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Road Warrior | Column archive |
A stylish jet setter
Andrea Bernholtz, 37, president and co-founder, Rock & Republic
(Fortune Magazine) -- Sure, she gets to wear jeans to work, but that doesn't mean there's anything laid back about Andrea Bernholtz's job running cult-jean maker Rock & Republic with co-founder and CEO Michael Ball. The globetrotting exec spends most of the year on the road - schmoozing everyone from stars like Eva Longoria who give her brand buzz, to merchants like Harrods and Neiman Marcus. We caught up with Bernholtz in L.A. - fresh from the launch of the company's accessory and eyewear line to talk travel.
DAYS ON THE ROAD: 275
TOP AIRLINE: Air New Zealand has a unique chair design that allows you to take off and land in the recline position, and I can fly direct from Britain to L.A.
FAVORITE HOTEL: The Soho Hotel in London. It's service-oriented, and it's near Harrods and our showroom.
GREAT GUIDEBOOK: Louis Vuitton's City Guides have some really good places.
WON'T TRAVEL WITHOUT ... My Chloé's Edith traveling bag - it has a front pocket for your passport. Also my Jaeger LeCoultre limited-edition international watch.
CHECK-IN TIP: Whenever I go to a new hotel, I ask for the concierge's name and introduce myself to the manager. That way they're more inclined to be helpful, and it ensures that you don't end up in the broom closet. Whenever possible, request a high room with a view.
BOOKING STRATEGY: I always try to stay at hotels near landmarks, especially if I don't speak the language. And I always grab the hotel's business card so I can show it if I get lost.
FAVORITE GETAWAY: Venice - it's therapeutic to be near water. I stay at the Danieli, overlooking the Grand Canal.
FASHION MUST: Skinny-leg jeans - you can roll them up so they look nice and clean. If you want to wear high heels, just roll them back down.
IN-FLIGHT ACCESSORY: I have a Fendi pashmina that I use as a wrap, and then as a blanket when I'm flying.
TRAVEL TREAT: The macaroons at Ladurée in Paris.
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