Elisabetta Franchi debuts in bridalwear with Pronovias

The relaunch of Italian women’s ready-to-wear label Elisabetta Franchi continues. The label has announced it will debut in the wedding and occasionwear segment by joining forces with Spanish bridalwear giant Pronovias. As the eponymous designer and entrepreneur herself told FashionNetwork.com, the licence deal with Pronovias has been initiated this year, and the first Elisabetta Franchi bridal collection will be available in the second half of the year.

The collection’s looks combine the signature style of Pronovias with the contemporary sophistication and craftsmanship typical of Elisabetta Franchi, and are the result of a shared vision of trends, materials and volumes, plus a common commitment to quality.

“I have always dressed my customers for their big occasions, making them feel beautiful and confident. I’m happy that this new line will give the label the chance to be at their side on such a special day too,” said Franchi.

The introduction of a bridal line is an integral part of Elisabetta Franchi’s relaunch plan, which was sparked by the arrival of a new CEO, Gabriele Maggio, at the start of 2024. This was followed by the entrance of former Gucci boss Marco Bizzarri, who recently bought a stake in Elisabetta Franchi and was named president.

Elisabetta Franchi has been based in Bologna since 2008, and opened a showroom in Milan in 2013. In 2023, the label recorded revenue of €70 million, with an EBIT margin of 31.8%. It is present in 78 countries and currently operates some 85 monobrand stores.

After being sold by BC Partners to Bain Capital and MV Credit, Pronovias too has set off on a fresh course, appointing a new CEO, Marc Calabia, and a new creative director, Anna Ramirez.

The collaboration with Elisabetta Franchi is “set to raise the standards of bridal fashion by offering a unique experience to brides all over the world, as well as the opportunity of wearing avant-garde, innovative wedding dresses. The collaboration also shows how important the Italian market is for Pronovias. The synergy between Pronovias and Elisabetta Franchi is a new milestone for the sector, showcasing both companies’ commitment to innovation, quality and craftsmanship,” said Calabia.

Besides Pronovias, the group also owns Nicole Milano and the Atelier Pronovias luxury line, and is also the licensee for Vera Wang Bride and Marchesa. Its products are commercialised in over 100 countries, via 4,000 multibrand retailers and 92 Pronovias and Nicole stores in major cities like New York, London, Milan and Paris.