The Origin of Fio

I was born in Brazil, in a home where creativity was the language of everyday life. As my sisters and I designed Alta Costura for our dolls, my mother—with her German discipline and boundless love—taught us that excellence is an act of care.

Life taught me early on that great departures often lead to profound arrivals. At fifteen, following the sudden loss of my mother, I found a sanctuary in Mexico City, where I began designing wedding dresses. This was the place where my mind could heal and create. For twenty-five years, Mexico became my home; there, local textiles and the warmth of vibrant colors merged with my technique, allowing me to find my own voice.

I learned that true elegance is not imposed; it is suggested. It was with this philosophy that Fio was born a decade ago: a linen piece designed to drape the body with subtlety, an extension of my own multicultural journey. In the beginning, I crafted every Fio with my own hands, meticulously tending to every detail of the weave, the vibrant colors, and the nobility of the natural fiber.

One Project, Two Destinies

In 2019, my German heritage guided me toward a new chapter in Europe, bringing with me my intellectual property and my unwavering commitment to design. Yet, I have not walked this path alone.

Richi, my partner in life for twenty years, has been the engine that allows my vision to manifest. With his musician’s soul, his technical precision as a goldsmith, and his strategic business acumen, he took my hands and empowered me to elevate this design to a professional level. While I immerse myself in the creation of each new Fio, he utilizes his discipline and experience to manage the technical, legal, and operational complexities that this project demands.

Richivali is, at its essence, my story expressed through Fio, sustained by the dedication of both of us. It is the meeting point of my creative sensibility and the structure that allows us to share this design with the world.