Elisabetta Franchi

Mixing elegance with functionality, minimalism, seduction and consciousness, Italian fashion designer Elisabetta Franchi has rewritten the rules of prêt-à-porter. She created the fashion company Betty Blue SpA in 1998 to establish a fashion culture that includes and inspires women, while promoting quality Italian craftsmanship. A staunch advocate for animal rights, Elisabetta ensures the company does not use animal fur, real feathers or angora wool in its collections. The brand is also leading the industry to evolve from fast to sustainable fashion, using eco-friendly materials in its designs.    

Elisabetta’s commitment to high-quality, cruelty-free and sustainable fashion has brought her clothes, accessories, bags and shoes to the attention of a discerning global clientele. Betty Blue now has over 1,100 multi-brand stores and 87 flagship boutiques in fashion meccas around the world, including Paris, Milan, Madrid and Dubai.    

With Elisabetta every step of the way has been her childhood doll and the brand’s namesake, Betty. As a child of very modest means, Elisabetta would dress her only doll with any scraps she could find. This childhood delight sparked her dream of becoming a fashion designer and dressing the women of the world. Today, the Betty Doll is sold in all her boutiques and is a constant reminder of her humble beginnings.    

Elisabetta’s future ambitions for Betty Blue include providing opportunities for young talent to enter the fashion world through the business. She also plans to continue prioritizing ethical and sustainable fabric innovation while supporting animal rights initiatives through her Elisabetta Franchi Foundation.

Back to the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Class of 2022