Inspired by a life filled with extensive travel and experience, Lucy Fenton brings a vibrant feel to all of her collections. Being surrounded by beautiful interior landscapes, both at home and on her travels over the course of many years, has developed her aesthetic which is entirely unique to Fenton & Fenton.
We caught up with Lucy to discuss her favourite destinations, tips on how to travel in style, the next destination on her bucket list, why she wouldn't want to live anywhere other than Melbourne and so much more!
Q1. Why is travel important to you?
I tend to get bogged down with the everyday grind when I am at home. Life is busy with work and kids so it’s important to stop and realise there is a whole world around us living very different lives to us, which is fascinating and presents so many opportunities for learning if approached with an open heart.
Whenever I travel, no matter where I go, I find inspiration. Getting away from the madness and having time to think is so invigorating. I always come back from any trip bursting with new ideas.
Q2. What is the most underrated part of travel?
Being able to experience the best (and worst) parts of other countries.Travel helps us appreciate how good life is at home. I have travelled all over the world and there is always something so comforting about coming home (despite the unpacking and washing). I am yet to find a city I would prefer to live in than Melbourne!
Q3. What are some of your go-to destinations for styleinspiration?
I travel to India every year, the colours, culture and craftsmanship is amazing and even though it has its challenges and can be difficult at times I always find my self wanting more.
Morocco & Guatemala are also among my favourites -the landscapes, textiles, food and culture is something not to be missed!
Q4. What's your best travel memory?
There are so many - trekking through the foothills of the Himalayas, Gulet cruise around the south of Turkey, being proposed to in the Sahara Desert in Morrocco, but it is hard to go past our wedding in Bali. It was a small intimate event, spread over a few days nestled in the rice paddies of Canggu. Being in such a tranquil setting made for a wonderfully relaxed vibe with our closest friends!
Q5. If you could only travel to one country for the rest of your life, which country and why?
This is almost impossible to answer. But, if forced to, I would have to choose India. If it wasn’t for this amazing country I probably wouldn’t have opened F&F and the people over there have contributed so much to what we do so I will always be grateful for that.
Q6. What’s the next destination on your hit list?
Next year we are planning on packing up the family and heading over to explore Sri Lanka with the kids. It’s been on our wishlist for well over a decade and the kids are a bit older, so we think we are finally ready. We want to see the Elephant migration and visit some of the amazing beaches down south.
Q7. What's your best advice for travelling in style?
Be organised: book accommodation, transportation and flights well in advance so you can really enjoy the trip. I am a big advocate for researching my accommodation as much as possible. It does not have to be the most expensive hotel, you just want something in a good location, with character and good service. Accommodation can make or break a trip, often a recommendation from a friend is best!
