The Essential List 19. Katie McClure’s Fall Travel Uniform
The Co-Founder & CEO of MIRTH shares a skincare savior for long flights, a multitasking cashmere wrap, cozy travel pants, and tips for balancing work and travel.
Today, I’m excited to feature Katie McClure, the Co-Founder and CEO of MIRTH — a womenswear line known for its beautiful designs featuring traditional textile techniques like handloom weaving and hand block printing from India and Peru. Founded in 2016 with her sister, Erin Breen, MIRTH creates pieces that are not only beautiful but also reflect a deep commitment to sustainable practices and collaboration with artisans.
Katie's work often takes her across the globe, so I was eager to find out about her travel favorites and the tips she's learned along the way. First, she was kind enough to share her essentials for fall travel. Then, I share our Q&A where we discuss her journey to founding MIRTH, the challenges of balancing work and travel, and a recent purchase that’s horrifying and satisfying at the same time.
Naked Cashmere Karlie Wrap The bigger, the better! A travel wrap is most versatile — it serves as a blanket on the plane or a wrap out to dinner. Naked Cashmere’s quality is top notch.
Mirth Lounge Pant We selfishly designed these specifically because this is what we want to wear when we travel. This is a brushed fleece version of our top selling Mirth pant — they are super soft and fuzzy on the inside and go with everything — even non-lounge attire once you land. They are the ultimate, comfy travel piece, IOHO!
Merit Mini Flush Balm I’m a big Merit fan and the mini flush balms are absolutely perfect. I use them as both blush and lipstick. I love how pigmented they are so a little goes a long way.
Le Monde Beryl Luna Slipper Kudos to those who pre-plan all of their outfits before a trip but that is not me. I have a general idea but always try to pack versatile shoes that go with everything. Plus, shoes are really what weigh down your bags and take up space so I try to pack a minimal number of options. I adore these neutral flats that not only go with everything but elevate every look– and take up no space.
Tatcha Serum Stick There’s a reason why this product makes every article and list I write relating to travel: it’s a true must have. Planes are gross, let’s be real, no matter how much sanitizer you use. This is a super moisturizer in stick form — no face touching involved!. It doesn’t break me out and leaves a good slick all over so I’m glowy upon landing.
Almina Concept Lettuce Cut Long Sleeve When traveling in cooler weather, a fitted, ribbed, soft cotton tee is essential: I wear it as a warm layer, under a blazer, under a sundress, as a layer when hiking — so versatile.
I was introduced to MIRTH when the team offered me a look at their collection. I was impressed by the brand’s quality and ethos and inspired to chat with the Katie to learn more about her journey.
Tell me about your background and what you’re doing today.
I grew up in Connecticut and West Virginia but then followed my parents’ Texas roots and went to college at University of Texas at Austin where I majored in the business side of fashion. Throughout my twenties, I held a range of jobs not connected to the fashion world (from recruiting to sales). While I was working hard, none of these jobs felt fulfilling. I knew they weren’t what I was meant to do, but couldn’t figure out what my “thing” was to even start pursuing it. I’m sure many can relate!
Years later, my life came to a crossroads. I was living in Switzerland, newly divorced, and had no idea what to do next. Though it was a scary time, I realized the world was my oyster. It was the push I needed to go after something that felt scary but could lead to pursuing my dreams. In hindsight, that period was a crucial turning point—the catalyst for creating the life I live now and starting MIRTH.
It is crucial to me to work with our artisan and production partners directly and in person, to really connect with what they are making, work creatively together, and collectively tell the story of the textiles.
From there, travels to places like Bali, Nepal and India all led me to land on the idea that I wanted to create a line of elevated and chic caftans. I loved the idea of creating everyday caftans that would combine my love of fashion, textiles and travel, all while giving back in some way to the communities who lovingly create special textiles rooted in history and culture.
And so, in 2016 my sister, Erin, and I launched MIRTH. In the years since, our business has expanded well beyond caftans. We now have a full womenswear line with 8 - 10 drops a year, both connecting with customers directly and with a robust wholesale arm.
It is crucial to me to work with our artisan and production partners directly and in person, to really connect with what they are making, work creatively together, and collectively tell the story of the textiles. I also feel strongly that we tell the story of the brand and the products through beautiful content, intentionally captured all over the world. So I’m on the road a LOT (by design, but — whew!).
I just spent the past few weeks in Round Top, Texas where we pop up twice a year and the antique market. A day later, we shot our first Texas capsule in the panhandle (which was stunning!) and now I’m packing for 2 weeks in Peru, where we will meet with our knitters and shoot our Resort collection in the Sacred Valley, followed by our Spring collection in Cusco. Five days later, I’m off to India with a week in Italy en route back. Italy is just for fun — it breaks up the long the trek to India and my husband will meet me there. We tend to do mini shoots together when traveling (he’s our video guy!) so I won’t be surprised if we shoot in Italy. I love getting to be creative with my husband and work on projects with him.
As the CEO of a small business, I wear many hats in my day-to-day work and have devoted my life to this. I often think about my trepidation before taking the leap to start—and despite the rollercoaster of ups and downs, I am so glad I was open enough to find my “thing” and do it. The rich experiences and creative fulfillment I've had, and seeing the impact we've made on the lives of our partners, make it all worthwhile.
We aim to reverse the trend of machine-made fast fashion by creating garments using traditional textile techniques, like handloom weaving, abstract block printing, and knitting. Most of our fabrics are handmade in some way without heavy pollutive machinery and, oftentimes, without electricity. — MIRTH
What does a typical work trip look like for you?
Work trips are jam packed, but so fulfilling. I go to India three times a year and Peru once a year, in addition to campaign shoots around the world. I love these trips because they make me feel connected to my team and what we are working on creatively together. This brings me back to the why: why I started, why I devote my life to this, why I love our product, our makers, and their art so much.
Being rested and feeling healthy are top priority so that these trips can be as productive as possible. It’s challenging because normal work doesn’t stop just because I’m traveling, so evenings and early mornings are spent keeping up with that. I do prioritize sleep and some exercise, but I try to fit in at least a few hours of walking around and exploring because these places are gold mines for inspiration.
With so much long-haul travel required for your work, what are some travel hacks you’ve learned over the years?
I spend so much time working on the road that sleep is crucial. I bring not one, but TWO white noise makers to get a surround sound situation going. It sounds over the top, but it works and these are tiny, but powerful.
I pack this Baggu Cloud Bag for an extra bag — I've had it for years and can’t sing its praises enough. It weighs nothing, can be washed in the machine and folds up into a tiny ball. And yes, I have checked it when I’ve shopped too much, and it holds up!
In my determination to never touch the floor of a hotel room barefooted, I always bring a slipper. This is a fun striped pick that folds up compactly in a matching pouch, but is still cushy. And you can wash them in the machine!
What do you always have in your carry-on?
Nothing irks me more than rummaging around a giant bag looking for whatever you’re looking for– and all you find are cracker crumbs and old gum. I want everything to have a place! This inner bag organizer is a great solution with little compartments for all your little things. The colors are so cute, too. You can’t ever have too many pouches. I also love our zip travel pouch made of a sturdy canvas with a reverse print on the inside.
This tumbler has never left my side since I bought it. I finally understand the concept of the emotional support cup! There’s something about the sleek look and chalky matte color that makes me happy. This one comes with a separate lid for travel so I am never without this guy.
What is the one place that you can’t wait to return to for personal travel, and what is the destination at the top of your wishlist?
I’m chomping at the bit to return to Japan. It reinvigorated my love of travel and is the most fascinating and beautiful country. I was in awe the whole trip and didn’t even scratch the surface. Top of the list now is South Korea. My friend Frances raves about it and not just for the skincare :)
What is the last thing you bought that you feel really good about? How did you find out about it?
If you want honesty, two things I bought last week and love are: BRAMI Lupini Snacking Beans (Margaret, our operations manager, turned me on to these!) — such a great everyday or travel snacks. Full of protein, low carb and so tasty. I also bought one of those viral, Tik Tok cleaning steamers and my mind is blown. I can’t stop deep cleaning every surface of my house, which is horrifying and satisfying at the same time.
Thank you, Katie! I admire the work you do and the story behind all of the beautiful pieces that you create. You’re an inspiration to follow your dreams!
Follow @shopMIRTH on Instagram for more from Katie.
What are your fall travel essentials? Share your thoughts and any questions for Katie in the comments below.
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Do I need two white noise machines?! 🤔
Loved this q&a — always fun to hear about the essentials of frequent travelers. Big fan of what they’re doing at Mirth!!
Very intrigued by the beans 😂😂😂. Also, love my Mirth pieces.