Their fabulous jet-setting ways and sisterly bond are #goals on so many levels
Their fabulous jet-setting ways and sisterly bond are #goals on so many levels
What’s the most recent trip you’ve gone on together?
Katiana: 2017 was the year of weddings! We were in Spain for my best friend’s wedding, then Japan for my bachelorette trip, before Lake Como in September for my own wedding. Then, of course, my second wedding celebration in December in Tagaytay, Philippines.
Karisa: Before Katiana’s wedding, it had been a while since we’d had a family holiday. Our time in Como felt like a week-long getaway with our closest friends and family. Since everyone had made the effort to travel to the destination, we made the most of the days—embracing the landscape, overloading on local food and sipping Italian wine while enjoying each other’s company. The wedding ceremonies were absolutely beautiful, especially the dinner reception, backdropped by the Italian sunset. to the destination, we made the most of the days—embracing the landscape, overloading on local food and sipping Italian wine while enjoying each other’s company. The wedding ceremonies were absolutely beautiful, especially the dinner reception, backdropped by the Italian sunset.
Any funny stories from the wedding?
Katiana: Besides the fact that I had a not-so-fabulous dental emergency right before the big day? The best man actually forgot the rings for the altar, but the maid of honour came to the rescue and we have a great photo of it—a scene wedding movies are made of. Then, there was all the impromptu singing and the dance after-party around the piano at night.
What’s the best thing about travelling with your sister?
Karisa: I’ve always looked up to my sister. But when I say she gives me direction, I mean it literally—she’s always my GPS abroad!
Katiana: I’m a real destination researcher and itinerary planner, and Karisa goes with the flow, so we make a really good team.
What’s your most memorable sisters’ trip?
Karisa: It’s actually multiple trips to two destinations that mean a lot to us.
Katiana: I went to college in New York and lived there for seven years, and every time Karisa visited, I’d bring her to all the places I loved. Even though she is much younger (by eight years), I wanted her to experience the city the way I love to. Then, when I was back in Singapore, she went to university in London and showed me her life whenever I visited— from brunch at Bill’s to dinner at Coya or La Petite Maison, and her favourite stores.
Karisa: It was always like “spending a day in the life of my sister” every time we took turns to visit each other.
Do you have a particular travel habit or ritual?
Katiana: We always hold hands during touch down. And we always share a room with a king-size bed so we can cuddle.
Karisa: Okay, it may sound odd, but this ritual started when I was much younger! We enjoy more or less the same things. Katiana definitely spends more time in the stores (by this, I mean Chanel and Hermès, whereas I’m more high-street. Our overlap is probably Selfridges). Nonetheless, we always end up somewhere in the late-afternoon for scones and double-clotted cream! Our tea-time favourites are at The Lanesborough and Corinthia Hotel.
What are your jet-setting essentials?
Katiana: My plane uniform is always Lululemon tights, a sweater, a 140cm cashmere silk Hermès scarf and a Double Sens Hermès bag because it fits a ton, is durable for city and beach trips, packs easy and is reversible. Also, a skincare selection, especially for post-long haul flights.
Karisa: Six elements for the flight—sweat pants, leather jacket, scarf, sneakers, hand cream and lip balm.
What is your ultimate travel guilty pleasure?
Katiana: I buy something luxe on every holiday to commemorate the trip, like a vintage Chanel brooch.
Karisa: Cocktails. I love pinning a good drink to a destination.
BY DANA KOH. PHOTOGRAPHY: INSTAGRAM
