KEY POINTS:
Do you travel light or heavy?
Light, when I can. The last few times I've travelled it's been to New York to do shows with 100 or more samples in my luggage, so when I get to travel light I try to do it with carry-on only.
Cattle or first class?
Fashion's all about being at the front, and that extends to seating on airplanes. I've had my years of doing cattle class though - when I was younger I would have travelled standing up. But once I started travelling for work and had to be ready to start work as soon as I landed, I moved to the front of the plane.
I can't travel without ...
My BlackBerry and my American Express.
What type of suitcase or luggage do you carry?
It's all Samsonite, and I love it.
What's always in your hand luggage?
My To Sir with Love cashmere travel pants, a magazine, my laptop and moisturiser.
Are you a planner or last-minute packer?
A planner. My nightmare is always trying to pack my bag and running late for a flight, so I make sure to avoid that in waking life.
What's the best thing you've brought back from a trip?
A baby. I was in Tokyo when I discovered I was pregnant.
Favourite or most exciting airport to land in?
JFK, Charles de Gaulle, Narita.
Best travel tip?
Do your research about seats before booking - Air New Zealand's business class seats are the best of any airline I've ever flown, and I stick with them whenever possible.
Most memorable trip?
Was in February this year. We took our 6-week-old to New York for Fashion Week. It was only her second time out of the house. The whole thing was crazy, but she's a natural traveller.
What do you do while on the plane?
If it's a long flight, I make sure I get eight hours' sleep with a movie either end.
Karen Walker is a leading New Zealand fashion designer.
