The aroma of coffee mingles with the nervous murmur of models, and I watch a woman who, just twenty years ago, was operating a sewing machine in a small workshop in Bologna.
Today, Elisabetta Franchi has over 100 boutiques around the world. Her Instagram profile is followed by several million women. But you know what fascinates me most? It’s not the numbers.
It’s the fact that she truly did it her own way. At a time when most brands are owned by huge corporations, Franchi still keeps her hands firmly on the wheel. And she’s not afraid to speak her mind—even if it sometimes stirs up a storm.
Who is Elisabetta Franchi? – from dreams to the runways of Milan
In 2025, her story feels more relevant than ever. Women are searching for authenticity. We want to know who is behind the brands we buy. We crave real stories, not polished marketing fairy tales.
And Elisabetta’s story is exactly that—a genuine tale. Full of ups and downs. Mistakes and triumphs.
I’ll be honest—at first, I didn’t know what to think of her. On one hand, her clothes are beautiful; on the other, some of her statements spark controversy. But maybe that’s the point? That she doesn’t pretend to be someone she’s not.
In this story, you’ll find four threads that reveal who Elisabetta Franchi truly is. First, her biography—from a childhood in the provinces to international success. Then, the DNA of her brand —what makes her designs instantly recognizable. Next, the controversies that surround her and that she sometimes provokes herself. And finally, the lessons each of us can take from her journey.
Because whether you love her or can’t stand her, one thing is certain— Elisabetta Franchi is a woman who has always done things her own way.
But let’s start at the beginning. Who was that twenty-year-old who decided to conquer the fashion world?
Beginnings and the road to a fashion empire
I’ve always been fascinated by how someone can start from scratch and build something remarkable. Elisabetta Franchi is a perfect example of this.
Her story begins very humbly. As a child, she had no access to formal fashion education. Everything she knew about sewing, she taught herself. I remember reading an interview where she talked about crocheting clothes for her Barbie dolls. It might sound funny, but that’s exactly how it all started. Those little dresses were her very first designs.
The real path to her empire, however, began much later. Here are the key milestones:
• 1996 – The founding of Celyn B. This was her first serious step in the fashion business.
• 1998 – The creation of Betty Blue S.p.A. The company started to gain momentum.
• 2012 – Major rebranding. The brand was renamed Elisabetta Franchi.
• 20.02.2013 – Debut at Milan Fashion Week. A date that changed everything.
The numbers speak for themselves. From a small company employing five women, it has grown into a business with 200-300 employees today. Revenue? Between 50 and 100 million euros a year. That’s no accident.
What strikes me most about this story is her determination. Elisabetta didn’t have an easy start, but she never gave up. Every step was deliberate, every decision had a purpose. Maybe she made mistakes along the way—who doesn’t?—but she always moved forward.
Her motivation seems simple: she wanted to create something of her own. She wasn’t content to just be an observer in the world of fashion. She took matters into her own hands and consistently built her position. From doll clothes to runways in Milan—it’s truly an impressive journey.
But what really makes the Elisabetta Franchi brand stand out on the market? What values and products define its DNA?
Elisabetta Franchi brand DNA – style, products, key figures
Elisabetta Franchi is a brand with a distinctive DNA—you can recognize it from afar. Whenever I see her designs, I immediately know they’re hers.
Have you ever wondered what makes some brands so instantly recognizable? For Elisabetta Franchi, it comes down to three main things: butterfly motifs, asymmetrical cuts, and gold hardware. These elements are woven throughout all of her designs.
| DNA feature | Benefit for the client |
|---|---|
| Butterfly motif | It symbolizes transformation and femininity |
| Asymmetrical cuts | They accentuate the silhouette and add character |
| Gold hardware | They add a luxurious touch and durability |
The product portfolio is truly extensive—they mention over 1,000 SKUs per season, which sounds impressive. Dresses range from €200 to €500, while bags start at €300. Heels? Always between 5 and 10 cm—that’s a signature of the brand.
The prices might seem high, but the quality matches them. I remember the first time I held her bag —you could immediately feel the difference in craftsmanship.
What surprised me was their approach to sustainable production. The brand is committed to “Made in Italy” and increasingly uses eco-friendly materials:
- Organic cotton
- Vegan leather
- Low-waste technologies
To be honest, I didn’t expect this kind of approach from a brand mainly associated with glamour. But it shows that even luxury companies have to think about the environment.
Elisabetta Franchi builds its image on specific, recognizable elements, but like any brand in the fashion industry, it also has to deal with various opinions about itself.
After all, an image is not just about products, but also the way a brand communicates and the reactions it evokes.
Highs and lows – controversies and public image
I didn’t expect that such a statement could cause such an uproar. Or maybe I should have seen it coming.
In 2022, during an interview, Elisabetta Franchi said: “I hire women over 40 because they won’t get pregnant anymore and won’t have issues with motherhood.” It sounds terrible when quoted directly like that. But was it really about discrimination?
Things moved quickly. In June 2024, a court fined the designer 5,000 euros and ordered her to complete anti-discrimination training. It was a clear signal—such statements do not go without consequences.
| Arguments for | Arguments against |
|---|---|
| 80% of the company’s employees are women | The statement discriminates against young mothers |
| Long-term employment of women in managerial positions | Stereotypical thinking about women |
| Possible miscommunication rather than actual beliefs | The harmful impact on the debate about motherhood in the workplace |
The truth lies somewhere in the middle, as it often does. On one hand, her company does indeed employ mostly women. On the other—the way she expressed it was simply unfortunate.
Social media exploded. Young women in particular felt offended by this attitude. And it’s hard to blame them—no one wants to be seen solely through the lens of potential motherhood.
This whole situation showed just how quickly a reputation can be destroyed by a single thoughtless statement.
The Elisabetta Franchi brand survived this crisis, but the scars remain. Some clients turned away from the brand, while others came to its defense. The discussion about women in business took on a new dimension.
Interestingly, this controversy has sparked a broader debate about the real challenges women face in the workplace. Perhaps this was an unintended, yet positive, outcome of the entire situation.
What’s next? Lessons and inspiration for women in business
I won’t hide it – this story shows there’s no single recipe for business success. But there are certain patterns I notice among women who truly break through the glass ceiling.
Looking ahead, I see tremendous opportunities for women in business. Asia is opening up to European brands, sustainability is no longer just a trend but a necessity, and collaborations between brands are creating entirely new product categories. All of this presents opportunities for those ready to act fast.
Maybe it’s worth asking yourself—where am I in all of this? What do I truly want to build? Which values matter so much to me that I’d fight for them, even when things get tough?
It’s not about copying someone else’s formula. It’s about finding your own path and having the courage to follow it. It’s high time to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start building something of your own.
Nadia
fashion editor
Premium Journalist
