Italian phenomenon Anna Dello Russo is like a glittery, studded, crystal-encrusted, mini-skirted one-woman fashion version of Brangelina. Wherever she goes, a trail of photographers follow. She’s also kind of like a prettier version of Karl Lagerfeld, with a reputation for giving the same did-she-really-just-say-that? soundbites that make you wish all fashion types were so candid. The editor-at-large of Vogue Japan reveals her fashion month strategy.
Plan (way) ahead
“Outfits are my job. I plan them one season ahead. By May, I have my September wish list. By the time the September shows arrive, I’ve come back from holiday and don’t want to cover up! I want to show off my tan and sun kissed hair. Fashion isn’t relaxed, but New York is the most urban. There you focus on a statement piece. There’s no mix and match. Milan is total freedom as I have access to my wardrobe and Paris is the place to be fashionable to the highest degree. It’s over the top and you can really push yourself. You are expected to put on an eccentric show. Walk around Place Vendome in Paris in haute couture and you’ll feel fantastic.” ‘Talk to the sharks’
“I wasn’t used to the attention at first. I’ve been around for 20 years. And for the first 10, nobody noticed me. And I promise you, I wore beautiful clothes then. Photographers, paparazzi, bloggers — they just ‘happened’. Why they didn’t follow me when I was younger, I don’t know! I used to be terrified of having my picture taken but now, I get mad if I don’t. I’m like, ‘Oh la la … they don’t like my outfit?!’ When you step out and there are all these people — Mamma Mia! — it’s like walking toward a sea of sharks. I relax, take it easy and play with them… you must talk to the sharks.”
Act like you do in church
“Fiddling with your phone is just rude. Being at a fashion show is a bit like being in church; you have to be there and listen. I love it most when I’m seated next to Carine [Roitfeld]. She’s so funny. Whenever I’m seated next to her, I’m like, ‘Allez!’”
Go for the highest first
“My all-time best front row moment was getting a seat at Balenciaga. Few people get invited and the impact of the show is so much stronger from the front row as you actually get to see the silhouettes.”
Exercise fashionable restraint
“I don’t carry a big bag to the shows, just a clutch. In it I carry my lipstick, my phone and a little notebook in case I need to remember something. I also carry water and almonds so that I can nibble without getting dirty. I don’t really have last minute beauty fixes because when I go out, I’m perfect and leave it at that. I don’t brush my hair or wear too much make up or perfume.”
Give the ultimate fashion face
“Working in fashion you learn to lie. You’re an actress and must remain impassable whether you love the collection or not. Out of respect and politeness we behave like wax works from Madame Tussauds, devoid of expression or emotion. Who cares what I like? It should be about the evolution of the designer, nothing more.”
She wears Dolce & Gabbana while riding the scooter 
