What is the best thing that I love about my work? What i love the most about my work is that it is creative, deals with colors, shapes and form. I get to communicate with people and feelings in my work as a decorator, stylist, presenter and also sales advisor. I feel happy going to work every day and look forward to it – that is a beautiful feeling!

What is my idea of perfect happiness? Perfect happiness it difficult to define but for me it is a sense of balance in my life that things flow and feel natural. The work, family and personal fulfillment combination is never easy in the modern world… but happiness to me is to have the luxury to choose in both small and large quantities! Love and health bring a lot of happiness too! Let’s not forget travel and adventure… something I seem to have made a lifestyle out of – pure joy to me…

What is my greatest fear? My greatest fear is to lose myself to the ordinary, to give up kind of thing and live a soulless life… I speak five languages and a fear would be to wake up one day and they were all lost – as I communicate daily in three languages it is an important factor in my life!

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? At times my impulsiveness which can be an asset in the right time and place or a headache to pick up after at other times!

Which living persons in my profession do i most admire? Since I like creative

What is my greatest extravagance? This is a matter of opinion I guess but sitting at the Sofitel in Rio de Janerio drinking Caipirinha is up there. Going in a Limousine from Los Angels to Palm Springs felt super extravagant. In terms of style it is my collection of Tod shoes, Hermes bracelets, Vintage jacket from YSL and my Chanel collection (small but precious to me)

On what occasion would I lie? In absolute life emergencies

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? Working when everyone else is on holiday! Not always having secure income as some of it is freelance work. A price to pay for passion at times…

When and where was I the happiest, in my work? When I worked in Editing for the Australian Journal of International Affairs at Griffith University in Australia and also at a wonderful Brisbane based designer brand Tenghdahl – that is when I worked out that I loved doing both of those jobs part time as it suited my personality perfectly. Writing, editing and words – fashion, style and people. I was also lucky to have two wonderful mentors in both jobs that developed me greatly in both professions.

If I could, what would I change about myself? I am very happy with myself but I could certainly improve my technical attitude!

What is my greatest achievement in work? Working for Chanel as a RTW Specialist and becoming a Decorator. Also I am very proud to be the presenter at the Västerås International Film Festival for three years running – it turns out that I don’t have stage fear or get too nervous doing live interviews!

Where would I most like to live? Buenos Aires, Paris or Hamburg

What is my most treasured possession? My Virgin Mary necklace from Paraguay. (Also, my twin boys but they are not my possession of course!)

What is my most marked characteristic? Energy and humor

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? In my city Västerås it is the by the lake Mälaren – it is pure joy to wander by the shore and feel nature.

What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city? Global Living is a place I like to visit with friends, alone or bring visitors from abroad. I like the prawn sandwich they make. For a drink a great atmosphere it is Steam Hotel – very cool place!

What books influenced my life and how? Quite a few actually but the first one that comes to mind if Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky – a book that had a big impact on me as it opened the door to the human dilemmas and ethics. On a trip to Leningrad in my late teenage years I even joined a Dostoyevsky tour for the day! Graham Green’s Travel with my Aunt has also impacted me a lot as it was adventurous, witty and used the English language in a magic way. I have read it a few times and the last time was when I lived in Paraguay and the book ends in Paraguay so it felt even more special…. A lot of people have told me I should write a book about my life, maybe one day – if so it would have to be my favorite book of memories, stories, meetings and life!

Who are my favorite writers? Albert Camus, Karin Boye, Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy, Graham Greene and many more

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? Sade or Vivaldi

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? Pippi Långstrump

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? A lot of people as I feel lucky to know a lot of inspiring souls – one being my very supportive mother who knows me inside out. The photographer Geoffrey Clifford whom I have worked with for many years as a photographic assistant – he is my hero in many ways and taught me a lot about photography, life, philosophy, advertising, fashion etc during all our travels.

Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime? War and Peace by Tolstoy – that is when I discovered Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrow, I remember watching it over and over as a young teenage girls

What role plays art in my life and work? Art plays a huge part – I get a lot of inspiration from all types of art, it makes me think, question and see things in a new way. Shapes, colour combinations and forms are part of my work during the entire year.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? My twin boys and I are very close; they support most of my professional and personal ideas, adventures and curiosity. We have lived together on three different continents and supported each other during international moves which are not always easy. Also, my dearest cousin Sara who is very similar to me – she is my strong supporter!

Whom would I like to work with in 2018? 2018 I would like to work with Lars Wallin or Nuno Gama on some interesting projects, as well as attending Milano Design Week.

Which people in my profession would i love to meet in 2018? Would love to meet Cate Blanchett and Tilda Swinton for both films and fashion. Two actresses and women I adore!

What project, in 2018, am I looking forward to work on? I am looking forward to working with a Swedish design and furniture brand called Articles in February 2018 at the Stockholm Furniture and Light Fair; it is a great event and a wonderful company to work with. This year we are also branching out to Stockholm Design Week and a gallery event that will be a great collaboration. The Västerås International Film Festival is growing and becoming bigger each year, this year I am very much looking forward to presenting the Festival on a new stage and meeting people from all over the world again. Also to see a large amount of short and long feature films of the more independent kind – then lead discussions after as it is a wonderful and very inspirational time to hear the directors and audiences viewpoints!

Where can you see me or my work in 2018? You can see my decorating at the Florist where I work combing new colour schemes for spring and getting inspiration for new bouquets. In February I will be at the Stockholm Furniture and Light Fair representing a Swedish brand named Articles. On a personal note you can see me in Morocco in March celebrating an Italian friend’s birthday with a group of female friends. You will find me working on the Västerås International Film Festival from about August doing PR and organizing before the Grand Gala Event. That is what is confirmed for this new exciting year but I am open for other fun or challenging ideas too!

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? “Passion never retires” to me it is like my motto of life – do what you do with a sense of joy, with curiosity, don’t stop despite age or challenges. Passion is a way of being and meeting other passionate people is so inspiring – those who follow their dreams, their visions despite failing, despite all the practical and emotional hurdles. Passion is life to me. It also means taking risks… best to get in there and live it – not just watching from the sideline!

Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story? Ask a wonderful creative friend Melissa Skirboll from New York – she is impressive!

How can you contact me? You are welcome to contact me on Facebook or by email: annalinneaws@gmail.com