Publication:
Date:
August 22, 2021
Issue:
An Interview with NYC Luxury Realtor & Fashionista, Anna Alimani
We recently sat down with one of Manhattan’s luxury realtors who also happens to be a fashion cover model, Anna Alimani, to discuss her anticipated experience and style choices at the Cannes International Film Festival this year.
Was it your first time attending the Cannes Film Festival?
Yes, it was! Cannes has actually been on my bucket list since I was 15. I’ve always wanted to experience the splendor and glamor of the red carpet studded with celebrities in the majesty of the French Riviera.
How did you feel walking the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival?
Honestly, it was surreal! The fact that I got to bring my dream to reality really shifted something inside of me and my whole perspective on life, and how anything is attainable with strategy and tenacity. Being on the red carpet, experiencing the flashes of light streaming from the photographers’ cameras, the energy and the excitement of being “there” was beyond words!
Tell us your experience from start to finish.
Here we go! First off, this was a last minute decision to go at this time. I was mulling it over due to the current situation with Covid-19 and the distance that was to be traveled. Finally, after enough thought I just went for it! Getting to Cannes wasn’t easy as there are no direct flights to Nice, so I had to fly from JFK to Paris and then to Nice on a separate flight. Before that I also had an impulse to go grab a stunning dress, which took me four hours to find before my afternoon flight! It was last minute but I had it set in my mind to snag a dress and I made it happen! Adding to the intensity of this trip, I only had a one-hour layover In Paris. Since I was coming in from JFK, I had to pass customs and immigration, etc., all in one hour… I used my New York grit of cutting lines and rushing to accomplish getting to my gate! I barley made it! After that, I landed in Nice, and got situated. I was lucky to find hair and makeup artists last minute, as I landed on Friday and I was set to walk the red carpet the same day! After I had completed my “glamming,” as I call it, I set out to conquer the red carpet and cross off my bucket list item. As expected, the experience was amazing, and so was the movie we were shown that later followed, and after that I retired home to relax. The next day was more of a site-seeing escapade, as I took in the beauty of France. Happy and satisfied, I prepared for my flight the next day back to Manhattan and I feel like I accomplished an amazing goal in my life.
Wow! Sounds hectic, but congrats on such an accomplishment. What designers were you wearing? Can you describe your outfit?
My dress was Jovani, my clutch was YSL and I wore a Skeleton Audemars Piguet, one of my favorite pieces.
What celebrity do you think outdid herself in terms of fashion this year, at Cannes? Why?
Personally, I think the super model Frida Assen. She is the definition of elegance and beauty and she simply looked like a golden fairy on the red carpet.
Other than attending the film festival, did you have time to explore the city of Cannes?
I wouldn’t miss the chance! Of course! I tried the mandatory French baguette, all while taking a car to cruise up into the beautiful plush mountainous neighborhoods right by Cannes. Due to how short my trip was, as I am a busy real estate broker in New York, I didn’t get to see as much as I would’ve liked, but I definitely didn’t leave without getting some exploring in.
That’s great! What did you like the most about Cannes?
The energy, the environment, the magnificence and the sophisticated candor, and the edgy bougie attitude which fits my refined tastes formed from Beverly hills and living in New York’s prestigious Upper East Side.
What did you like the least?
The pace of which things are done! Living in New York I’m used to a MUCH faster pace! So learning to slow down and realize that the New York speed and effiency doesn’t apply there really tested my patience!
What was your favorite film presented at Cannes this year? Why?
I would say Deception. I love a classic hopeless flight of romance all coupled with psychological intrigue and mystique.
Do you have a go-to designer when it comes to evening gowns?
Most definitely! I love celebrity designer Valdrin Sahiti, however he is based in Europe, so getting a custom gown made and delivered takes some time and since this was a last minute decision to attend the Cannes Film Festival, I was unable to use his services.
