From the bustling kitchens of luxury hotels to the runways of the world’s fashion capitals, Paula has built a career that merges taste, style, and storytelling into one seamless journey. As a creative entrepreneur, she’s worn many hats—model, tastemaker, brand founder—and now she’s reshaping how we experience food, fashion, and lifestyle in a way that feels both glamorous and deeply authentic. In this candid conversation, Paula opens up about her unconventional childhood, the lessons she’s learned from culinary and couture masters, and her vision for blending sustainability with style.
Paula, can you tell us a little about your childhood and what it was like growing up around hotels and restaurants?
I can’t remember a time I wasn’t on the move. The road, the runways, and the hotel lobbies—they’ve all been as familiar to me as home. In fact, hotels were often my second home. Family time wasn’t spent around a kitchen table—it was spent around a restaurant table. Over time, those restaurants became more than just places to eat. They became communities, filled with characters and stories that stuck with me. That’s where my love affair with restaurants began—not just as a diner, but as someone who saw and understood the craft and the magic behind the scenes.
How did those early experiences shape your love for food and fashion?
I was a curious, precocious kid with an appetite not just for food, but for the stories that came with it. I’d roam the halls of Cipriani, asking questions, soaking up everything. But alongside that, there was always fashion. Maybe it was the cities I was in—places where even walking past a boutique window felt like stepping into a gallery. I was raised to dress for dinner, and that habit never left me. The clothes were as much a part of the evening as the food. That’s where the idea of merging food and fashion began—two different expressions of culture, identity, and creativity that have always felt connected in my world.
You’ve met so many talented chefs and designers. Is there a particular story or lesson from those encounters that really stayed with you?
Yes—so many. But the biggest takeaway is that this world demands everything from you. Whether you’re a chef or a designer, it’s about putting your soul into something, knowing it’s tough, knowing it’s competitive—but doing it anyway because it’s what you love. That kind of dedication and passion has always inspired me. I’ve had the privilege of watching these artists work up close, and it’s reminded me that the beauty in what we do often comes from the pressure, from the grind. That’s where the art happens.
Fashion and food are often seen as separate worlds. How do you bring these two passions together in your work?
To me, they’re both about storytelling and experience. Whether it’s plating a dish or styling an outfit, you’re telling a story, setting a mood, creating an emotional connection. I’ve always believed they belong together—an amazing meal deserves to be matched with a look that reflects the moment. That’s what I try to express through my work and my platforms: that style isn’t just what you wear, and food isn’t just what you eat. It’s how you live.
Social media plays a big role in your career. How has it changed the way you share your creative vision and connect with people?
Social media has become the ultimate creative outlet. It lets me merge all my passions—fashion, food, design, travel—into one cohesive story. It’s no longer just about showing people what you’re doing; it’s about building a lifestyle, connecting with a global audience, and inspiring meaningful conversations. I love that I can share something as simple as a recipe or as bold as a fashion statement and connect with people who resonate with the values behind it.
As Creative Director of Fattimiei, what message or lifestyle do you want the brand to communicate to its customers?
Fattimiei is for people who live fully, who are always on the go, but never want to sacrifice comfort or style. It’s sporty, versatile, and effortlessly chic—clothing that takes you from the gym or beach to dinner without missing a beat. It’s about quality, accessibility, and confidence. We’re creating pieces that reflect movement, joy, and real life. Fattimiei is for everyone—and we’re proud of that.
Your new line of eco-friendly scooters, Vita, is a fresh venture. What inspired you to combine sustainability with style in this project?
Vita was born from a love of classic Italian design and a commitment to modern sustainability. It’s inspired by La Dolce Vita—that elegant, romantic, effortless sense of style Italy is known for—but reimagined for today’s world. These electric scooters aren’t just practical; they’re a lifestyle statement. Each one is individually numbered, comes with custom accessories, and grants access to an exclusive club with curated events and experiences. It’s about elevating everyday mobility while honoring the environment and celebrating good design.
Running multiple creative projects and building a culinary and lifestyle empire must be demanding. What motivates you to keep going through the challenges?
This is the life I dreamed of—the movement, the creativity, the connection. Sure, it’s long hours and constant hustle, but I live for it. The people I meet, the stories I get to tell, the places I get to build—they all fuel me. I’ve always believed that the privilege of doing what you love comes with the responsibility to do it well and to do it with purpose. I’m building not just businesses, but experiences that reflect the values I care about: quality, sustainability, and authenticity. That’s what keeps me going.
CREDIT TEAMS:
Model: Paula Fullerton @paulainmarbella
Photography & Art Director: @bondliden
Dress: @baobab
Shoes: @loefflerrandall
Glasses: @bartonperreira
Bag: @staud.clothing
Location: @nidoestepona
