This is the rise of multipurpose accessories, even at
the supreme luxury level. Take Montblanc, which is
expanding its range of leather briefcases and wallets to
suit a lifestyle that involves coffee-shop working and
Google Hangouts conducted on the move. Its appropri-
ately titled 247 bag is a prime example.
‘‘Over the past few years the changes to the way we
live have only accelerated, blurring the boundaries
between work and play and requiring us to be more
flexible than ever before’’ says Montblanc’s artistic
director, Marco Tomasetta. “We have translated this
new reality into our products — multifunctional and
versatile with a distinctive style identity.”
We are also seeing more brands focus on techcessories:
see everything from earbud cases branded with the
logo of your favourite fashion house to laptop bags
(touted as lighter than air, of course).
In fashion terms the digital nomad is catered for liter-
ally and aesthetically, with breathable and functional
fabrics emerging as the new buzzwords for brands
looking to appeal to customers who live their lives on
the move. Whatever her destination, she appreciates
unrestrictive clothing that can be worn to a spectrum
of social occasions. Tailored track pants are now a legiti-
mate wardrobe staple for everyone from busy city
dwellers intent on creating the perfect hybrid wardrobe
to those who conduct their breakfast meetings in Paris
and their end of days at a beach bar on Cap Ferrat. In
her wealthiest incarnation the digital nomad wears
track pants from the Row with an oversized Oxford
shirt. She’s also a big fan of Wardrobe NYC — the
superluxe brand that specialises in minimal separates
— and its collaboration with Carhartt. Seasonless and
appropriate for a wealth of occasions, the jumpsuit is
her holy grail; that and the perfect corporate costume.
Life’s a beach, eh? @karendacreDigital nomads are the new
wave of workers who have
swapped the office for sunnier
climes. And their wardrobes
are as enviable as their lifestyle,
finds Karen Dacre
Fluid working patterns and the rise of some pretty
lenient leave policies (we see you, Spotify) has kick-
started a travel revolution. The lucky ones among us
are poised to escape overactive air-con and sweaty
commutes in favour of Zoom calls while languishing by
the Med and an after-work drink scene that revolves
around Lisbon’s buzzy Bairro Alto district, boring Barry
from accounts noticeable only by his absence. Cast your
eyes over Instagram and you’ll find evidence of this
new-wave worker in action. An extreme homeworker
(of sorts), she rents a chic but affordable apartment
(found via digital nomad favourite the Plum Guide) and
spends her days hopping from sunlounger to pale-pink-
painted coffee shop to surf club turned juice bar. She
has a long-term gig at a tech firm, but writing is her
passion. Of course she has a book deal. Her boyfriend,
also in tow, is project managing the launch of an ethical
baseball cap brand. He flies between Bali and Croatia
and uses the word “fluid” a lot.
Of course the digital nomad has a signature look that,
not surprisingly, straddles two worlds. She is a fan of
a sharp shoulder (she wears a blazer with everything,
including a barely there sundress) and has a swimwear
collection that packs some serious power.
As you would expect from someone who lives out of
a suitcase for four months of the year, she is also a dab
hand at packing. She keeps her tech (AirPods essential)
in a watertight case from a millennial-friendly travel
brand and carries an oversized tote (got to have space
for bathers and a towel at all times). Her taste in brands
has moved on since her days of 9-9 working in London.
Gone are the Ganni dresses and the Arket blazers;
unbranded jersey — from
ethical brands only — and
cycling shorts have taken their
place. Shoes must be comfort-
able and versatile of course:
trainers, either classic white
or vintage Vans in a vibrant
shade (yellow?), and Birken-
stocks worn with tie-dye socks
for chilly days.
While not everyone has the
freedom (or very relaxed boss)
required to embrace this new
extreme working from home
flex, the digital nomad aesthetic
has broad-ranging appeal. With
an evolving work/life balance
comes a wardrobe to match.Above Blogger Lindsey Holland moved to Lisbon from London
last month. Below Paris and Helsinki-based stylist Sylvie Mus.
Opposite Blouse, £50, jacket, £80, and trousers, £50; zara.com@sylviemus, @lindseyholland
The Sunday Times Style • 25