Chiara Ferragni: 'I try to switch off as much as I can'
The businesswoman and influencer with nearly 13 million Instagram followers, 31 is based in Los Angeles. She lives with her hip-hop artist husband, Federico, and three-month-old son, Leone
The first thing I do when I wake up is check the news on my iPhone and reply to important emails. Next is breakfast, which really depends on where I am in the world. When I’m back home in Italy, I eat whatever I crave, which is normally an espresso and croissants. It’s a lot easier to eat healthily in LA though, so I’ll have scrambled eggs or avocado on toast with a fresh juice or acai bowl.
I’m not a morning person (hence the espresso) but I like to start all of my daily meetings by at least 9.30am so that I can make time for lunch with my sisters or friends. Because of my work, I spend an unbelievable amount of time on Instagram, so I try to switch off when I’m with them. On days off, I love to go shopping; Balenciaga and Gucci are favourites if I’m in Milan.
I’m on maternity leave at the moment, but usually I try to have a structured daily routine – it’s the only way to stay on track as I have so many work commitments. Before I had my son, life was more hectic. A few weeks before giving birth, I was in Paris for the couture shows and for the presentation of my new #PomellatoForWomen campaign at the Italian Embassy. I spent the whole dinner chatting to Sabina Belli, Pomellato’s CEO – she’s such a great role model.
I’ve realised that if I feel good, I work well, so I look after my body. I don’t have a workout routine as such, but I often go hiking in LA. Since giving birth I’ve tried to focus on all-round health and fitness, not just getting back into shape quickly, and that includes making sure I switch off as much as I can.
Chiara's must haves:
My jewellery staple…'Pomellato's rose-gold pendant goes with everything' ￡1590, Pomellato
I’ve been watching…'Money Heist a Spanish drama on Netflix. I recommended it to my Instagram followers, too.'
I swear by…'Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Night Cream - it works miracles'. ￡100, Charlotte Tilbury.
My last investment buy…'A Céline bag, while shopping in Milan.' ￡1500, Céline.
My favourite homeware buy…'My Versace wallpaper. I was inspired by the decor in a Beverly Hills hotel'. ￡58 per roll, Wallpaper Direct
My style icon... 'Dior's Maria Grazia Chiuri: she's all about female empowerment'.
Chiara’s top tips for work/life balance
1. Keep everything noted on your phone so you don’t lose track of anything.
2. It’s fine to switch off and relax sometimes – Leone forces me to.
3. If you love something, you have to put all of your energy into it.
4. Trust your gut!
5. Always sleep on the plane – it’s the key to getting to your destination and feeling fresh and rested.