Travel in Style with Catriona Rowntree
Getaway host Catriona Rowntree has become one of our favori collaborators
over the years for her vibrant feminine style and proud commitment to Australian natural fibres. We thought it was about time to hone in on her 28 years of experience touring the globe to create the parfait travel range.
Catriona shares details on what makes an outfit ideal pour voyager, her recent trip with our co-founder and CEO Donna Guest, and tips for exploring France like a local.
“A shared love of travel is what brought me into the Blue Illusion orbit many years ago,” she tells us. “Now, it feels natural that I design a travel range of clothing that highlights my beloved Aussie Merino wool.”
“As a proud wool grower, I thought nothing of taking a lamb into my Blue Illusion design meeting, in a nappy of course! I wanted everyone in the office to touch the wool, know the love we put into our animals, and feel proud of this sustainable, Aussie fibre.”
Catriona wears our Stripe Wool Jumper & Frenchie Curve Hem Pants
“I married a sheep and grain farmer, so flying that sustainable woolly flag is a heartfelt joy.”
So, what makes the parfait travel range?
Catriona tells us it’s comfort, practicality, and a bit of luck. She advises you to avoid clothes that can wrinkle. Instead, choose soft and stretchy fabrics in shades that won’t easily expose a potential coffee stain due to turbulence.
“While designing this range, I’d sit and watch people on the plane. They’d either squash their coats into the overhead baggage compartment or carefully lay down their coats and then dump their bags on top. I knew the coat had to be uncrushable!”
Mais bien sûr, style is another crucial consideration. As a television personality, Catriona understands the desire to look chic even after long flights across the world.
“Cream is the best colour to wear when you’re jet-lagged as the light colour reflects nicely on your face,” She reveals, “And I love the power and timelessness of navy, and all the hidden good luck charms make me smile.”
As always, Catriona has sewn a few hidden charms into this collection to offer good luck during your voyages.
“Years of travel has got me hooked on allsorts of lucky charms,” She admits. “From Coco Chanel’s beloved wheat that brings good fortune and abundance to polka dots that symbolise ‘pennies from
heaven’ and bring fortune into your life.”
The collection also includes a nod to Napoleon who adored bees for their organisation and industriousness.
Catriona pairs out Midnight wool Floral Scarf with our Wool Coatigan
Catriona completes her look with our "Catriona Travel Cross Body Bag"
“Thank you to the Blue Illusion design team for indulging this love of mine and allowing people to feel they’re wrapped up in good luck.”
Paris with Donna
During a recent trip to France with Donna, the duo confirmed that the classic design of the Travel Capsule’s jumper was the authentic French choice.
“When Donna and I overnighted in Paris before joining a group of Blue Illusion customers at Chateau de la Carrière, we sat down for brekky in our little hôtel particulier, Les Grand Voyageur, and noticed every second person was wearing a Breton striped top! Boom, we knew our jumper would be a winner.”
Catriona tells us that travelling to Paris with Donna—a city they both love—was a true ‘learning experience’. “We stayed in a local neighbourhood, and Donna insisted I walk slowly through Bon Marche with her to take in all the details,” Catriona muses. “The fashion installations are treated as high art. You can smell the lavender of Provence as you browse the collection of a Southern French designer.”
“Department stores in Paris are a visceral experience!”
Catriona’s Tips for Travelling France like a Pro
● Always begin any interaction with a kind “bonjour” or “bonsoir.”
● Don’t bargain in a brocante, but milk the opportunity if it’s offered.
● Allow extra time to get to the airport, do your tax and get through security (ah, I may be speaking from a bad experience here).
● Try the train! We love the train system. It’s a great way to get around France and watch the ever-changing scenery pass you by. Just be early, try and pre-book tickets if possible, don’t overpack and always know your platform numbers!
● Sit down to enjoy your coffee. Europeans don’t do takeaway. If you can’t afford to sit for ten minutes, pourquoi pas? Why not just enjoy it?
