Anna Dello Russo, fashion icon and prominent figure within the Italian and global fashion scene, recently made waves with her appearance on the popular Italian talk show Verissimo, hosted by Silvia Toffanin. Born on April 16, 1962, in Bari, Italy, Anna’s illustrious career began after studying Art and Literature at the University of Bari, leading her to pursue a Master’s degree in Fashion Design at the Domus Academy in Milan by 1986.
Starting her career at the fashion magazine Donna, she formed connections with influential figures, including Annalisa Milella of Vogue Italia. Her hard work soon paid off as she joined the editorial team of Vogue Italia, where she served as the fashion editor for 18 years, from 2000 to 2006 also taking the lead as fashion editor for L’Uomo Vogue.
After her successful stint at Vogue, she moved to Japan to become the creative director of Vogue Japan, where she thrived until 2021, carving out her unique niche within the fashion world. Known for her unmistakable style—blonde hair, bold outfits, and innate flair—Anna Dello Russo has become synonymous with fashion innovation, often celebrated for her eccentric approach to couture.
Beyond her editorial work, Anna has collaborated with prestigious brands such as H&M and launched her own fragrance named Beyond in 2010, highlighting her multifaceted career within the fashion industry. Her business acumen extends to consulting for Rosewood Hotels & Resorts as their style advisor and serving on the jury of Drag Race Italia.
On the personal front, Anna's relationship with her ex-husband—whom she married for merely one month in 1996—has been quite public. Her former spouse expressed frustration over her extensive clothing collection, leading to their split. Reflecting on their divorce, Anna humorously remarked, “there was no space for him, especially not in my closet.” On the day of their separation, she even wore a Balenciaga ensemble, showcasing her unwavering dedication to fashion.
Today, Anna shares her life with Angelo Gioia, her long-time partner, also hailing from Puglia. The couple has known each other since childhood, and their relationship has blossomed later in life. They currently reside together in her spacious villa located in Cisternino, situated within the beautiful Valle d’Itria.
Despite her fame and presence within the fashion community, Angelo maintains a low profile, allowing Anna to shine front and center. The couple often attends high-profile events within the fashion sphere, capturing public attention not only with their appearances but also through their mutual affection.
Anna once described her love for fashion as her primary commitment, saying, “I have never wanted children; my collaborators are my offspring.” This perspective embodies her passion for the fashion industry, as she builds her legacy with each collection and creative project.
Her wardrobe is nothing short of legendary, boasting over 4000 pieces of clothing and just as many pairs of shoes. To accommodate her extensive collection, Anna has invested in purchasing another apartment next door to her main residence—transforming it entirely for her clothing, complete with assistance and organized cataloging.
Her meteoric rise and passionate pursuit of fashion have made Anna Dello Russo one of the most recognizable figures within the industry. Recently, she was featured as a fashion commentator during the Dopofestival at the Sanremo Music Festival 2025, solidifying her status as not just a fashion editor but also as an entertaining personality.
With her distinct style and indomitable spirit, Anna continues to inspire both fans and newcomers to the world of fashion, proving her adage: fashion is less about the clothes and more about the attitude behind them. On March 1, 2025, fans will get another glimpse of Anna’s world and insights during her appearance on Verissimo.
Her story is not just about glamorous attire, nor is it solely circumscribed by her professional achievements. It's also about the relationships she has navigated, the moments of laughter amid criticism, and her unwavering determination to follow her dreams. Indeed, Anna Dello Russo remains not only a figure of authority within fashion but an enduring inspiration to many.