Bag, shoes, Wallet by Louis Vuitton (available at Harrods); Hat – Hoss Intropia (similar).
There’s something inexplicably frustrating about city life that promises infinite freedom yet binds us with such firm tempo that one foot out the line can seem deadly. I should know, my off-tempo singing in the shower have caused many a neighbour to abandon the building. It takes a certain kind of bravery to wake up one morning and deciding, instead of going down to fetch coffee and the newspaper, to pack a decent-sized bag and leaving everything familiar, to escape.
Now, I personally cannot pride in being one of those ultra-brave-hearts, my own little departure ripened over some weeks of first, flirting with the idea, then some scattered hours here and there to mold a general plan in place. All it would need is a breath of life. Mostly, I was dying to shoot a travel piece, and wanted to work with a brand that I love and equally treasured Travel as part of their DNA. Coincidentally, Louis Vuitton had just launched a shoe-only boutique in Harrods Shoe Heaven, and it was the perfect starting point.
The Art of Escape is all about finding an enabler, whether it be an object or person. Mine was a good friend, Brian Leavy of Born Explorers, who knew the wheel and the road; and Louis Vuitton, a small selection of handsomely-crafted shoes that I believed appropriate to escape in.
It’s my hope that this story will encourage you to find your own enabler, and experience your own little escape.
Supported, but not sponsored, by Louis Vuitton;
Photography – Shini Park & Brian Leavy; Art Direction & layout: Park & Cube.
Luggage and boots – Louis Vuitton; White jeans – 7 for All Mankind (Similar)
Luggage and coat – Louis Vuitton
There is no better feeling than gliding down an open road with the muffled sounds of the outside lapping against the windshield. It’s a bit like being back in the womb actually. Only if it had an umbilical hose for breakfast…
Sunglasses – Louis Vuitton
Coat, Sweater, Luggage, shoes – Louis Vuitton (available at Harrods); Jeans – DL1961
While I don’t trust myself with a full cup of coffee even when stationary, you must agree that breakfast always tastes better reading/watching something. In this case, the scenery between London and Oxford, it’s got a good plot…
Call in advance and book, if possible, but a table tends to free up quite quickly if you don’t mind having a wander around the grounds. Brian claims that the ½ Woolley Park farm chicken with lemon mayonnaise is life-altering. My beef sirloin is satisfying on a similar level.
Brogues – Louis Vuitton (Available at Harrods)
Coat. bag – Louis Vuitton; Top – Zara
City of academia, and dream to many aspirational tweens and Asian mothers alike. Also known for filming ground for Hogwarts, school of witchcraft and wizardry.
Walking aimlessly can actually be a decent tour strategy in this city. Make sure to see Christchurch, Bodlian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and tea on the roof of the Ashmolean museum.
Brogues – Louis Vuitton; Jeans – James Jeans
Sure, it’s a disappointing notion, but make it something that’s as important as the journey out. Take an exit from the motorway and explore the country roads a little, park by a bit of land and turn off the engine for a while.
I’m not immune to the idea that this escape will not last for very long in my mind once I re-join the ranks in the city, but for now, I savour these few days – or weeks, hopefully – of calmer seas.
All Louis Vuitton shoes are available at Harrods Shoe Heaven