Celia B is a designer who has always been true to herself. In a sea of quiet, subdued minimalism, Celia B’s collections offer vibrancy and sunshine.
Her work is characterised by vivid colour, joyful prints and feminine whimsy; hers is a style that celebrates bold, mood-boosting pieces to love forever.
Although having grown up in Asturias in Spain, she has travelled extensively. She studied in Madrid and Milan, before moving to Ibiza where she designed and sold jewellery. Next came a relocation to Shanghai where her brand was finally born in 2012. She travels regularly for work, flying from Dubai to Bali, London, Spain and Italy.
Here, she tells us about her most memorable adventures, and why Mexico City is next on her bucket list.
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What is the first trip you remember taking?
It was a family holiday when I was around five. We used to spend summers in a small village outside Cádiz, called Zahara de los Atunes, which was a long trip from Asturias: a car journey to Madrid and from there the night train to Seville, before a few extra hours drive until arriving at our beautiful destination. It brings me so many beautiful memories. My first solo trip was when I went to the US at the age of 13 to spend two months of the summer with a family in Virginia.
What’s been your most memorable trip and why?
I have many memorable trips, but a family holiday in the summer of 1988 to Italy is one of them. We travelled to Pisa, Florence and Venice and spent two weeks by the sea near Rimini. Everything was very different from Spain and I learnt so much because my mother is a teacher. She taught us about art, architecture and history. My love for travel comes from there.
Where or what is your escape?
Altea in Alicante, a picturesque city on the White Coast, often called the Santorini of Spain because of its hilltop location and white-washed buildings. I love it there.
If you could go anywhere tomorrow, where would it be?
A good friend of mine recently moved to Mexico City. I would love to go back to that incredible city to visit him and discover his favourite spots.
How would you spend your ideal afternoon in your home city?
I’d be at home on my sunny terrace, or painting in my living room.
Best restaurant in the world?
It’s really hard to choose one… I would say Din Tai Fung, not because it has the best food in the world, but because it brings me back to my Asian life when I lived in Shanghai.
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Best place to go for a drink?
Anywhere with a sunset view. It could be a rooftop in a city or somewhere small by the sea; I am a sunset chaser.
If you could sit next to anyone on a flight – dead or alive – who would it be?
The French film director Agnès Varda, who made some of my favourite films.
How do you recover from jet lag?
Sunshine if possible, hot baths and melatonin.
What’s your in-flight beauty routine?
A great moisturising cream and lip balm.
Favourite hotel?
137 Pillars in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It’s beautiful and so elegant.
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What are your must-have travel picks?
Comfortable shoes, a charger, earplugs, sleeping mask and a useful, compact bag to hold them all.
FIRST THING THAT COMES TO MIND…
Hand luggage essential?
My laptop, book, headphones, a bottle of water, notebook and pens.
Packing: roll or fold?
Rolled up.
Inflight book or film?
Both.
Time killer on a flight?
Designing clothes or making prints.
Holiday tipple of choice?
Mezcalita, a margarita with mezcal.
Bucket-list destinations?
Copenhagen, Australia, Chile, Senegal and West China.
Touba in Senegal by Eyelit Studio
Best shopping gem found abroad?
Many! I’m a collector… I think it has to be a carpet that I bought in a village in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco on our way to the Sahara Desert.
Beach or city?
Both, but I think I’m more city.
Ultimate holiday treat?
Digital detox with yoga, massages, steam baths, sound healing and sunsets.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?