Beyond the hype // Chiara Ferragni

Chiara Ferragni is a 23 year old law student and fashion blogger from Milan, Italy.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you live.

Hi people, I'm Chiara Ferragni, I'm 23 and I now am at the 5th year of law but I also am a (almost) full-time fashion blogger from The Blonde Salad. I opened my blog only one year ago, in October 2009. Thanks to Flickr and LOOKBOOK my blog became so popular after only some months, and since last February I've been interviewed for popular international magazines, websites and also on television. I also started my own shoe brand this Autumn, starting with an ankle boots collection completely made in Italy. It's all like a dream to me and I'm so grateful to all the wonderful fans who love and follow my blog day after day, growing with me :) I'm currently living in Milan with my boyfriend Richie and my french bulldog puppy, Matilda :D

What are your greatest passions?

I'd say fashion, photography, traveling and art in general

How did you first get interested in fashion and why is it important?

My mum used to work in the fashion industry, for Blumarine. Since I was kid I looked at her dresses and accessories like they were treasures and I thought she looked like a princess all the time. I've always been interested in fashion, and I started sharing my outfits on the web 3 or 4 years ago uploading my photos on Flickr and then on LOOKBOOK. I then started my blog in October 2009.

How do you describe the fashion scene in Milan compared to other major cities/fashion capitals?

Italian people have an inner style, you can smell fashion in the air since fashion made in Italy is huge all over the world. :)

What do you love about living in Italy?

I like so many things about my country; I'm very proud to be italian. I like the food (too much :D), the cities, the history it has, the fashion system, the "dolce vita", etc.

Top 3 places to visit in Italy:

For sure Milan, Rome and Florence.

Describe your personal style and its influences / inspiration.

I don't have a unique style. I take inspirations from everything that surrounds me: it can be a movie, a song, a person that I saw on the streets, fashion shows, blogs and whatever. I just dress the way I feel that morning, choosing the clothes and accessories. One day I can be a rocker girl and one day later I'm the nerdy one. :)

Everybody should dress the way that makes them feel comfortable with their bodies and proud of what they are. If you like those glitter shoes, wear them, and if you enjoy that fancy trench, buy it!

Favorite designers and places to shop?

Alexander McQueen is my personal favourite. I also love Alexander Wang, Rick Owens, Gareth Pugh and for sure Dolce & Gabbana. I'm in love with vintage stores—I love that some of the clothes I own actually have a story behind them that makes them unique.

The first thing you look at in another person's outfit is:

The bag, they're my mania!

What do you skimp on?

Particular dresses, I usually buy them low cost because I love changing them all the time!

What do you splurge on?

Designer bags and shoes, I have a lot and continue buying them, it's a drug!

A fashion rule you never break:

I usually don't wear too many conflicting colours together.

What do you think is the most recent notable trend to appear/reappear, and what are your thoughts on it?

I guess medium heels are coming back. Since I'm a huge fan of the highest heels I wasn't sure I would have loved this trend, but when I saw some of the new Miu Miu shoe models they got me!

What is the most underrated item in menswear and womenswear?

Undershirts. I think they're so sexy and I sometimes also wear them outside the house, worn with jeans or shorts.

What is your next "must have" purchase?

I would love to get Dominic Jones' leather nail gloves, they're crazy!

Are there any fashion icons or famous people whose style you admire?

I especially like looks from people in the streets or from other bloggers too, but I love Miroslava Duma, Alexa Chung, the Olsen twins and most of the models' out of the catwalks outfits. :)

What's on your iPod / bookshelf / DVD player at the moment?

On my iPod is Best of You by Foo Fighters, my favourite song ever, which really represents me. On my DVD player is Forrest Gump, and on my bookshelf there is a book about California cities, I wish to go back there as soon as possible!

What can't you live without?

I can't live without love (and my love Richie), my camera, my wardrobe and of course without my doggie Matilda.

Next place you want to travel to:

I wanna go back to California as soon as possible and stay there for a while. I also wanna see Sweden and Norway, and India and Japan…it's better to say I wanna have a world tour soon. :D

What is your personal favorite outfit on LOOKBOOK by you, and by another member?

One of my favourites is this one of mine with the H&M + Lanvin dress I had the chance to wear as a preview, worn with oversize bunny ears. :)

Another look that I love is this one by Caroline, a friend of mine.

In the year 2015 you will be:

A famous fashion designer and fashion stylist!

What would you say to someone seeking fashion advice?

Never be afraid of what you're wearing, just try to be as comfortable as possible with your body and shapes.

Andreas W. wants to know: When do you pick what to wear for the next day?

I usually pick it in the morning, but I usually have everything in my mind from the day before. My brain is part of a fashion process. :D

What should we ask the next interviewee?

How much does an outfit affect people's thoughts about others, especially when we're talking about people they've never met before?