Haute Secrets: Away’s Lead Photographer Vanessa Granda on Success in New York

It seems like everywhere you turn these days, there’s a chic ad for Away’s futuristic luggage. The stylish brand, co-founded by Warby Parker alums Jen Rubio and Steph Korey, market to a generation that values functionality and design, and are changing the way people travel. Vanessa Granda, a Miami native and lead photographer for Away, is the creative behind those ads you’ve seen for the brand all around the city: from the subways to magazines to telephone booths. She reveals the secret to her success, her favorite hangs in the city, and more.

How long have you been in New York?

2 1/2 years.

Favorite New York neighborhood:

Lower East Side

Favorite New York memory:

Running to get ice cream in a blizzard

Favorite neighborhood shops:

The plant shop on Eldridge and Grand, Sincerely Tommy, Tictail.

Best French restaurant:

Rebelle

Favorite New York dessert:

Good ol’ fashion cheesecake

Favorite spot for cocktails:

Apotheke

The wine you order most:

The dryest white wine in stock

Favorite clothing brand:

Hyke

Favorite art gallery:

David Zwirner never dissapoints

Favorite Sunday pastime:

Vintage furniture (window) shopping

 Last high-end purchase:

Alexander Wang Roxy Bucket bag in patent red

Favorite historic/legendary New York place to see or explore:

The Loews Canal Street Theatre

Describe New York in three words:

Elusive, Fast, Fresh

What is the secret to your success?

Espresso