Loves of My Life: Naomi Schiff

The best interviews are often the most personal. In Loves of My Life, we get to know the person behind their craft, asking them the important questions we're desperate to know—the restaurants and date-night spots, what's in their Saved folder on Instagram, the piece of jewellery they're most attached to and what's lurking at the bottom of their handbag. In short, these are the true loves of their life.

Next up is Naomi Schiff. As a former racing driver, Naomi brings her first-hand expertise to her work as a Sky Sports presenter, F1 analyst and ambassador of the sport, and doing it all in style. Born in Belgium and raised in South Africa, Naomi first hit the track at the tender age of 11 years old. What started as a hobby developed into a passion and quickly became a career. By the time Naomi turned 14, she was selected to represent South Africa in the world championships making her the first woman of colour to ever compete in the event.

In 2019, Naomi was selected to participate in the inaugural W Series, a groundbreaking championship aimed at empowering women in motorsports. Naomi's inclusion in the W Series affirmed her status as a top-tier driver and allowed her to compete against the best female racers in the world. In 2020, Naomi hung up her racing helmet. Having been so inspired by the impact of W Series on women, Naomi spent the year working as a diversity and inclusion ambassador for the series, hoping to inspire more women to get involved in motorsport.

With her remarkable achievements in the W-series on the racetrack and her successful career as a presenter and analyst, Naomi has emerged as an influential figure and a role model for aspiring female racers across the globe. Her success on the racing track, combined with her role as a presenter and advocate for inclusion in motorsports, positions her as a leading figure in the industry who is pivotal in the beginning of a new perspective on a world-class sport. In 2023, Schiff became the first-ever female ambassador of Formula One.

What’s your #1 restaurant to visit in the whole world? And what would you order?

La Colombe Restaurant in Cape Town, for the the set menu wine pairing.

What dish do you make when you want to impress?

I hardly call myself a chef butI would still my sister’s chicken thighs with pomegranate molasses.

What’s your takeaway of choice?

A Burger. PNY Paris is my favourite and I order 'The Classic'.

Is there anything in your home that you’re particularly sentimental about?

All my race suits and helmets.

What would we always find lurking in the bottom of your handbag?

Compeed plasters, lipbalm and a silk hair bonnet.

Who is the person/who are the people who fill up your proverbial cup?

My husband.

If you could only holiday in one place for the rest of your life, where would it be?

South Africa.

Do you have an item of jewellery that holds a lot of meaning?

This would be my engagement ring, and also a necklace that my mother-in-law kindly gifted me on our wedding day morning. I haven’t taken it off since.

In your spare time, what do you love to do?

Not that I have much as the schedule is tight when the season starts, so for me it’s rest and recuperation, as well as a coffee with my girl, Jasmin!

Do you have a secret date-night spot?

Champs De Mars, and a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower!

Which item of clothing would you never ever part with? And why?

It would have to be my wedding dress, it holds so many unforgettable moments and cherished memories.

What’s your most-played on Spotify?

'I Adore You' by Arash, Hugel, and Topic.

If we were to look in your saved folder on IG now, what would we find?

Lots of parenting hacks.

Favourite city for fun?

Ibiza.

Favourite item to pack when you go on holiday?

For me I will always have a silk pillow case, SPF, a good blush and sandals.

You’re making a playlist of your life, which 3 artists/ songs will feature the most?

‘Crazy in Love’, by Beyoncé; ‘Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood’ by Nina Simone; ‘She's Only Happy in the Sun’ by Ben Harper.

What’s the beauty product you can’t live without?

Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Hydrator Mist.

What’s comfort food to you? / What’s your go-to comfort food?

For me it’s always something that feels a little naughty but also still feels like you’re doing something right for your body, so it would a chicken caesar salad with fries on the side.

When you were a teenager, what, if anything, was on your wall?

It was always covered in the F1 team posters.

Share a piece of advice that someone you love gave you that always stuck.

"You can’t catch the train if you're not at the station!"

What’s your favourite scent?

Versace Crystal Noir Eau De Toilette.

Do you collect anything, if so, what?

Every time I travel, I pick up a fridge magnet and I love finding ones that have an animal on them!

What’s your latest obsession?

Baby products, and at the top of my list is a stroller! I've been checking out a few different models. It really feels like the 'car' of the mum world.

You can only wear 3 brands for the rest of your life, what are they?

For basics, it has to be Adanola. For great tailoring (especially for a tall girl like me), The Frankie Shop is a go-to. Lastly, for fun pieces or a great two-piece set, GANNI never disappoints.

Coffee, tea, wine, cocktail—what’s your ultimate poison?

Of course, when I’m drinking again it would always be spicy margarita on the rocks, with no salt on the rim.

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?

Honestly? Procrastination. I somehow do my best work at the last minute… or so I tell myself!

Who is your professional hero?

I’d say Maya Jama. She is total inspiration and definitely a bit of a girl crush!

Who is/who are the love/s of your life?

Wow, that’s a tricky one, but definitely my hubby, my sister, my niece and nephew, and of course, my little one on the way.

SHOP NAOMI'S EDIT HERE: