“How I Travel” With Fashion Designer Emily Nolan

The Melbourne-based tailor for women’s and LGBTQIA+ brand E Nolan shares where to eat, play and explore in Porto.

Which city do you frequent most and why?

I design all our shirting fabrics in Portugal and base myself in Porto when I’m there for work.

What do you love about it?

Porto is a warm hug. The people are welcoming and the city is itself.

What’s on the ideal Porto itinerary?

Serralves – a park, art gallery and villa that all look like they belong in a Wes Anderson film. There are pride and craftsmanship wherever you look in Porto, even the subway stations. Visit São Bento station and marvel at the hand-painted tiles.

Do you pack light or throw things in just in case? 

I’m a hot mess. I design capsule wardrobes but for myself, if I can sit on the suitcase and half zip it up, I’m done.

If you could only take one pair of shoes?

It’d be my Adidas Wales Bonner trainers.

Your top packing hack?

I shove my socks into the shoulders of blazers or suit jackets so the shoulder head and pads don’t get scrunched up.

How about garment care?

A product called Exit (in a stick) – just rub it on and it’ll remove everything from pen ink to wine. I also use fabric fresh spray from The Laundress.

What do you take on the flight?

My childhood teddy, Bobby. Adorable!

What do you buy at the airport before take-off?

Blackcurrant fruit pastilles.

Any self-care tips?

If I haven’t slept, I just put on lipstick. My go-to is Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution in Mark Of A Kiss.

What’s your flight taking-off ritual?

I’ve missed more flights than I’ve caught. I was recently diagnosed with ADHD, which made sense of a lot of things. Now my ritual is to get there on time.

Screen, book or podcast?

TV. I re-watched Fleabag on a flight – a perfect show.

On the ground, do you follow an itinerary or wing it?

I prefer to travel solo so I can figure it out on the fly. I’m comfortable in the chaos.

It’s Porto at dinner time. Where do you suggest?

Taberna Dos Mercadores – it only seats 11 and serves traditional meals. Order a white port spritz and thank me later.

First thing you do when you get home?

Play with my labrador.

SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to Idyllic Porto