In The Spotlight: Valeria Vantaggi

In The Spotlight: Valeria Vantaggi

Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you find your way to Condé Nast?
After several interviews to which I had always said no, in 2007 I met Cristina Lucchini (co-Editor in Chief of Vanity Fair Italy) who finally managed to convince me to join the team. Although I was comfortable where I was, I felt the need for a new challenge, and the innovative approach to the fashion world sought by Vanity represented the opportunity for this change.

How do you describe your job to friends and family?
I describe it as a varied job that, despite the years, continues to stimulate my curiosity, as it gives me a way to deal with journalism but also with communication strategies, events and much more... And, after all, I am still convinced that this is the most beautiful job in the world!

What is the most rewarding part of your role?
I think the key element are the "encounters": the chance to come into contact with people, realities and situations that expand your life and are able to enlarge it thanks to the load of novelty and emotions they bring with them.

How would you explain Vanity Fair's "Il Giardino delle Idee"?
'Social Garden' this year became 'Il Giardino delle Idee', and it was an even bigger event. It was hosted from 16 to 21 April at the Diocesan Museum in Milan, where exhibitors and activities connected by one major concept: making the world a more sustainable and humane place...In a few words, the world we would like to come true!

What were the most interesting surprises of this year's edition?
From the "museum of shit" (actually precious manure) to biodegradable funeral urns, and also a call to action to the most prestigious Italian universities whom we asked them to imagine and share projects for sustainability. It was a great container of inspiring and revolutionary ideas that will be part of our future and present - the most virtuous ones.