One of the newest addition to Team Vilda, Puglia-born Giulia landed in London four years ago, after stints in Milan and San Francisco. This worldly lady is responsible for Vilda’s social profile, forging relationships with key people sharing our change-the-world spirit, and articles like why going vegan can make you happy and how to handle difficult comments as a veg(etari)an. Here, Giulia answers 15 questions on life, food and…flying!
1.Where in the world are you based?
West London
2. What do you love about being on Team Vilda?
The monthly Skype calls with the team, where ideas flow freely and everyone is encouraged to think about the next big thing in ethical fashion. Not only it is a lot of fun but I always learn something new from the group. I also love discovering small brands that do things differently everywhere in the world!
3. What’s your favourite piece that you’ve done for Vilda?
Definitely my Colombian food diary. I loved taking notes on the back of my Lonely Planet and strolling the streets of that incredible country with a Canon on my neck. Reading the piece now is like going back there. I can even smell the food when I look at those pictures…
4. Describe your personal style in three words.
Urban. Playful. Conscious.
5. Who are your style icons?
When I was in my teen years, Janis Joplin had a great influence on my style which was hippie, boho and retro. My style then evolved and now I feel inspired by Andy Torres (from fashion blog The Style Scrapbook). I love how she mixes unique garments with high street pieces.
6. What’s your favourite food?
It has to be pasta! Pasta alla Norma, which is a typical Sicilian-oven baked dish with aubergines, so good to deserve to be named after the opera of the italian composer Bellini.
7. What’s the last song you listened to?
Radio Nowhere, Bruce Springsteen.
8. What are some places that you dream of visiting?
I dream about a Volkswagen-van trip in New Zealand with a bunch of friends! I’d then love to explore Central and South America as a whole: Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica…after reading “Eat, Pray, Love” I’d also love spending some time in Bali. Madagascar, Cuba and all the small towns (also known as borghi) that I haven’t visited in Italy just yet are on my list too.
9. What would you do if you won £10million in the lottery tomorrow?
Go to all the places I mentioned above, and invest them in empowering local entrepreneurs, write about their stories and the impact they are making on their communities. I will then build my own 100% eco-house and winery in the Italian hills.
10. If you were reincarnated as an animal, what would you be?
Probably a dolphin… water is my element.
11. What’s your favourite colour?
Green. But not the acid or military tone – more like an emerald shade!
12. What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done?
Taking an helicopter flying lesson. You can really feel every movement once you are up there.
13. Would you do it again?
Yeah, absolutely. That might have just been the beginning of a new (expensive) passion!
14. Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Either Anne Hathaway or Keira Knightley, I’d like that to be adventurous!
15. What’s your favourite quote?
“Be a duck: remain calm on the surface and paddle like hell underneath”
Read more by Giulia here and follow her on Instagram @jugiulia