When travelling, a great tote bag is a must for me. It must be capacious enough to hold a microcosm of my life, but still comfortable to hold and not too heavy to carry. Since we launched our Kennedy 32, I have used my Black or Kerry Blue versions weekly. There is nothing quite like a statement bag to add panache to elegant dressing.
Designing our signature tote bag was one of our most exciting design projects. We consulted many of our loyal clients who travel regularly for their perfect handbag wishlist: in particular, the features which would make their airport journeys less stressful. Their ideas were invaluable and all fed into the Kennedy’s final design.
The Kennedy has little compartments to hold vital travelling essentials. It includes many small compartments and inner zip pockets for added security for wallets and jewellery. Most important of all was a dedicated pocket for a phone: the stress of not being able to locate a ringing phone lost in the abyss of my bag was paramount in designing the Kennedy!
When heading to the airport I have a list of must-haves, including a notebook and pencil, my iPhone, iPad, Visine eye drops, Tiger balm, Louise Kennedy eau de parfum, a good book on my iPad (I’m currently re-reading one of my favourite novels, Perfume by Patrick Susskind) and loving Kitty LaRoar Valentine’s Eve, which I listen to when flying. Kitty recently played at a cocktail party at 56 Merrion Square to introduce The Rosewood hotel in London to my Irish clients. The Rosewood’s managing director, my wonderful friend Michael Bonsor, co-hosted with me.
But I digress, as ever! My other travelling must-haves are a wrap (my favourite is a wool “Zinnia” wrap for travel – it doubles as an umbrella when caught in a downpour!) I love Chanel sunglasses, the best accessory when disembarking a long-haul flight. I also carry Black Rose Precious Face oil by Sisley, or the wonderful hydrating capsules from Biologique Recherche on longer flights: a few tiny drops prevent dehydration.
We also designed a Kennedy 26, designed at the request of our clients who adored the 32 but preferred a slightly smaller version. We love bag accessories and each season we add new coloured pom-poms for glamorous fun. In November we will launch a new series of limited edition Kennedys in taupe and feminine rose pink, the perfect Christmas present or a gift to oneself.
The Kennedy is the perfect handbag for a woman who works. We were so delighted to be part of The Gloss Magazine’s Look the Business event this week, an evening of fashion and inspiration for professional women, and to present a Kennedy as part of the LTB Designer Handbag Draw. One very happy business woman who attended is now the proud owner of a Kerry Blue Kennedy 32.
