If you ever looked for the perfectly curated outfit and picture-perfect accessories, look no further than Anna Vitiello, luxury visual consultant, who spent five years in fashion at Harper’s Bazaar UK.
Born to Italian (Naples to be precise) and Filippino parents, and based in London, she is a global street-style favourite thanks to her eye-catching, dramatic style. From incredible fashion to gravity-defying poses, we ask Vitiello about her travels, her packing tips and dive into her suitcase psyche.
What is the first trip you remember taking?
Trips to America with the whole family which we took fairly regularly from when I was young, but in particular a road trip through America with my entire immediate and extended family. It was such a great experience – we travelled from New York all the way up to Canada – and for someone with terrible long term memory, I remember a lot of this trip!
Which holidays have been your favourite and why?
My parents are big on travelling, and being away with my family is always my favourite, but my father is Italian and my mother is Filippino, and travelling to those countries is always the best experience. Having said that, my boyfriend and I did take a trip to the Philippines alone three years ago and it was one of the best yet – seeing family, some beautiful islands and meeting some amazing people.
Where or what is your escape?
My boyfriend lives in Norway on the West Coast, and although I sometimes get frustrated by the quiet, it’s also therapeutic – there’s nothing like nature for a little calm and context. But when I need a break, my instinct always tells me to head straight to Italy – my family live in Naples – and I feel most at home and possibly happiest there than anywhere else.
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What’s the biggest lesson you’ve taken from your travels?
How much culture is a huge part of my love for a country. My favourite trips have been to those where I’ve been taken by the culture and the people, such as Cambodia, the Philippines and Spain. The warmth of these places makes me want to go back and has left me with such fond memories of being there.
If you could go anywhere tomorrow I’d go to…
Manila, Philippines, to honour my Grandfather who recently passed. I’ve felt even closer to the Philippines since we lost him and would have given anything to have been able to be there to wave him off, but a tribute to him feels like the next best thing.
How would you spend your ideal afternoon in your home city?
At a favourite restaurant – maybe Daphne’s or Luca – with my best friends, great food, wine and hopefully a sunny London day.
What’s your idea of a luxury holiday?
I like to book a beautiful, understated hotel – Aman resorts are my favourite for their mindful luxury – as a base from which I can get to know the country or city better. My current dream is to go to Amanwella in Tangalle, Sri Lanka, and travel around from there to the small villages to get to know Sri Lankan culture.
Where do you get your holiday inspiration?
I’m quite emotional when it comes to my approach to travel – I like to visit places that I have some kind of tie to, even distantly through someone I know. For example, Sri Lanka is where my Mother-in-Law was born and I’ve wanted to take her on a trip there for some time, and there are various cities and villages in Pakistan that I’d love to visit having heard so much about them through a photographer friend of mine who is Pakistani. I often become enamoured with places through storytelling and prefer to choose my destinations that way rather than going where is ‘hot’ at that moment.
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If you could sit next to anyone – dead or alive – on a long-haul flight, who would it be?
My boyfriend – cheesy, but true. Failing that, someone like Angelina Jolie – there’s so much to learn from a woman as brilliant and decent as her and I could quiz her all the way to the destination.
How do you recover from jet lag?
I try and get into the timezone of my destination as quickly as possible, starting from the plane ride – it’s not always doable but it’s worth it. I never take sleeping pills, melatonin or anything similar – I have a phobia of taking things unnecessarily – so when the natural way doesn’t work, I just power through the exhaustion!
Your flight’s delayed an hour and your phone’s out of battery. How do you pass the time?
Looking for foodie souvenirs in the airport! I always leave them last minute and bringing home a slice of local cuisine is always my favourite – for example, at an Italian airport, I’ll always bring home some tarallini and sauces for my Dad!
Favourite Hotel? Why?
This is a tough one! But I’d have to go with Amanpulo in the Philippines. It is its own private island and to say it’s a privilege to visit somewhere like that is a great understatement, but what’s so special about it is the way that it has been built and run. The materials used to build were locally sourced, the craftsman too, and the staff are largely hired from a neighbouring island where there was previously almost 100% unemployment. That’s what makes somewhere like that special to me – anyone can build on a beautiful island but it takes mindfulness to create somewhere truly special.
Favourite airline?
Qatar Airways, for the food, the service and the incredible stewards – perhaps the most elegant in the world.
What’s on your travel playlist?
On long haul flights, I go through so many emotions so it’s varied. So, I’ll go with:
Andrea Bocelli – con te partiro
NIKI – urs
Rosalia – Yo x Ti, Tu x Mi
Gipsy Kings – Volare
Xavier Omar – IF this is love
I’m currently binge watching…
The Home Edit Series on Netflix! We’ve just bought a new apartment and I desperate need help with getting more organised.
What are your must-have travel picks?
Comfortable travel wear is a must for me, and the Prism Squared collection is not only incredibly comfortable but also has multiple uses so is also a good tip for packing. A face mask is always nice during or after a flight. My favourite is Susanne Kauffman. And I always moisturise throughout flights if they’re long haul with Chanel serum. A book when you need a break from the movies. I’m currently reading Natives by Akala. I can be anxious, so I always bring some Rescue Remedy on board with me!
I’m also a bit of a sucker for a game or two on board, so I’ll sometimes bring my Switch with Mario Kart!
One daily travel ritual?
I don’t have a ritual as such, but it’s incredibly important for me to eat well to keep up my energy and drink lots of water. I also like to bring cleansing wipes (biodegradable ones) and lots of moisturiser.
Where next?
Hopefully Nettuno, Rome, for a weekend visiting my family.
First thing that comes to your mind?
Hand-luggage essential?
Lip balm.
Packing: roll or fold?
Fold!
Inflight book or inflight film?
Film.
Music or podcasts?
Music – I love a varied playlist with a few surprises.
Time killer on a long-haul flight?
Sleep!
Holiday tipple of choice?
Negroni, always.
Bucket list top destination?
Sri Lanka or Bhutan.
Best shopping gem found abroad?
Every vintage item I’ve ever bought in Miami.
Beach or City?
City. But if it’s somewhere particularly warm, I’d switch that for beach.
Ultimate holiday treat?
The spa – I’m always on the go in my day-to-day life so it tends to be a great opportunity to wind down.
Any Questions or Tips to add?