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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

FASHION

The Beloved Hovey Sisters Get Packing

It’s possible you’ve seen dashing duo Hollister and Porter Hovey and their stunning, taxidermy-laden Brooklyn loft featured here on The Inside Source, in the New York Times Home section or in British Elle Decor, Apartment Therapy and countless other outlets who can't get enough of the media darlings. Just this summer, the sisters—dubbed "The New Antiquarians" by the Times for their impressive collection of ultra-vintage items harking back to the Victorian and Edwardian eras—were photographed at home for Anthropologie's Tumblr site wearing their enviable collection of glamorous, old world clothes.

Hovey Sisters

Porter Hovey in Paris at the Louvre Museum

But what you won’t spot in the numerous profiles is the Hoveys' extensive travel photography—images they've taken during trips that range from a whirlwind 24-hour Miami jaunt to an extended foray through Istanbul. Like their impressively curated apartment, the sisters plan travel thoughtfully and with an eye toward the memories they will create and document. Hollister suggests that wardrobe and luggage choices be as inspired as the destination itself, saying, “Everyone should go into a vacation, as if, say, it was a wedding.”

Hovey Sisters

Hollister Hovey in Berlin and Prague

The sisters’ fascination with vintage Louis Vuitton trunks, a perfectly aged leather carryall and passports from bygone eras are examples of their connection to the romance and history of travel adventures. Visit Hollister’s influential blog and peruse what she calls “photographic evidence” from their trips, and we’re quite certain you’ll reconsider your utilitarian windbreaker and the little black rolling case that’s seen better days. Even the most fiscally challenged, staycation-minded of us will be tempted to venture outside our comfort zones… in style.

 

The Inside Source: Can you recall your first travel memory?

Hollister Hovey: Before Porter was born, my parents took me to Mazatlan, Mexico and I got to wear this amazing crocheted string bikini (as all two year olds do). Unfortunately, my father wore a Speedo that was nearly as tiny (it was 1980). Those are my only memories of the trip and they were captured on film, so it’s probably some projection of the photo, rather than a real memory. However, it’s great to have proof of the “bathing suit” fiasco that allows us to tease our dad to this day.

Porter Hovey: Driving to Lincoln, Nebraska to see our grandfather for the 4th of July. The four-hour drive always seemed like a lifetime, but once we reached Nebraska City and the Pendleton outlet, we knew there was an end in sight. I loved walking down to "the lake" where everyone was playing beach volleyball and drinking beer. It formed all my thoughts of community and what America was really like

The Hovey Sister: Travel Photos

  • Prague

  • Austin, TX a the Hotel St. Cecilia

  • Los Angeles

  • Grand Central Station in New York City

  • Austin, TX

  • at home in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

  • Los Angeles

  • Barcelona, Spain

  • At PS1 Museum in Long Island City, Queens

  • PS1

The Inside Source: How important was travel to your family when you were growing up?

Hollister Hovey: Travel was always a huge part of our lives. Because we were in Kansas City, right smack in the middle of things, our mom always made a point of fleeing the middle completely. We generally headed for the coasts—lots of time in L.A. and Pasadena and adventures to New York to see the places where she and my dad ate and shopped when they lived there in the early ‘70s. London was my first destination overseas when I was in college.  We went to Paris together a couple years later and many, many places since.

 

The Inside Source: Why is travel important to you?

Hollister Hovey: This is a fairly literal explanation, but basically, it’s the love of the escape and adventure. The escape from work and obligations and emails and the daily routine. The adventure, to eat new foods, see the different ways people dress and to see the phenomenal beauty of nature, art or architecture.

 

The Inside Source: What are your tips for looking chic while struggling to be utilitarian when traveling?

Hollister Hovey: The most important thing you can bring is a simple, timeless, slimming overcoat. If it’s chilly, you’ll be in that thing in almost every photo, so it should hide all flaws and make you look amazing. When travelling in Europe, I think it’s best to keep clothing highly tailored and elegant; the refined silhouette looks wonderful against all the ornate buildings and statues. I like to carry a simple, geometric bag that can fit over the shoulder, but is ladylike enough to carry as a proper handbag.

 

The Inside Source: In previous interviews, you've mention splurging on luggage. Why is that your indulgence?

Hollister Hovey: Our mom always told us that we can skimp on the clothing investments, but to never be caught dead with cheap shoes or bags. Given the hassles with checked luggage, I try to pack light and carry everything on. I’ve been using creamy tan leather Dries Van Noten for a couple years now and it’s been amazing. I’ve started collecting old Louis Vuitton trunks and luggage, but those stay home, safe, in Brooklyn.

 

The Inside Source:  The items you always travel with?

Hollister Hovey: My ultimate necessity is a great set of leather, arch-supporting in-soles. I’d nearly died from foot pain on many of my trips, but then I invested in a pair (they’re about $25) for our trip to Istanbul. Even with all the cobblestones and ridiculous hills, my feet were fine the entire time.

Porter Hovey: It’s simple: black dress, black t-shirts, J. Crew flats, sunscreen and travel guides.

 

The Inside Source:   Most recent trips?

Hollister Hovey: We went to Paris together before Christmas and then I headed to Barcelona in April. Porter had a long weekend in London about a month back. In the States, we spent time in Austin, Boston, Camden, ME and lots of day trips to Cold Springs, NY.

Hovey Sisters 

Porter Hovey in Prague

The Inside Source: Favorite trip?

Hollister Hovey: Our 10 days in Istanbul that ended with us sipping wine next to a palace overlooking an infinity pool “pouring” into the Bosporus.

Porter Hovey: Istanbul for ten days was amazing. I've never walked, explored or eaten more in my entire life. It's the most perfect combination of East meets West. We had an incredible time exploring the ancient parts of the city while at the same time getting to experience their incredible art scene.

 

The Inside Source: Dream trip?

Hollister Hovey: The great European tour or an African safari.

Porter Hovey: My friend just returned from yachting around the fjords of Norway. It will never happen to me, but would be 100 percent amazing!

 

The Inside Source: Have you used eBay to purchase items for travel?

Hollister Hovey: Traveling is the greatest inspiration for new eBay searches once you get home! And it’s actually a wonderful way to shop internationally, even if you don't have the time or money to go on a full trip. I've purchased a Baule statue from the Ivory Coast, silver barware from England, pith helmets from Belgium, a huge orange coral necklace from China, a taxidermied Nyala head (originally from Africa) and incredible paintings from Denmark, including a 1920's portrait of a mother and her son and a 1920's sailboat.

(select images by Andrew Casey)

Whether you're planning an end-of-summer getaway or are already thinking about a holiday trip, the Hovey sisters' packing list will bring out your inner jetsetter.

Roll over items for details
Two Tone Chanel Ballet Flats
(starting bid, $199)
New Croco Leather IPad Case
(buy it now price, $119.95)
Burberry Trenchcoat
(buy it now price, $785)
New Persol Sunglasses
(buy it now price, $159)
Vintage Liny Brush Sewing Kit
(buy it now price, $9.99)
Italian Alligator Shoudler Bag
(buy it now price, $699.99)
New Kent Bristle Hair Brush
(buy it now price, $29.99)
New Nalgene Lexan 2 oz. Square Bottle
(buy it now price, $2.49)
New Tacco Leather Insolde Supports
(buy it now price, $16.95)
New Ciesta Leather Camera Case
(buy it now price, $119.99)
Leather Duffle Carry-On
(buy it now price, $79)
The Beloved Hovey Sisters Get Packing


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230beeef-7b5b-4120-a59f-db7e128fe328 Sat, 20 Aug 2011 08:11:11 PDT Sat, 20 Aug 2011 08:11:11 PDT
Linda
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You can't beat Hollister and Porter as the new design trend setters of their generation. They reycle, renew, refresh, restyle, retrend, repurpose with European and early Americana elegance. Not only do they create, they document and photograph their way through their adventures. They have opened a new chapter on what is cool to relive and recast their lifestyles with fine vintage collectibles in Midwestern raised meets relocates to big city meets Hello World.

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