Citizen Femme - Suitcase Series: Maria Leoni-Sceti
Maria Leoni-Sceti, our founder and creative director, recently spoke to Citizen Femme about her love of travel, her favourite trips and destinations and what she always has with her on the plane.
Interview as published by Citizen-femme.com on June 9, 2023.
Citizen Femme is a digital destination created for women by women who love to travel in style.
What is the first trip you remember taking?
The first trip I remember was actually the first time I flew on an airplane – when I was five. My older sister and I flew with our parents from Charleston to Florida and I still remember how exhilarating it all was. My mother made us matching dresses for the occasion from fabric she bought while in Hawaii; I felt so special and was so excited.
What’s been your most memorable trip and why?
My most memorable trip was my honeymoon when we discovered St. Barths. We had just moved to Paris and were able to get a great deal on a honeymoon package as the month of May is considered low season in the Caribbean. We were in our mid-twenties – pretty young to get married by today’s standards (!) – and it all seemed so grown-up and magical.
Where or what is your escape?
My escape is my yoga studio at home. It has windows facing the garden and a skylight which brings the outdoors in so it’s filled with light and is so peaceful. Meditating and doing my yoga practice there gives me a wonderful and balanced mindset for the day
If you could sit next to anyone on a flight – dead or alive – who would it be?
It would be Sonia Petroff! I only ever knew her as Auntie Sonia when she was alive and I had no idea how creative, amazing and cool she was until she passed away. I would love a chance to speak with her again now I have created the brand. The moral of the story is that we need to listen to elderly people’s stories – they often have had far more fascinating and colourful lives than meets the eye.
Maria's must-have travel picks from Sonia Petroff Collection
"Sonia Petroff lobster bag which is a small perfect evening bag and can also be used as a crossbody during the day. At least four different colours of our Sonia Petroff narrow lobster belts which are lightweight and easy to pack."
READ MARIA'S FULL INTERVIEW ON CITIZEN-FEMME.COM
