Startup Success: Wearable art makes fashion statement

March 26, 2019 7:23 am • Last Updated: March 26, 2019 7:25 am

By Emma Palzere-Rae, Special to The Times

photo submitted

Eleonora Ferragatta always loved art — and fashion. After over 20 years as a professional visual artist, she found a way to combine her passions.

Ferragatta’s career has seen success through licensing and selling reproductions of her art, which has been sold by HomeGoods and Art.com, for example.

A few years ago, she was approached by a company that wanted her artwork for fabric. This offer introduced Ferragatta to technology that prints paintings onto fabric.

This introduction to dye sublimation gave Ferragatta what she needed to decide to start her own clothing line, bringing wearable art to a new level. Ferragatta’s collections range from stylish leggings, skirts and blouses to flowing kimonos, scarves and dramatic floor-length dresses.

Her product offerings also include elegant men’s ties, handmade in London, that coordinate with the women’s line for special occasions.

As she was developing the business, she heard about and applied to the Brooklyn Fashion Incubator in New York. As a fashion entrepreneur, Ferragatta received individually focused mentoring from BFI’s Executive Director Maria Barraza, on overall business development and to achieve the next level of growth.

It was being in the incubator that led to Ferragatta’s participation in Brooklyn Fashion Week in October 2017, launching her line at the industry’s major event.

Throughout this journey, Ferragatta remains committed to her principles: that her clothing make women feel beautiful and comfortable; and that production be sustainable and eco-friendly. Additionally, all items are custom ordered and handcrafted.

As the mother of three children ages 19, 16 and 10, Ferragatta is grateful for her family’s love and support, which have helped her get this far. Ferragatta also feels that it is a privilege to be able to share her art in this way.

“My mission is to lead and inspire a more thoughtful and unique way to be fashionable; to create elegant, high quality, wearable art pieces for all women who enjoy developing their own personal style and unique looks that make lasting impressions,” she said.

To visit Ferragatta’s showroom in Stonington, call Diane Trone, master stylist for an appointment at (860) 912-1566.

Emma Palzere-Rae is the interim director for Thames River Innovation Place. If you are an entrepreneur looking for support, please visit IgniteThamesRiver.org for information on events, programs and resources.