In the universe of young prodigy, where connections are worth more than titles and notoriety is measured in mentions in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, Sophia kianni It shines with its own light. With only 18 years, she became an advisor to the Secretary General of the United Nations, which in the ecosystem of climate activism placed her as the natural successor of Greta Thunberg. However, unlike Swedish, Sophia does not seem willing to give up the privileges of a life accommodated in her crusade for saving the planet. In 2022 he went viral when he made it clear that the environmental commitment was not at odds to look impeccable in each public appearance.
Now, with 23 years, Kianni is ready to make the leap to another league: that of the technological entrepreneurship with aspirations to transform fashion and, incidentally, consolidate as a new type of generational reference. And he will do it by the hand of Phoebe Gatesone of the most influential heirs on the planet.
Phoebe Gates: The heiress of the technological elite that plays disruption
Younger daughter of Bill and Melinda Gates, Phoebe has not conformed with Dad’s girl’s label. Graduated in Biology in Stanford in record time – three years instead of four -, he has managed to move ease between philanthropy, fashion and technology, taking full advantage of the network of contacts that his last name provides. His brief step through Vogue During practices he shows that he understands how the industry that now intends to revolutionize with her friend Sophia works.
They met precisely in Stanford, where they shared a room. A meeting that, seen in retrospect, seemed designed by a successful algorithm: the climatic activist with businesswoman aspirations and the daughter of the third richest man in the world, both joined by a common passion for sustainable fashion.
Phia: The invention that wants to change the way you buy (and resell) fashion
The result of this strategic alliance is Phia, a project that, in its simplest version, is an extension of Google Chrome designed to help buyers find the best offers in second -hand fashion. The tool analyzes the possible revaluation of garments before purchase and facilitates access to resale platforms such as eBaycapitalizing the vintage fever that has turned the grandmothers’ cabinets into gold mines.
The initiative, whose name fuses the latest letters of the names of its founders, aims to turn its users into smarter buyers without that meaning luxury or tendencies. “It is basically Google for second -hand purchases“said one of the first people to try it.
The support of the fashion aristocracy
Although Sophia and Phoebe insist that they are learning on the march, they have had the best possible mentor: Stella McCartneyreferent of sustainable luxury and heiress of the legendary Beatle Paul McCartney. The British designer, who has just repurified half of her signature to Bernard Arnault has been delighted with the idea of supporting “The new generation of fashion innovators“And he has promoted his visibility with a symbolic but effective gesture: to give them two limited editing bags inspired by Chris Evert, the tennis player who accidentally coined the term Tennis Bracelet when he lost his diamond bracelet during the US Open of 1978.
The link with Stella McCartney is not accidental. Phoebe Gates maintains a romantic relationship with Arthur Donald, grandson of Paul McCartney and the designer’s nephew, confirming that in these circles the influence is inherited as much as fortune.
Between princesses and magnates: an impeccable marketing
Phia officially appeared in November 2023, but the communication strategy began much earlier. For months, the social networks of the project were filled with references to fashion icons, design history and carefully selected outfits to attract gene generation. Among the most outstanding figures are Diana de Waleswhose style remains an inexhaustible source of inspiration. “Essential vintage“From the princess they are available in the extension of Phia, a cunning wink that combines nostalgia and exclusivity.
Despite the time it took them to transform the idea into a real product, the expectation generated has been enormous. In a few months, Phia’s Instagram profile exceeded 47,000 followers, demonstrating that the mixture of activism, luxury and technology has a niche willing to consume it.
The challenge of undertaking (when money is not needed)
“Starting a business is not for the weak“Phoebe wrote on LinkedIn recently.”Does not stop putting you in your place and is a continuous learning process. Learn to manage people, myself and, most importantly, my own expectations.”
The tone of his statements fits with the narrative of the self-made entrepreneur, although in his case, the reality is more benevolent: when there is the support of one of the largest fortunes on the planet and direct access to the most select circles Fashion, the learning curve is much less pronounced.
However, both Phoebe and Sophia have taken advantage of their advantages with intelligence. They have not limited themselves to capitalizing their last names, but have managed to sell their project as a real solution to a problem of the industry, aligning with values that resonate in their generation.
A future between red carpets and investment rounds
With Phia already underway, the next step will be to turn it into a sustainable business. While the tool is free, the income model could come from associations with brands, resale platforms and affiliation strategies.
In the short term, the success of the company will not depend both on its profitability and its ability to generate influence. And in that sense, Sophia and Phoebe have proven to be teachers.
Sophia Kianni is no longer just “The new Greta Thunberg“. Phoebe Gates is not just”The daughter of the technological tycoon“. Both have decided that their destiny is much more ambitious: not only to save the planet, but to do it with style and, if possible, from the front row of a haute couture parade.
