By Alexandra Anastasio

featured photography by CHIARA BONI

Known for her timeless and elegant designs, Chiara Boni is one of the most successful Italian designers and fashion entrepreneurs. From the beautiful designs, bold colors, and sheer comfort—thanks in part to the eco-friendly stretch fabrics—it’s no surprise Chiara is an icon of style and a trusted name in the fashion industry.

From red carpets to TV appearances, her designs have been worn by some of the biggest names on television. “Dressing Oprah Winfrey was a moment of immense pride for me,” says Chiara. “She is an opinion leader, confident, and one of the most influential women.”

Born and raised in Florence, Italy, Chiara’s love of fashion began as a child. Visiting the French ateliers with her mother had a profound effect on her, and in 1971, she opened her first boutique, You Tarzan Me Jane.

For a young girl who dreamed of one day becoming a fairy with the ability to transform everything she touched into beauty and goodness, Chiara has accomplished that dream with the designs she creates.

BELLA caught up with the stunning designer to learn more about her entrepreneurial journey, her commitment to creating sustainability in her designs, and of course, talk about all things fashion!

In what ways does fashion inspire you?

Fashion’s colors, shapes, lightness, and fluidity inspire me; through it, I can understand the current zeitgeist.

Creativity requires continuous inspiration. What unexpected sources of inspiration have influenced your designs in surprising ways?

My sources of inspiration are many: art, culture, harmony, and the ability to observe. Sometimes a small movement caught from the corner of the eye or small gestures made by strangers turns into shapes. I believe that most new creations come from past ideas, renewed in their shapes.

Your designs are known for their sophistication and elegance. How do you balance creating timeless pieces while staying innovative in the ever-changing fashion world?

I create a perfect balance between a continuous look to the future and my timeless, classic style.

From sketch to runway, what is your creative process like?

The process that leads to the creation of a dress, from the first sketch to the runway, consists of a variety of important steps. The most important one for me is when the sketch is shared with the pattern maker who interprets it and creates the first sample.

This step is fundamental because for every sketch there can be endless interpretations, like music notes for a musician. At the end of the creative process when the entire collection is ready, I present a story made of the dresses that have touched my heart.

As we approach Fall Fashion Week, can you share a bit about your upcoming fall collection?

My Fall/Winter 2024 collection draws inspiration from Helmut Newton’s sharp and sensual images of “victorious women.” It features impeccable silhouettes and a concise color palette mainly focused on black and illuminated by touches of winter white and azalea, enhancing the precision of the shapes and putting seduction in the spotlight.

As an entrepreneur and creative mind, what are some challenges you’ve faced in building and growing your brand, and how did you overcome them?

Establishing Chiara Boni La Petite Robe wasn’t easy. It is the culmination of many years of research into the use of stretch fabrics and a long career in the fashion industry.

For many years I had a great, prosperous relationship with Gruppo Finanziario Tessile, using the brand name Chiara Boni, until I eventually reacquired my name from them in 2003. I knew that to re-enter the market I would have to find a unique idea and be able to manage it on my own. Finally, in 2007, I launched Chiara Boni La Petite Robe.

As an entrepreneur and creative mind, what are some challenges you’ve faced in building and growing your brand, and how did you overcome them?

Establishing Chiara Boni La Petite Robe wasn’t easy. It is the culmination of many years of research into the use of stretch fabrics and a long career in the fashion industry.

For many years I had a great, prosperous relationship with Gruppo Finanziario Tessile, using the brand name Chiara Boni, until I eventually reacquired my name from them in 2003. I knew that to re-enter the market I would have to find a unique idea and be able to manage it on my own. Finally, in 2007, I launched Chiara Boni La Petite Robe.

Your brand emphasizes sustainability, and you became the first Italian womenswear company to obtain the PEF (Product Environmental Footprint) European certification. Can you share more about PEF and the steps you’ve taken to incorporate eco-friendly practices into your design process?

I take pride in being the first Italian designer to obtain the PEF certification for Chiara La Petite Robe. Obtaining this certification was quite simple for us, as we have been committed to sustainable production methodologies for years.

Our supply chain is very short, localized between Piedmont and Tuscany, proudly 100% made in Italy while using primarily one fabric, making it easier to trace. Still, there is always room for improvement, and we are studying how to upcycle our fabric scraps as well.

Fashion can play a role in empowering individuals. How do you aim to empower and inspire the women who wear your designs?

The women who wear my dresses are powerful and confident. It’s a matter of a strong attitude and my dresses emphasize it.

Fashion possesses the remarkable potential to drive positive transformation. Are there particular social or philanthropic causes that hold a special place in your heart? How do you foresee your brand making a meaningful contribution to these causes?

There are many social causes close to my heart, and in my own small way, I try to do my best to contribute to them. In particular, the ones I support most frequently are those that accompany women in the fight against breast cancer.

What advice would you give aspiring designers looking to make their mark in the industry?

The most important advice I offer aspiring designers is to remain humble and learn from everyone. Even after over 50 years in the industry, I continue to discover and learn every day.