From Blog to Brand: How Chiara Ferragni Turned Blonde Salad Into Fashion Empire

Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates from Your Next Shoes. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure for more details.

It’s no secret that bloggers earn a lot of cha-ching, especially the widely followed ones. But one blogger has managed to transform herself into a brand: Chiara Ferragni (pronounced Kee-arah Fare-ah-nee) of The Blonde Salad.

Chiara Ferragni wears a Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini dress with Pomellato jewelry at the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar PartyChiara Ferragni wears a Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini dress with Pomellato jewelry at the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 9, 2020, in Beverly Hills, California (Credit: Sheri Determan / WENN)

Early Life and Rise to Fame

Chiara Ferragni, born May 1987 in Cremona, Italy, boasts a net worth of $10 million, stemming from her diverse career in modeling, her role as a Guess spokesperson, and her eponymous fashion brand. With Italian heritage and Sicilian roots from her mother’s side, Ferragni has established herself as a formidable force in the fashion industry.

Widely recognized under her blog and book title “The Blonde Salad,” she commenced her journey into fashion blogging in 2009, quickly gaining attention and accolades, including recognition from New York magazine as a major street-style star in 2011 and a profile in Teen Vogue as the Blogger of the Moment during her time at Bocconi University.

Chiara Ferragni shows off her size 9 (US) feetChiara Ferragni shows off her size 9 (US) feet (Credit: Sheri Determan / WENN)

Achievements and Collaborations

By the end of 2014, Ferragni had garnered nearly 3 million Instagram followers, a testament to her influence and reach within the digital fashion sphere.

Her contributions extend to publishing an Italian eBook, “The Blonde Salad,” in December 2013 and designing a shoe collection in collaboration with Steve Madden in the same year.

Ferragni’s collaborative efforts include prestigious brands such as Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Chanel, Max Mara, and Tommy Hilfiger, showcasing her versatility and appeal in the luxury fashion industry.

Six months after giving birth to Leone Lucia Ferragni, Chiara Ferragni wed Federico Lucia, known as Fedez, in Noto, Sicily on September 1, 2018Six months after giving birth to Leone Lucia Ferragni, Chiara Ferragni wed Federico Lucia, known as Fedez, in Noto, Sicily, on September 1, 2018 (Credit: Avalon / WENN)

Her television appearance as a guest judge on “Project Runway” in 2014 and her inclusion in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2015 further highlight her accomplishments and influence.

Notably, Ferragni broke new ground for fashion bloggers by being the first to appear on the cover of Vogue magazine in April 2015, cementing her status as a trailblazer in the fashion blogging community.

Entrepreneurial Ventures and Financial Success

In June 2023, Chiara Ferragni’s company, Fenice Srl, entered into a new business partnership, valuing the company at 75 million euros, with AVM Gestioni acquiring a 26% stake from Alchimia SpA, led by Paolo Barletta.

Before the sale, Alchimia, with shareholders including Nicola Bulgari, held a 40% stake. Ferragni’s Sisterhood held 32.5%, with the remainder split between N1 and Esuriens. This move followed Ferragni’s strategic decision to seek investment via BNP Paribas to fuel growth, allowing AVM to purchase shares for up to 20 million euros gradually.

Chiara Ferragni at Disneyland Paris to celebrate 90 years of fun with Mickey launching an outstanding Christmas Season on November 17, 2018Chiara Ferragni at Disneyland Paris to celebrate 90 years of fun with Mickey launching an outstanding Christmas Season on November 17, 2018 (Credit: WENN)

Since 2019, Ferragni has expanded her brand into a lifestyle concept through new licenses in various product categories, including a makeup line launched in November 2021. She has secured multiple modeling contracts and ambassadorship.

Chiara Ferragni Fined €1.075 Million for Misleading Christmas Cake Promotion

Italian influencer Chiara Ferragni faced a hefty fine of €1.075 million (approximately $1.18 million) in December 2023 following an investigation by the Italian Competition Authority.

The investigation revealed misleading claims in her promotion of a branded Christmas cake. While labeled as designed by her and sold at a significantly higher price, the cake differed little from a standard version by the manufacturer. Additionally, claims about the amount donated to charity did not match reality. This resulted in the penalty for engaging in “unfair and misleading commercial practices.”

Valentina Ferragni (L), wearing a black and white checked dress and decorated Dior bag, and her sister Chiara Ferragni (R), wearing a green and black dress and black Dior bag, are seen outside Christian Dior show during Paris Fashion WeekValentina Ferragni (L), wearing a black and white checked dress and decorated Dior bag, and her sister Chiara Ferragni (R), wearing a green and black dress and black Dior bag, are seen outside Christian Dior show during Paris Fashion Week – Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2019/2020 on July 01, 2019, in Paris, France (Credit: WENN)

Personal Life and Relationships

On September 1, 2018, Chiara married Federico Lucia, known as Fedez, an Italian rapper and producer. The wedding was held in Noto, Sicily, a city known for its baroque architecture, including the reconstructed 18th-century Noto Cathedral.

His first studio album, Sig. Brainwash – L’arte di accontentare, debuted at number one on the Italian Albums Chart after its release in 2013.

Standing 5 feet 9 inches (175.3 cm) tall, Chiara Ferragni is taller than her husband, Fedez, who is 5 feet 8½ inches (1.74 m).

At the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, the height difference between Chiara Ferragni and her husband Fedez was even more pronounced when she wore high heels, accentuating her already taller stature compared to hisAt the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, the height difference between Chiara Ferragni and her husband Fedez was even more pronounced when she wore high heels, accentuating her already taller stature compared to his (Credit: WENN)

Chiara’s Signature Style and Footwear Line

Ferragni’s eponymous footwear line, Chiara Ferragni, launched in 2015. The same year, she became the first blogger to be honored with a Harvard Business School case study.

The collection ranges from $200 to $550 and is accessible online through stores like Farfetch and Amazon. She also has over 29 million Instagram followers and makes much money as a social influencer.

One look at the line-up, and you’ll understand why the shoes are such a hit among fashionistas. They’re a fun mix of casual, quirk, edge, and glam, as can be seen below:

Chiara Ferragni Buckled BootiesChiara Ferragni Buckled Booties, $547

Chiara Ferragni Cutout Combat BootsChiara Ferragni Cutout Combat Boots, $454

Chiara Ferragni Velvet Slip-On SneakersChiara Ferragni Velvet Slip-On Sneakers, $286

Chiara Ferragni Macrame Lace SneakersChiara Ferragni Macrame Lace Sneakers, $211

Chiara Ferragni Wink FlatsChiara Ferragni Wink Flats, $286

Fashion Influence and Public Appearances

Ranked first in the Forbes list of the most influential fashion influencers, the renowned blogger frequently attends shows such as New York York Fashion Week.

In 2014, Chiara wore several standout looks, including an all-yellow polka-dot attire by Moschino, a crop top and pants by Calvin Klein, and a t-shirt-and-jeans outfit accessorized with Chanel knee-high sneakers.

Chiara Ferragni jumps with joy after increasing her net worthChiara Ferragni jumps with joy after increasing her net worth during New York Fashion Week on September 10, 2014 (Credit: WENN)

Thanks to the colorful extras, the outfit was perfectly casual but fun and one-of-a-kind.

Chiara Ferragni in a t-shirt and denim shortsChiara Ferragni in a t-shirt and denim shorts (Credit: WENN)

Chiara Ferragni's Chanel knee-high sneakersChiara Ferragni’s Chanel knee-high sneakers (Credit: WENN)

Chiara Ferragni wears her very own velvet slip-on sneakers with a crop top and trousersChiara Ferragni wears her very own velvet slip-on sneakers with a crop top and trousers for the Calvin Klein show during New York Fashion Week, September 12, 2014 (Credit: WENN)

Stealing Chiara’s Style

If you want to steal her jeans-and-t-shirt look, you can either grab her fancy Chanel sneakers or recreate the look using less expensive shoes, such as these knee-high kicks from West Blvd:

West Blvd Knee High Lace Up SneakersWest Blvd Knee High Lace Up Sneakers, $46