Eleonora

Eleonora
Carisi has been immersed in the fashion industry since
she was a young girl. The love affair started on the red-velvet
floor of her mother’s boutique and has led to collaborations with
fashion powerhouses Moschino, Gucci and Ferragamo to name a few.
Through running one of Turin’s first concept stores, You You Store,
designing the clothing line What’s
Inside You and creating one of Italy’s most celebrated
street-style blogs, Joujou Villeroy, the Grazia “It” girl embodies
the effortless glamour Italians are notorious for.

Feeding our love of all things Italian (namely gelato, pizza and
Prada), Carisi takes us on a tour of her native Turin. Confessing
to be an expert in aperitivo having indulged in the pastime
everyday for seven years, Eleanor energetically dispels the
perception that Turin isn’t a young city and shows us where to
dance under the stars, gorge on fresh pasta and what to pack to
nail that envious dolce vita style.

What is your best memory of growing up in Turin?

My best memory is probably of the store, La
Robe, run by my mother and grandmother in the centre of Turin.
After school it was my second home; drawing on the red-velvet
carpet, playing with my first dog, Bert, and watching the beautiful
girls inside the shop. School wasn’t the best period of my life so
I prefer to remember my city after then – full of energy and
creativity, and with a positive mind.

And your worst?

The weather, it’s always very grey and dark. But maybe that’s a
positive too – I like when it rains and you can just stay inside at
home.

Where’s the first place you head when you come home?

The shop and then my parents’ home.

A myth about Turin that you’d like to dispel?

That it’s not a city for young people. It is. Full of energy,
ideas and growing every day. It’s a place to relax, work and have
fun.

Where do you go to feel inspired?

I like to look at the hills, close to the river. You have the
most amazing view from Piazza Vittorio.

For a last-minute outfit?

High-waisted jeans, of course! But for winter a camel cashmere
coat. It’s freezing there.

The best place for lunch?

Poormanger, a cute and very small place with a homemade
feel. Osaka for sushi – you can almost smell Japan.

Your favourite spot for an aperitivo?

I did aperitivo everyday for seven years so I’m a bit of an
expert. La
Drogheria in Piazza Vittorio or Tre Galli which is chicer and
less touristy. Both are very chilled and informal with good music
and a great view.

For a long dinner with friends?

Mare Nostrum for the best pasta with fresh fish.
Delicious place.

If you feel like dancing?

Turin is the place to be. Did you know that rock music was born
in my city? Linea 77, Subsonica, Motel Connection… Music is at the
heart of Turin from rock to dubstep, jazz and electronic. Club to Club is one
of the most important electronic events in Italy and takes place in
November.
Astoria is a good place to go if you like that kind of
music, and in summer head to Cacao to dance to chart music under the stars.

And the best hotel to rest your head?

The renowned Turin Palace Hotel in front of the train
station is perfect if you want to relax after a long journey. It’s
modern and comfortable and just five minutes walk from Via Roma,
where you’ll find lots of shops, restaurants and bars.

Describe Turin in three words.

Magic, dark, stubborn.