Vittoria is the kind of lady who will send you off with a split bottle of champagne after a long lunch date. For on the go is what she’d say. Vittoria works at the head office of a shoe store; a very exclusive one   with labels such as Alaïa, Louboutin, Fendi and Aquazzura to name a few. So it isn’t odd that we have high expectations for her collection of bags. Take it away…

How many bags do you own?

‘A LOT! I’m not going to convey the exact amount though (my husband is going to be reading this too). The best excuse I always use is that it is part of my job. It always works, plus there’s a lot of truth to it too. From shoppers to the prettiest clutches, they all make me so happy and I’ve made a great display of the prettiest ones in my closet so I can look at them whenever I want. I cherish all the classics and a lot of them have stories that always makes me feel nostalgic. I bought my first real designer bag when I was still in college and had a part-time job for the store. It was a Gucci and it cost me an arm and a leg in the sale. I used it so often that the strap was completely worn out and the bag hardly had a bottom anymore, but I still have it. And I bought my Fendi Baguette bag with beads during a fun weekend in Paris. I used it during my cousins wedding in Naples not too long ago and so it’s got another cherished memory attached to it.’

what’s the story behind this bag?

‘Anywhere I go, my Fendi 3Jours goes too! I was looking for a bag which combined femininity with a big of edge. I wanted it to be appropriate for business meetings and be able to pair it with jeans and a t-shirt. I’m always on the go for work which means I carry around my MacBook Air, so I needed it to be big enough to fit my laptop. It was love at first sight when I bumped into the 3Jours. Bigger bags always have that serious and boring look and feel, but this one was just the right amount of umph I was looking for. Fendi’s monsters are a real hit this season. They’re the bright colored keychains you can attach to any of you bags.’

do you handle your bags with care?

‘My bags are very dear to me so I treat them with great care. I find quality to be very important and the shape and leather of this one is fantastic.’

what about the content?

‘The content of my bag is always simple, I pretty much have the same content on a daily basis: my MacBook Air, my phone, wallet, a make up bag, perfume, keys and nail polish. I also deviate a little from the regular. I blame it on my Italian roots (my father comes from Napoli) where superstitions play an important role in daily life. So you will always find two sea shells found by my boys during our yearly visit to Puglia at the bottom of my bag. The enthusiasm they exuded when they found them and gave them to me is one of my fondest moments. So no matter what bag I use, you will always find sea shells. Thank god my boys like snorkeling.’

what do you always carry with you?

‘Like I said before; my MacBook Air, my phone, my wallet, a make up bag, perfume, keys, nail polish and my sea shells.’

What do you think are the best characteristics of a bag?

‘If I compare it to myself, I always look for a bag that doesn’t only look good but it’s a mix of fashionable, functional, sexy and edgy. The straps need to be long enough for it to dangle from my shoulder and in the evenings I always opt for something that fits the occasion but with a great grip. I enjoy an occasional party and glass of champagne so I need something that will allow me to throw my hands up in the air and dance if I want to. Clutches don’t have my forte; I always end up being the cluts and losing them.’

what else is on your wish list?

‘Every time Martin (our buyer) comes back from purchases and we go through all the photos of the items he bought at the office, I always come across things I want to add to my wish list. I know I’m very spoiled for getting to work with such amazing brands but at the top of my wish list I still have the black Chanel 2.55  Flap Bag with gold metal hardware.’