Having grown up in Brittany, later living in London and finally settling in Paris, Vanessa Sposi’s collections are a representation of the creative energy she discovered in England fused with effortlessly-chic Parisian style.
Her ethically made, eco-conscious swimwear label is a reflection of her passion for the sea – and guarantees to form the essentials of your holiday wardrobe.
Here, Vanessa shares the Menorca hotel she loves, reveals where she’s spending her summer, and tells us the items she can’t live without when packing for a holiday.
What is the first trip you remember taking?
I was lucky enough to travel a lot with my parents. One trip in particular – Egypt – left an indelible impression on me, with its beauty, magic and inspiration. My memories of the pyramids, the River Nile and the Red Sea are like a holistic journey from another time.
What’s been your most memorable trip and why?
Bali, without a doubt. The scenery is like nowhere else. And it was here that I had my wedding with the elements of nature as my only guests. I love to disconnect from the modern world when I am away.
Where or what is your escape?
Any destination where I can hang out on the beach with a good book. Ibiza is a magic place with incredible beaches, charming little villages and hippie heritage.
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What’s the biggest lesson you’ve taken from your travels?
Travel is life’s greatest school. It pulls you out of your comfort zone and plunges you into the unknown. It reveals a world of different cultures to explore, people to meet, and helps you develop virtues like patience and humility.
If I could go anywhere tomorrow I’d go to:
Brittany, my hometown where I spent my childhood, which holds great memories with family and friends. More specifically, Cancale. A small fishing village with incredible beaches, jagged rocks, crystal-clear water, and a wonderful atmosphere during the summer months. I would love to have a few oysters and a glass of white wine at Le Galion on the port.
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How would you spend your ideal afternoon in your home city?
Cooking with my mother in front of the sea in Cancale. There’s no better smell in the world than that of her blackberry jam cooking in the pot, which is my grandmother’s recipe. Then I’d go by boat to the Chausey Islands, a wild archipelago off the coast of Saint Malo and Cancale. Here you can see dolphins and try paddle-boarding and wakeboarding.
What’s your idea of a luxury holiday?
Il Pellicano – it embodies the Italian art of living and has everything you might need: the sea; a restaurant with incredible flavours; an incredible view; and a boutique called Issimo with a wonderful selection of Italian designers. I went there recently and was blown away.
How does travel inspire you?
The discovery of new cultures and traditional crafts has nourished my creativity. I love exploring new places, walking the streets and seeing the colours of the city. My ultimate source of inspiration is architecture.
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If you could sit next to anyone on a flight – dead or alive – who would it be?
I think Yves Saint Laurent. I’d like to ask him a few questions about life, travel and fashion.
How do you recover from jet lag?
I drink tons of water to try and overcome jet lag, and I have a vitamin sachet from my new brand of food supplements, Yookare, which will be launched in the autumn. Adapt quickly to your new time zone: when you arrive at your destination, try to forget your old time zone as quickly as possible by managing your sleep time.
What’s your in-flight beauty routine?
Going makeup-free on the flight is a good idea, and I make sure to wear an anti-pollution serum and heavy moisturiser or nourishing oil to hydrate.
Your flight’s delayed an hour and your phone’s out of battery. How do you pass the time?
Mindfulness: paying attention to the present moment, to thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, without labelling them as good or bad. It helps us relax and cope with stress and frustration.
Favourite hotel?
Menorca Experimental, an Agrotourism hotel in the Balearic Islands. An invitation to pleasure, relaxation and balance. Menorca’s incredible natural beauty provides the ideal setting for yoga and meditation. Set in a finca with whitewashed walls, surrounded by a pine forest of shrubs, fragrant juniper and wildflowers, the place reminds me of a welcoming vacation home rather than a resort with rigid rules. It’s everything I love and am inspired by.
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Favourite airline?
Winair, because of its landing in St. Barth – the pilot has only 650 meters to stop! The view is breathtaking. Also Singapore Airlines, in my opinion, their service is exemplary.
What’s on your travel playlist?
Vanessa Sposi playlists are available on Spotify that we co-created with @one_day_one_new_track. It’s for celebrating, relaxing and enjoying summertime. I’m very eclectic when it comes to music. Otherwise, Simon Porte Jacquemus’ playlists make life worth living. This summer I love to listen to Christophe, a legendary French singer.
What are your must-have travel picks?
Vanessa Sposi yoga leggings which are full of antioxidants (and will come out this October). A toiletries bag full of travel-sized products that lives in a carry-on suitcase – so you never need to worry about forgetting anything: mine this summer is the Maria de la Orden x Oh My Cream Summer Kit which brings together clean beauty essentials. A multipurpose pair of shoes like the chic sandals from Khaite are a true staple. This summer, my side cut dress from my SS23 collection has been my most worn vacation piece: I’ve worn it at the pool, to dinner, to pick up groceries. Made of simple linen, it’s also wonderfully easy to stuff into a suitcase. My Celine sunglasses are chic and big enough to hide the jet lag induced bags under my eyes, and my Sun Pearl Clips from Destree – I can wear those day or night.
Where next?
Brittany with family and friends plus the French Riviera where I’m staying at Les Roches Rouges Hotel. Also, Greece with my husband and son. I love the beauty of Greece: the sky, the sea and the Amanzoe. I take the opportunity to visit hotels where my brand is stocked: Les Airelles, Cheval Blanc St Tropez, Les Roches Blanches, Parilio and Cosme, among others.
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FIRST THING THAT COMES TO YOUR MIND…
Hand-luggage essential?
My chocolate bar co-created with Carrés Sauvages, it’s filled with Aloe Vera, Marine Collagen and Vitamin E and is the perfect snack on a flight. Sunscreen (factor 30) to protect the skin; fresh coconut water to moisturise; and a nice pair of sunglasses to avoid UV rays.
Packing: roll or fold?
Roll. It’s better to roll clothes because it takes up less space and allows you to pack more, while reducing wrinkles.
Inflight book or inflight film?
Film: I take this opportunity to revisit some classics or catch up on new releases.
Music or podcasts?
Music: it has many benefits for mood, health and creativity.
Time killer on a long-haul flight?
I can waste hours binge-watching movies and TV series.
Holiday tipple of choice?
Iced matcha in the morning and hibiscus gin in the evening.
Bucket list top destination?
What I’d really love to do – it’s on my bucket list in a larger sense – would be to visit one of my sisters in Futana and travel around French Polynesia.
Best shopping gem found abroad?
An Anthologist bag, beaded by hand in Mexico and found at Cosme Paros, as well as some Lisa Corti placemats found at the Issimo boutique in Il Pellicano.
Beach or City?
Beach. It’s where I draw all my inspiration. I can meditate and watch the sea for hours. I can swim and dance barefoot on the beach, under the stars, around the fire.
Ultimate holiday treat?
Getting to spend time with my family near the sea.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?