Wanderlust with our Wayfarers
by Savas Abadsidis on 2012-04-23

Here at Preferred Escapes we are a select group of world travelers with a flair for fashion and entertaining. In that vein we offer the first in a series of conversations with some members of our exclusive salon. Enjoy!

When we think travel, the first of our friends that comes to mind is internationally renowned shutterbug Chris Chapman. There isn't a corner of the globe that Chris hasn't been (save Antarctica). A founding editor of the ground breaking design magazine Wallpaper*, Chris was instrumental in the visual attitude and success of that global publishing phenomenon.

Chris has shot for everything from Travel & Leisure, Elle, Fast Company, Out, Space, The Advocate and Cargo. His clients have included several major luxury retailers like Holt Renfrew, Roots, BMW, Club Monaco, Abercrombie & Fitch, Selfridges, The Gap, LVMH, Dillards, Theory, AnneTaylor, Target, CB2, and Portico. His work has been recognized by the Art Directors Club of Canada and the National Magazine Awards, earning various gold and silver awards in the fashion, portraiture and still-life categories.

What's your favorite getaway destination?
Absolutely without question, the south of France.

Why?
Everything! The landscape is breathtaking; the pace of life there is very appealing. Every town and village has an ancient history and culture that dwarfs any personal notion of cultural heritage I have as a North American.

What's your favorite way to entertain when you're away?
Simply, locally and as fresh as possible; something exceedingly easy to do in France.

What are your favorite activities?
Biking, cooking and getting lost listening to my iPod...and taking pictures with my Fujix100 of course!

What is it about the local culture that you love?
The generations old farmer's markets, boucheries, patisseries & boulangeries that are commonplace. The populace of France who reside in the small villages of south never lost touch of where there food comes from and celebrate that fact as a way of life. Not to mention that around every narrow cobblestoned, seemingly art-directed, street corner you are constantly stumbling on myriad variations of beauty in decay, something that makes a photographer drool: ancient olive trees, moss covered mausoleums, sun-bleached chateaus, ridiculously quaint cafés.. it's sick! Not too mention the beautiful people! And completely exotic to someone who grew up in the suburbs of Ottawa!

When traveling Chris has a few essentials he always brings with him: