Chloe Street – Fashion Editor at London’s Evening Standard
Chloe Street is our go-to for all things fashion. After graduating from the University of Oxford and a stint at Burberry, she became an instrumental part of London Fashion Week, where she produced events for the likes of Vivienne Westwood. She went on to spend four years at Hong Kong Tatler, and now, she’s the Fashion Editor at London’s Evening Standard.
When she’s in her home city, Chloe can usually be found zipping around the capital interviewing designers and attending fashion events. And when abroad, she’s ideally taking some well earned down time, exploring glamorous destinations with a G&T in hand.
Part of our Insiders series, this is your window into the worlds of the coolest people in Safara’s network. These are the contacts we’d hit up for travel inspiration, whether it’s a hotel recommendation, a new track for our in-transit playlist, the best mini-products to pack, or just to daydream about where we’d open a boutique island hotel (this changes with each Insider guide we read – we’re easily and happily influenced).
Read on for travel inspiration from Chloe Street.
Name three of your favourite hotels?
Rosewood, London. Because I just love the interiors and the slightly feminine vibe. Plus, the heated outdoor seating area in the courtyard has to be the chicest smoking area in London.
Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. The Captain’s Bar is the best hotel bar in the world.
Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita in Matera, Italy. Staying there is like going back 100 years.
Do you have any great travel hacks ?
If I’m traveling long haul, I always pre-order a Hindu Vegetarian meal. I’m neither, but when it comes to plane food, a veggie curry and rice is so much more appealing than mystery meats or overcooked pasta. Plus, you get served first.
What hotel room design element can you not live without?
Having USB ports by the bed is the most sensible recent trend in hotel design. It’s such a lifesaver for anyone like me who has a drawer full of adapters at home that they always forget to bring.
What do you always bring with you in your carry-on?
An eye mask, ear plugs, and (if I’m traveling long haul) a neck pillow. On long flights I also like to do a full diva skincare routine, so I’ll carry a fair few toiletries. I’ll remove all my makeup, wash my face in the loos and apply all sorts of moisture-giving lotions and potions to stop my skin getting dehydrated. And, much to my traveling companion’s embarrassment, I’m quite partial to an in-flight sheet mask.
Where would you go for a digital detox or just generally to get off the grid?
I am dying to go to either the Vivamayr or SHA wellness clinic for a full mind and body reboot.
Do you have any tips or tricks for beating the dreaded jet lag?
I used to live in Hong Kong and honestly I’m not sure it’s something that can be beaten!
That said, I always change my watch to the time of my destination the moment I get on the plane – oldest trick in the book, but I swear it helps. I try to sleep and eat at times that make sense for my destination. For lethargic days, coffee is a cheap failsafe. For nausea, nothing beats Diet Coke. And for sleep, I find melatonin really helps.
What’s your go-to outfit for getting through security quickly, and still looking good?
If I’m flying long haul I tend to wear leggings or cashmere sweatpants and a super comfy jumper. I’ll always take extra layers and socks for when they inexplicably crank up the air-con to minus 10. I hate being on a plane with bare legs, so if I’m heading somewhere hot, I will wear silky pyjama-style trousers. My current favorites are a white silk polka dot pair from this amazing British resort-wear brand called Lelloue.
You have an hour to spare at the airport, what would you be doing?
I find it comforting to eat constantly when I travel, and I resent buying cheap sandwiches on budget airlines. So, you’ll probably find me in Pret, buying two or three meals. One to have immediately, one for on the plane and one for, well, back up. Did I mention I’m a comfort eater?
Where’s your next trip?
I’m off to Marrakech for a friend’s birthday soon, which I’m really looking forward to as I’ve never been. And I’m also planning to head to Munich for Oktoberfest this year, which will be relaxing I’m sure!
Beach, city or mountains?
Mountains.
Alone or with someone else?
With someone else.
Is in-flight wifi a good idea?
No, but yes. I’m an addict.
Lost luggage, or lost phone?
Lost phone.
Airplane food?
Yes.
Fantasy mini bar/fridge item?
Ice for my G+T.
Early check-in or late check-out?
Late check-out – have a full day, then shower and change before you fly.
Favorite subscription service you’ll never delete?
Raya. Lol joking, probably Spotify.
In-flight cocktail?
Does G+T count as a cocktail? (Editor’s note: yes.)
Favorite travel app?
I’m really into the ViaVan ridesharing app. It’s so damn cheap.
Window or aisle?
Window for uninterrupted sleep on long haul, aisle for short.
Yoga or hotel gym?
Neither. Run outside or do a local HIIT class, like a Barry’s or SoulCycle.