After nearly five years of sponsorship, I finally managed to go out to Italy with my mum, Alex, to meet the Animo team this week. How I wish I’d done it sooner! Their headquarters were absolutely amazing, and I had the best time meeting everyone and seeing how they make all the designs come to life.
We arrived on Wednesday night and met the Sponsorship and Events manager, Federico Crestani, who took us for dinner at the on-site restaurant. Run by Marco Vriz, son of Animo founder Alberto, Il Recupero was one of the best restaurants I have been to. We had a really fun evening with delicious food and excellent wine. Marco has clearly inherited Alberto’s drive and passion. It was certainly a great introduction to life at Animo!
The next morning, Federico took us on a tour of Animo HQ. The whole building was just amazing, and every room tied into Alberto’s Animo vision. Everywhere was just so cool. I don’t know how they manage to pull off the tricky combination of an industrial style that somehow manages to feel welcoming. Even the edges of the tiles on the outside steps had engraved Animo logos!
It was great to meet everyone who works so hard to make Alberto’s vision reality. Seeing the drawings of new designs in one room, then meeting the seamstresses making all the jackets by hand in another room really hammered home the attention to detail that makes Animo clothing a cut above the rest. I had a sneak peek at this year’s Autumn/Winter collection, and I can safely say that there is a lot to look forward to!
After getting measured up for some new bespoke pieces (to be revealed when they arrive!), we picked up some very smart branded rugs for Freya. A quick but delicious lunch in Il Recupero followed, before we said goodbye and headed over to nearby Venice for a bit of sightseeing.
I have always been a real believer in the Animo brand, and I am so happy that I have now seen the team in action. They have been loyal supporters for the last few years, through the highs and lows, and I can’t see myself ever wanting to ride in anything else. Not only do they, in my opinion, make the best riding clothes, but they have a real family feel to the team. The whole place is so inspiring, and I’m really glad I visited.
All that’s left to say is ‘thank you’ to Alberto, Federico, and the rest of the Animo team. It is such a fantastic brand, and I couldn’t be prouder to wear the logo and be an Animo ambassador. They really made me feel like part of the family, and I can’t wait to visit again. Until then, photos from the trip are in the gallery below.
E.x
