10 minutes with... Anna Dello Russo

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Don’t be insecure – it will make a big difference.

What last made you cry?

My father Giovanni passed away a few weeks ago. He was my mentor and always supported my dreams. I had to leave my family in Bari to go to Milan when I was 22, but my father said, ‘You have to go for it.’

When was the last time you laughed uncontrollably?

When I went to watch Silver Linings Playbook – the dance scenes lifted my spirits to the sky.

What makes you emotional?

My job. Fashion is like being in a boat, you never know the direction of the wind.

What would you eat for your last supper and who would you share it with?

I only eat raw food. It would be a raw salad because I wouldn’t need to cook. I would share it with my dog Cucciolina because she’s vegetarian, too.

What keeps you up in the middle of the night?

A lover. If my lover calls me in the middle of the night, I go.

What’s the funniest thing you’ve read about yourself?

That I was the Antichrist of fashion.

Is there a book that changed the way you thought about things?

The Bible. Now we have a new pope, I thought it was the right time for me to reread the Bible. When I was younger it seemed so esoteric. Now, as an adult, it can translate into my own experiences.

Who do you want to apologise to?

I like to say thanks more than sorry. I’d thank Franca Sozzani [editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia]. She gave me so much and moulded me in a certain way.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Shopping because I do too much. I cannot stop it.

Who would play you in the film of your life?

Mary Poppins because people look at me like a crazy woman. I always play with fantasy, reality is too passé.

What would you save in a fire?

A pair of high heels – the highest pair I have. I hate cheap shoes, they drive me crazy.

What did you buy with your first pay cheque?

A Rolex – the Daytona. I remember it was an obsession of mine, a gift to myself.

What’s your karaoke song?

‘Nostalgia’ by David Sylvian. It’s beautiful and the best English song – the words are amazing.

The Vogue Festival in association with Vertu is at the Southbank Centre on 27 and 28 April (southbankcentre.co.uk/voguefestival)