Eleonora Carisi's Insider Guide to Turin, Italy

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.