“All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go!” The next few months I’m gathering up my #WanderLars and setting off on a world tour. Now, I wish I could say that I’m actually collecting stamps in my passport, but this is a different type of trip. We’re calling it the Lars Grand Tour and I want you to come along!
My team and I have been busy bees working on a number of product collaborations with some of our favorite companies over the last couple of years—swimwear, planners, stationery, fabric, and clothing—all inspired by a different place and they are all coming out within the next months. In fact, our first came out last week! These collaborations will take us to some of the most beautiful destinations on earth. Each one is imbibed with its own mood, era, playlist, accessories. We’ll all see the world together without actually leaving the house. Leave it all to us!
Grand Tour
We’re calling it the Lars Grand Tour, like the grand tours of the 17th-19th centuries. Have you heard of it? I first learned about it in my art history classes in college and to be honest, I was jealous. It sounds like my ideal way to learn and travel (other than the parts about only the rich, only the men, etc). I wish we still had that tradition, but more and more people are hopping on the idea once again. In fact, a legacy of the grand tour is the gap year that a lot of Brits still go on.
Basically, it was a custom for young, wealthy English men and later women, to set out and discover the cultural wonders of Europe with a big focus on France and Italy, to learn about the classics in art, architecture, and culture as a part of their schooling. It was a pilgrimage of sorts, a quest for knowledge, enlightenment, and cultural immersion. Think Amy March in Little Women.
The itineraries where customized according to the interests of the person, but there were usually main cities that they visited accompanied with classes. For example, in Paris one might take lessons in French, fencing, dancing, and riding. The purpose was to learn how to become cultured and bring it back with them.
Grand Tour Souvenirs
As you might imagine, collecting items from the trip became a big tradition. One popular memento was the Grand Tour album, filled with sketches and watercolors capturing picturesque landscapes and architectural marvels. These albums served as visual diaries, preserving memories of the journey.
Artworks were also coveted souvenirs, with travelers acquiring paintings and sculptures by renowned artists. These pieces adorned their homes, showcasing their refined taste and cultural refinement. They were oftentimes made smaller by the artist so that they were easy to travel home with.
Souvenirs from the Grand Tour were not just trinkets; they were symbols of prestige, cultural enlightenment, and the transformative power of travel.
Lars Grand Tour
Now that we’ve received a history lesson on it, let me tell you about our grand tour. We’re doing in a 21st century type of way, of course. It’s you and me baby and we’ve got a lot to discover! Our first stop dropped with our launch of our Lime Ricki swimwear and we’ve headed to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where we are going to learn about the art, music, and culture from the 1950s and 60s. It was a magical time and I can’t wait to share more about it.
Travel in style
We know the basics, now let’s do it in style! I picked out some cute, colorful items to go on our adventure.
Amazon travel shop
I also made a travel section in our Amazon shop full of fun things that will make your grand tour that much better.
And just like the painted masterpiece souvenirs, you, too, can collect a sweet memento from each stop with our collections.
Stay tuned on Instagram and newsletter and here on the blog where we’ll be sharing more!