Former fashion editor and stylist Anna Foster founded her label, E.L.V. Denim to combat the extreme waste produced by the denim industry, making it her mission to create zero-waste fashion.
Based in East London, Anna uses cuts of discarded jeans sourced from UK warehouses to create an entirely new pair. Her zero-waste philosophy and hand-made designs have put sustainability at the forefront of her label, and have been picked up by international stockists from MATCHES FASHION to Moda Operandi.
Here, Anna shares the Instagram page she scours for inspiration, her favourite hotel in Paris and the biggest lesson she’s learnt from her travels.
What is the first trip you remember taking?
Family holidays to Menorca from my early childhood. My sister and I used to make up songs about all the beaches and restaurants we visited each year. I also remember I had certain dresses that had to be worn at a particular restaurant – clearly a sense of what I thought was ‘appropriate style’ set in early.
What’s been your most memorable trip and why?
Our family trip to LA in February of this year. It was the first time we had taken the children to the U.S. and we spent the time staying with various friends from when I was studying at UCLA. To have those meaningful friendships that span 20 years means so much to me. And now our children are hanging out together, it’s like history repeating itself.
Where or what is your escape?
It doesn’t really matter where, but a place to reset. I used to believe that a holiday was when you relaxed by the beach and did nothing, but it is simply a break from what you do in your day to day. Whether it’s lying by the Mediterranean Sea or a multi-city whirlwind tour, anything is an escape when you refocus your mind and values.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve taken from your travels?
Packing cubes. Literally the saviour for multi-destination travel!
If I could go anywhere tomorrow I’d go to:
Ithaca.
How would you spend your ideal afternoon in your home city?
My home city is London, so lunch with my girlfriends at Jikoni, and then an afternoon at the Tate Modern or V&A.
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What’s your idea of a luxury holiday?
When I don’t have to lift a finger.
Where do you get your holiday inspiration?
Instagram, friends. At the moment I spend a lot of time on the Belmond Instagram page.
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If you could sit next to anyone on a flight – dead or alive – who would it be?
My mother.
How do you recover from jet lag?
I immediately adapt to the local time zone and drink lots of water. At night I take Olly Sleep Gummies, and wear a silk eye mask.
Your flight’s delayed an hour and your phone’s out of battery. How do you pass the time?
Buy a book – and read it.
Favourite hotel?
Le Pigalle, Paris – it has ready-made Negronis in the rooms.
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Favourite airline?
British Airways, in my experience the cabin crew are always so kind.
What’s on your travel playlist?
Currently: The Eurythmics; The 1975; and The Gorrilaz.
What are your must-have travel picks?
Drowsy Sleep silk eye mask, E.L.V. Denim Diana shirt and E.L.V. Denim Maisie short in blue stripe, e11even perfume oil, BareMinerals Prime Time BB Primer Cream Daily Defense SPF30 and Le Monde Beryl red mary janes.
Where next?
Summer holiday in Bergerac.
FIRST THING THAT COMES TO YOUR MIND…
Hand-luggage essential? Reading glasses.
Packing: roll or fold? Fold.
Inflight book or inflight film? Film.
Music or podcasts? Podcast.
Holiday tipple of choice? Negroni.
Bucket list top destination? Boat trip along The Nile.
Beach or City? Beach.
Ultimate holiday treat? Private chef.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?