Front Row Seat: Renata Gasparian, Co-Founder & Creative Director of RENATA

Photo: Front Row Charlotte

It’s time for another edition of Front Row Seat! Today’s feature is someone you’d absolutely want a front row seat next to at a fashion show because her style, creativity, and brand are nothing short of fabulous. We’re talking about Renata Gasparian.

The Brazil native turned Charlottean took the Queen City by storm in 2020 when she launched her namesake fashion brand, RENATA by Renata Gasparian, co-founded with her father. She now leads the brand as its visionary Creative Director.

With the recent opening of her stunning new storefront in Dilworth, I knew it was the perfect time to sit down with Renata to talk about her journey, her brand, her new space, and everything in between.

First off, congratulations on the opening of your first brick-and-mortar location in Dilworth this past March. Can you share what led to the decision to open a physical storefront and what that journey looked like for you?

Thank you so much for your kind words. It truly means a lot to me! We actually started considering the move about a year before the opening. It all came down to location, space, and flexibility with operating hours. As a small business, we don’t follow typical retail hours. Weekends are still by appointment only, and weekdays are mostly from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM. It took us a lot of thought and plenty of back and forth. Our clients absolutely loved our little pocket of space and how special it was. Let’s just say they weren’t exactly eager for us to move, but I guess it was time.

How does the in-store shopping experience at Renata by Renata Gasparian differ from browsing the brand online? What can customers expect when they step inside?

I will tell you that I would much rather have someone shop in-store than online. The experience of being in the shop with me is what makes it so memorable. All my pieces have a story, have a purpose. That's why we call them collectibles. When a client comes into the shop, I style them, show them different ways of wearing a piece, and I love to mix and match with other RENATA pieces they have in their closet!

Let’s talk about the name. RENATA by Renata Gasparian is a bold and personal choice. What inspired you to name the brand after yourself? Does having your name on the label bring an added sense of pride or pressure?

So, since moving to Charlotte from São Paulo, every time I introduce myself, I typically spell my name out, as it's very different in the USA. That being said, it also became a way that people would remember me. When I first thought of a name, it was RG RENATA GASPARIAN, because I thought it just sounded easier. That was when, after consulting with Terry Greenwood, a very talented and incredible brand storyteller here in Charlotte, he said that was exactly the reason why I should name it RENATA. Since I didn't want to give up my last name in the brand, together we came up with a logo/brand name that was easy to read and also carried a lot of my personality. I love how my clients refer to my pieces as, "This is a RENATA...". It feels beyond special to me! And I love calling them my "RENATETTES"! They are all a little piece of me walking around and representing the brand!

Can you walk us through your design process? How would you describe the type of woman you’re designing for? Do you keep specific moments or milestones in her life in mind when creating your pieces?

My design process is very peculiar. I have a small and exclusive team in India, and they have all been with us since the beginning. My manager there is extremely quality-driven, and my tailors know very well what we expect from them. My pieces could be worn inside out — they are very, very well made! My designs are a bohemian mix of my Brazilian soul with a touch of Southern charm. A lot of what I design is mirrored on my favorite Brazilian silhouettes, and that's what catches my clients' eyes — as well as their spouses. I cannot leave them out... I've heard many times that they tell their wives, "If you don't know what to wear, just put on a RENATA, and you'll look gorgeous!" That means the world to me!

As I mentioned earlier, my pieces are collectibles. We just keep adding to our closet... I design for the woman who wants to be feminine, always chic, sexy — without showing too much, but always creating that "I want to know/see more..." Always turning heads!

I've told my clients I'm so beyond thankful for having "been with them" to so many events, parties, trips... whenever they're wearing RENATA, it's a little piece of me experiencing that moment with them.

What does a typical day in your life look like from the moment you wake up to when you wind down? How do you find balance between motherhood, running a thriving brand, and making time for yourself?

That's a tough one... I'm not a lover of routines, believe it or not... my Gemini side speaking for me. Since we have 3 kids in different stages of life (17, 13, and 4), it's a somewhat crazy dynamic. My husband takes care of the older ones in the AM, making sure they're good to go to school, while I'm with Bella, getting the home ready and getting her ready for daycare. The day starts at 6 AM. As every mom knows, the juggle is real... and I've understood that finding a balance will forever be something I'll be searching for.

After dropping Bella off at daycare, I say I have about 1.5 hours to myself. I connect with my team in India, follow up with suppliers, listen to podcasts, get in a 15–20 minute workout at home, shower, and head to the shop! Once I'm there, I'm always creating, always looking through our fabrics, always studying... And of course, the highlight of my day is dressing and styling my clients! That brings me so, so much joy every single day!

The day at the shop ends around 5 PM, when I head to pick up Bella, come home, cook dinner, and hope to enjoy a nice glass of wine with my husband... and who knows, watch a movie or a fun series...

With the storefront now open, what’s next for RENATA by Renata Gasparian? Are there any exciting new pieces you’re working on or upcoming projects you’re especially excited about?

Yes! Always new and exciting pieces! I'm very driven to textures, patterns, prints... everything that will make our pieces more valuable! We're working on our F|W25, and you can expect to see a lot of suede and leather! We're also starting our 2025 collaboration with Madelyn's Fund, where 20% of all sales goes to support this organization that has my entire heart. Our collaborations have always been successful, and I'm so excited for the opportunity to create one more! Projects, giving back, and creating together are our core! I'm so grateful for so many of my clients and friends! And I do truly hope to inspire other women! Together we can make it!!!