InStyle editor-in-chief Laura Brown might spend her days running with the A-list but the media doyenne, who has become something of a celebrity herself thanks to her hilarious Instagram account is nothing if not warm, funny and well-traveled. Here the down to earth Aussie from the Land Down Under shares the highlights of her recent road trip around the US living out of an RV with her fiancé Brandon, along with her love of NYC, Valentino, art and kangaroos and not necessarily in that order.
Favorite travel destination in the world?
At the end of a long year, Australia. Sydney, for friends and family. Alice Springs, for friends and kangaroos. I’m heartbroken that I can’t get home this year. I miss my mates, great Thai food, and drinking at lunch.
As an Aussie in NYC, what do you love most about the city?
I never get tired of feeling like I live in a movie. Going for a walk in Central Park, near where we live, always reminds me of that.
We loved following your epic road trip on Instagram, tell us about RV life?
Six weeks away traveling across the US, 31 days driving an RV. It was just wonderful; not only extraordinarily beautiful but good for the ol’ head. A reminder that these mountains and trees and rocks and forests, and all of it, were around before this s***ty year, and will be after. We drove 6278 miles from NYC, via six national parks, and ended up in LA after a little flop in Palm Springs. I can also heartily recommend the greatest RV park in all the land: Gouldings in Monument Valley. It’s all laid out before you. Just beyond. And the greatest RV rental company: El Monte RV.
Do you have an ultimate travel memory?
I have many, but of late, seeing a grizzly bear and her four cubs walk nonchalantly past us at the Grand Teton National Park. So beautiful. And she ran that place.
What about hotel?
Oh goodness, I can’t pick just one: The Peninsula in Paris. I stay there when I’m in town for the shows, I’m always tired and the service is just wonderful. And the Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Mostly outdoors, incredible food, and a real ease and generosity. Desperate to get back there when we can travel again.
Where is culinary heaven?
In New York: Barbuto. Paris: Le Voltaire. London: Scott’s. Sydney: Otto.
And for cocktails with a view?
Of late… Cocktails: my couch. View: The Colbert Late Show.
Share your beauty and wellness routine and can’t live without products?
Whatever causes a diversion. Love Dr. Barbara Sturm hyaluronic acid, Shani Darden Retinol Reform, and the Rich Cream from Augustinus Bader. Also, I came late to Vintner’s Daughter oils, and they are superb.
Go-to spa and spa treatment?
Lying on my face while a strong man/lady beats the hell out of my neck and back. I think they call that a massage?
Signature scent?
Desperation? Ha. I don’t wear fragrance.
Describe your personal fashion style and favorite designers?
This year, it’s been all about the “Zoom shirt,” something easy, cool and comfortable. I love, love the brand Dôen from LA. Run by two super sisters. Also Maison Mayle (by Jane Mayle) and of course, an Aussie national favorite, Zimmermann. If I ever go to something fancy again, I’ll wear Valentino, by God!
What about your interior style? What would we find on your coffee table?
I used to be quite minimalist, but getting a little more sentimental. Lots of Aussie stuff: indigenous paintings, a bottle full of red desert dirt from Alice Springs, even a bowl full of gumnuts. I’ve also been getting more serious about art lately. My latest painting purchase is a still life of a vase by the brilliant British artist, Chris Rivers.
Any recommendations of what we should be watching right?
The 6:30 NBC News with Lester Holt, Colbert, John Oliver, the brilliant ‘I May Destroy You’ (which is, in fact, not a doc about 2020).
If you could share a message with the world what would it be?
“This too shall pass.”
