Chiara Ferragni: Blogger, Businesswoman, and Fashion Icon
Biography:
Birth:
Chiara Ferragni was born on May 7, 1987, in Cremona, Italy.
Family:
She is the oldest of three daughters. Her father is a dentist, and her mother, Marina Di Guardo, is an Italian writer and former deputy director of the Blumarine fashion house.
Early Career:
Modeling:
Started her modeling career at the age of 16 when she was hired by the Beatrice model agency in Milan.
Blog “The Blonde Salad”:
Launched her fashion blog “The Blonde Salad” in October 2009 with Riccardo Pozzoli, her ex-boyfriend.
Recognition:
Profiled as the Blogger of the Moment in Teen Vogue in December 2011.
Entrepreneurship:
Collaborated with Steve Madden for a shoe collection in December 2013. Her business ventures, including Chiara Ferragni Collection, grossed about $8 million in 2014.
Achievements and Recognition:
Harvard Business School Case Study:
Her blog and shoe line became a case study at Harvard Business School in January 2015.
Vogue Cover:
Featured on the cover of Vogue España in April 2015, becoming the first fashion blogger to appear on any Vogue cover.
Pantene Ambassador:
Announced as Pantene’s new global ambassador in January 2016.
Barbie Version:
Mattel created a Barbie version of Ferragni in September 2016.
Social Media Influence:
Instagram Following:
As of July 2017, had 10 million followers on Instagram.
Social Media Activism:
Used her social media influence to campaign against the far-right party in Italy.
Business Ventures:
Chiara Ferragni Collection Store:
Opened her first Chiara Ferragni Collection store in Milan in July 2017.
Fundraiser during COVID-19:
Raised €3 million in 24 hours through a fundraiser to support the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan during the COVID-19 pandemic in June 2020.
Board of Directors:
Joined the Board of Directors of Tod’s Group in April 2021.
Nespresso Collaboration:
Unveiled the Nespresso × Chiara Ferragni collection in May 2021.
Recent Ventures:
Fined by Italian Competition Authority:
In December 2023, Ferragni and her companies were fined €1.075 million for unfair and misleading commercial practices related to a charity initiative with Italian food company Balocco in 2022.
Charity Controversy:
The partnership claimed to fund bone cancer research at the Regina Margherita hospital, but the antitrust authority found no actual donations from the retail price.
Response to Controversy:
Government Criticism:
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized those profiting from misleading charity claims, indirectly referring to Ferragni.
Chiara Ferragni’s journey from a model and blogger to a successful businesswoman and influencer has been marked by numerous achievements, recognitions, and controversies. Her impact extends beyond the fashion industry to social activism and business ventures.