A Long Weekend in Havana with Handbag Designer Clare Vivier

Clare Vivier, the designer behind cult handbag and accessory line Clare V., is always traveling someplace fabulous. She sent us a recap of her most recent adventure, a birthday trip to Havana, Cuba, with a group of her girlfriends.

HAVANA, Cuba - When my friend Christiane Lemieux asked me to join a group of our good friends on a trip to Cuba to celebrate her birthday, I was thrilled. Our friend Patricia had been there before, so she planned our trip to exacting detail, from our accommodations at the lovely Gardens Havana to one of the best meals I've ever had at Santy Pescador. My favorite part of the whole trip: We had an old-school convertible car tour to explore faraway neighborhoods. The visual elements, and the history of the city, provided endless inspiration.

The colors in the streets were inspirational and we often found ourselves matching the walls behind us.

I snapped this picture of my friend Christy Turlington walking with our Maman Je T'aime Sandy Tote for Every Mother Counts.

These amazing painted gates are at the entrance of Fusterlandia, a park in Havana that is an homage to Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí.

I'm a sucker for a vintage pharmacy and the Drogueria Sarra in old Havana does not disappoint.

I couldn't stop taking pictures of the color juxtapositions.

The view of the rooftops from Twins Havana, the apartment where our friends stayed.

Our home away from home was Gardens Havana, a beautiful apartment in Old Havana.

The grandeur of Old Havana was intoxicating. We couldn't stop taking pictures. This is the entrance to the wonderful restaurant La Guarida.

Santy Pescador was where we had our absolute favorite meal. You must get the ceviche.

Keep Exploring Havana

Fathom’s Cuba Guide
A Locals Guide to Drinking, Dancing, and Cigars in Havana
Volunteering in Cuba: A How-To For First-Timers