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So you've scored yourself tickets aboard The Groove Cruise, departing next week from the Port of Miami. Destination: Jamaica. In your suitcase? Nothing yet. Get to it folks, because if you happen to be Wes James (more famously known as Le Youth) or Helena Legend, you've already singled out your Caribbean essentials.
Ok, so we're obsessed with packing habits of always-on-the-road DJs (if you'll remember correctly, we deeply snooped through Nervo's teeny tiny luggages during WMC 2015), which is why we've tapped in these two musical powerhouses to share with us their on the road essentials and must-pack items for this year's beat-infused voyage. And if you need more packing inspo, check out the street style at last year's best WMC pool parties.
Le Youth
If you didn't fall for Le Youth when he dropped "Cool" in 2013 (an R&B X house version of Cassie's "Me & U"), then you have a chance to fall for him with his newly released song, "Real." The American DJ is known for his R&B- and 90s pop-inspired tracks, so plan to vibe out like it's 1999 if you catch his set. He will, as you'll see from what he's packing...
A guy like Le Youth isn't about to walk out on deck with a fresh pair of Sperrys. Instead, he'll be sporting something sick, like a set of black Nike Air Max Tavas. "Great street shoes. Great boat shoes," he says.
A little color might be nice for you, but not for Le Youth. He's opted out of the board short requirement and instead will be sporting some Top Man skinny jeans. "To protect you from suntans," he says.
A fresh pair of shades? "Obviously."
"Aiaiai are my go-to headphones," he says. "Gotta look good while I DJ."
Finally, he always brings backup. You know? For those impromptu jacuzzi sets. "I always need to be ready for a spur of the moment poolside DJ set. I'm notorious for losing these, so I bring extras."
Helena
Electronic dance music is still dominated by males, but gals like Helena are changing this up. Her sound is influenced by party sound powerhouses like Steve Angelo, Alesso, and Nicky Romero, so count that she'll be the one on the ship making sure you're up, moving, and having a raging good time with her new single, "Storm. The UK-born, Australian-raised DJ keeps her packing simple, with black and white hues and a signature burgundy pout.
"Boat parties are usually lit in many ways, like blinding sunshine, especially when you are surrounded by the reflection of the ocean," she tells us. "When I am playing it's hard to see the CD decks screen in the daytime. Sunnies always help! Plus, it adds to your cool factor somewhat. I have a huge collection of sunglasses but right now I'm loving these super sized aviators from Porsche."
I am always in sneakers, wherever I am," she says. "It's hard jumping on and behind the decks in 6-inch heels. Comfort is a must for boat parties, and it's even more of a bonus that sneakers are hugely in fashion with any outfit pretty much! I love both Nike and Adidas, but right now my favorites are the Adidas Tubulars. I have a while pair which I'm rocking."
"I always bring caps with me to places, especially for boat parties. If you can't be bothered to do your hair or the wind is whipping it into your face out at sea, put on a cap. They look good and they protect your face from the sun. I love black leather caps.. there are alot of places that make good ones. This one is cool from nicecollective.com
"Day or night I like rocking a red lip. I have a selection of Mac dark red and brown lipsticks, but DIVA is definitely my favorite go-to color. Even with a casual outfit and minimal make up on, putting on lipstick will give any outfit a glam factor."
"Not to sound boring, but sunscreen for me is essential. I never go anywhere without putting it on my face for so many reasons: aging, cancer, wrinkles, pigmentation. There's no point in looking after your skin if you are to skip on sunscreen. This one from Elta MD is my favorite. I always order it off Amazon. It has high SPF but it's also clear and lightweight– perfect for putting under makeup too."