip to India. I’ve travelled around the globe since then, but mainly to places where my job took me, never India. The people, the food and the culture really inspired me, and I look forward to visiting again one day. Luckily, I just started working for my first Indian client, so that might happen soon.
14/22
Travel
Designs On Travel: Our 2022 Destination Hotlist.
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Alice Stori Liechtenstein, Design Curator and Founder of Schloss Hollenegg for Design – When I travel, I gain distance from the issues and challenges of work and family in everyday life. That allows me to think more clearly and see where the solution could be. [I enjoy] busy cities with museums, galleries, shops, theatres. I also like relaxing trips in nature, but those are more to clear the head. I guess alternating the two is the trick! [I’m looking forward to going back to] New York, which was the last trip I took before the world shut down back in March 2020. I am also looking forward to going back to Paris, hopefully this coming January [2022].
15/22
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Designs On Travel: Our 2022 Destination Hotlist.
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Birgit Krah and Franziska Reuber, Textile Designers and Founders of Reuber Henning – No matter where you travel, you always take something with you. I feel like travelling helps me understand the world better, the connections and why people tick. You reflect on your own creation and being, and all that flows into our creativity. I like to be inspired by foreign cultures and crafts, but I also love nature, which is more like a physical force on you. In particular, I really long to go back to Nepal and India – the countries where we produce our handmade rugs. And personally, Italy, which I could travel to again and again and never get bored. The Italian sense of beauty and food is just wonderful.
16/22
Travel
Designs On Travel: Our 2022 Destination Hotlist.
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Ruud Belmans, Co-Founder and Creative Director at WeWantMore – New York is always on my list, because I enjoy being there so much and absorbing the vibe there; it helps me to think bigger. Also Japan, because I’ve only visited Tokyo and I really want to stay in nature there for a while. South Africa is also a fantastic country to visit. Dynamic cities and breathtaking nature lay so close together; you can go from one extreme to the other in no time. On top of that, South Africans are such nice people. When it comes to returning to a city that inspires me most design-wise, and in terms of hospitality, I’d have to say Mexico City. This city oozes heritage and has such a strong identity when it comes to design.
17/22
Travel
Designs On Travel: Our 2022 Destination Hotlist.
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Silvia Tcherassi, Fashion Designer and Founder of label Silvia Tcherassi – I am drawn to places like Capri, Forte dei Marmi, or closer to my home, Palm Beach, which inspired a recent collection. These destinations possess an understated glamour and an innate sophistication that coincides with my design aesthetic. Since the beginning of the pandemic, I have done two international work trips, but what I am most looking forward to is finally going back to [my country of origin] Colombia and hugging everyone who is part of my production facilities and offices. I also want to go back to Italy and finally meet face-to-face with my fabric providers. There is nothing like human contact, and being able to physically touch and appreciate materials.
18/22
Travel
Designs On Travel: Our 2022 Destination Hotlist.
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Ti Chang, Feminist Activist, Co-Founder & VP of Design at Crave – Quiet, serene places that respect the beauty of Mother Nature are the places that most help to inspire my designs. Perhaps it is because of my introverted nature, but the stillness of a place helps to bring out my creative energy. I am especially drawn to the desert. To me, it’s so visually stunning and I can’t help but be in awe of the incredible colours, shapes and textures of the plants and wildlife. Lately, the place I am most looking forward to returning to is the high desert near Joshua Tree, California, where my partner and I are looking to build our first home and design workshop. We both love the desert and its enigmatic energy.
19/22
Travel
Designs On Travel: Our 2022 Destination Hotlist.
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Tosin Oshinowo, Architect, Designer and Founder of Ilé Ilà – I’m inspired by two extremes: dense urbanism and serene, calm landscapes. I’m an architect who practices in Lagos, Nigeria, both a massive metropolis and a coastal city, with lots of remote beaches and natural landscapes. As for other places, I’m eager to get back to New York. I’m fascinated by the scale of the city, the complexity of its infrastructure, and the way people move within it. Another experience I’m looking forward to seeing is the Northern Lights. Something about the enormity and the unpredictability of it is very fascinating to me; I’d love to travel to a super remote location to experience them in person.
20/22
Travel
Designs On Travel: Our 2022 Destination Hotlist.
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William Fan, Fashion Designer and Founder of label William Fan – Travel is very important for my own inspiration. New spaces, new people and new encounters are an important cultural exchange from which I can learn and create a lot. For me, inspiration is not linked to a particular place or environment. I can experience it both in a dense city and in quiet nature. The relevant aspect for me is only that the space is new and unfamiliar. [In 2022] I’m really looking forward to finally being able to travel back to my home country in Asia [Hong Kong] and visit my family and friends, whom I already miss very much. Otherwise, my next big trip will be to New York, which I unfortunately could not make before Covid.
21/22
Travel
Designs On Travel: Our 2022 Destination Hotlist.
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Sekou Cooke, Architect, Urban designer and Founder of Sekou Cooke Studio – Even though I’ve travelled quite extensively, most of that travel has been concentrated in North America, the Caribbean and Europe. My only experience in Africa is Morocco. So there is so much more of the world to see – South America, Asia, the rest of Africa, Australia and the Pacific Islands. Put any of those locations on a list, and I’ll be there in a heartbeat. Pre-Covid I had great plans to visit Japan for the 2020 Olympics. I’m hoping to finally visit sooner than later – maybe as soon as next summer. I’m also hoping to go back to the UK at a time when I can finally get to watch my Premier League team, Liverpool, play a match at Anfield.
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