Melanie Auldkyrani kanavaros/Supplied
Melanie Auld’s first trip to Hong Kong in 2018 coincided with Typhoon Mangkhut, a powerful tropical cyclone. At the airport in Canada, waiting to depart for Jewellery and Gem World Hong Kong, the world’s largest jewellery trade show, she read about the intensifying storm.
“It was the trade-show trip that almost never was,” said Auld, the 45-year-old jewellery designer and founder of Melanie Auld Jewelry.
Hong Kong ultimately avoided a direct hit, and Auld was able to take off safely. But the experience taught her to always prepare for the unexpected when travelling.
By accepting that she has zero control over anything, from transit delays to airport lines, she’s learned to relax into the travel process and soak in the environment around her.
Since Auld founded her brand 12 years ago, the company has grown to 35 employees and two locations: a flagship in Kitsilano, Vancouver, and a Toronto outpost on Ossington Avenue.
The jewellery designer is accustomed to travelling for work, often taking three to five trips a year to attend international trade shows, including Jewellery and Gem World Hong Kong and Vicenzaoro, a boutique show for goldsmiths, jewellers and watchmakers in Vicenza, Italy.
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She draws inspiration from vendors, sources materials from exhibiting factories and dines with new and regular suppliers.
“Most of the time, I like to go and take inspiration from the shows, and then spend a few more days in those cities to walk around and dream and ideate,” she said.
Comfortable shoes, wide-legged linen trousers and tank tops that she can dress up with accessories, like the Keane chain from her own brand, help her endure hours of walking around convention centres.
A carry-on typically doesn’t suffice for those 10-day long-haul trips, so Auld travels with a checked bag, which gives her the added benefit of being able to pack full-sized hair and cosmetic products. To save space (and keep her garments less wrinkled), she rolls her clothes.
“I’ve learned to appreciate the people that stand far away from the conveyor belt at baggage claim,” she said. “Everyone gets their luggage quicker when everyone can see what’s coming out.”
The trusted carry-on: Monos Carry-On Pro
“I like hard-shell carry-ons. This one is great, because it’s lightweight with a lot of compartments to help keep things organized. The outside is a little scuffed, which I think gives it character. I also love that they’re Canadian and there’s a store right down the street from our flagship.”
Buying options
$355, buy at Monos
The comfort shoe: Gianvito Rossi Amalfi Sandal
“I always pack a pair of flat sandals. The leather on these is supple, so they’re very comfortable and easy to walk in. I like that they’re simple but elevated enough to wear for business – and also easy to pack.”
Buying options
$1,350, buy at Gianvito Rossi
The dinner heel: Reformation Wilda Kitten Mule
“I love to travel with a kitten mule for business dinners. They’re easy to walk in and to pack, since they’re small. I love these ones. The mesh leopard print really stands out and pairs well with a simple dress.”
Buying options
$398, buy at Reformation
The elevated trouser: Rachel Comey Robbia Pant
“These trousers have a wide fit. The fabric is light – made of a linen blend – and pleated, which gives it a bit of an elevated look. I can easily dress them up. I often wear them with my favourite red cotton ribbed tank top and some jewellery, which makes a great outfit for trade shows.”
Buying options
From $1,350, buy at Rachel Comey
The shoulder bag: Loewe Medium Puzzle Fold Tote
“I always travel with my Loewe tote. The bag is big enough to carry everything I need to travel with, but it still has structure and style. At a trade show, I can fit all the pamphlets and cards that I might get.”
Buying options
$3,120, buy at Loewe
The shot taker: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
“I take my camera on every trip because it takes a better-quality picture than my phone. It captures the imagery and details in nature or in jewellery pieces well. I use it to take photos of anything inspirational while walking around Hong Kong or exploring Italy.”
Buying options
$3,300, buy at Canon
The skin saver: Merit Great Skin Serum
“You get really dehydrated on planes. This serum gives me that hydration and restores my glow and dewiness, which I find makes me look a lot less tired while I’m travelling.”
Buying options
$52, buy at Merit