Carola Righes is an Italian-born fashion industry professional who has built a career in showroom and distribution management, working notably as Head of People & Distribution in the Greater Milan area. She also serves as a point of contact for international licensing and leads Commercial Development Strategies for the women’s luxury fashion label Péro.
HOW DID YOU INITIALLY GET INTRODUCED TO JONATHAN COHEN?
I first heard about Jonathan Cohen through a mutual friend who said, “You two should work together — you’d love each other.” A few hours later, we were sharing the best falafel in Paris, and I instantly fell in love with them.
WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE JONATHAN COHEN’S DESIGNS FOR YOUR PERSONAL WARDROBE?
They’re so chic, but above all, every piece is incredibly comfortable and makes you feel beautiful. The craftsmanship is exceptional, and the fit is perfection.
WHAT ABOUT YOUR LOOK FROM FW25’S SHOOT RESONATES WITH YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
I absolutely loved the outfit. It felt very me — something I could wear just as easily for coffee as for an elegant dinner. It made me feel like myself, just in a more elevated version.
WAS FASHION ALWAYS A PASSION OF YOURS GROWING UP, OR WAS THERE A PARTICULAR MOMENT THAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST?
I grew up watching my mother mix and match clothes, and I could see how powerful that made her feel. It always fascinated me, even though I never imagined it would become my career. I’ve always admired the work behind fashion — the craft, the process, and the little bit of magic that starts it all.
YOU’VE BEEN WITH PÉRO FOR ALMOST 16 YEARS AND NOW LEAD COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES. WHAT HAS IT BEEN LIKE GROWING ALONGSIDE THE BRAND, AND WHAT KEEPS YOU SO COMMITTED TO IT?
It’s been an adventure — and such a beautiful surprise. It all began from a friendship between Aneeth and my mother, and it’s been incredibly fulfilling to see how something so intimate could grow into such a special project. The people behind it truly feel like family. Of course, there are challenges, but believing in what you do is priceless. I know the hard work behind every single piece, and I always try to help people understand the value of every stitch.
PÉRO’S PRODUCTION PROCESS IS INCREDIBLY INTRICATE, WITH HAND-LOOMED AND HAND-DYED FABRICS CRAFTED BY ARTISANS ACROSS INDIA. AT THE SAME TIME, THE BRAND HAS A STRONG GLOBAL PRESENCE, RETAILING IN OVER 35 COUNTRIES. HOW DO YOU BALANCE PRESERVING TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP WITH INNOVATING FOR AN INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCE?
We’re very intentional about keeping the brand special, and we’re fortunate to work with retailers who truly understand and appreciate our product. We’ll never focus on quantity — only quality and uniqueness. Aneeth has an incredibly open mind and endless creativity. She’s always found ways to preserve traditional craftsmanship while evolving with the world around us. I believe curiosity is the true engine that keeps everything moving.
OPERATING ON A GLOBAL SCALE, PÉRO’S PRODUCTION IS ROOTED IN INDIA WHILE ITS SALES AND BRANDING HAVE A STRONG PRESENCE IN ITALY. WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES AND ADVANTAGES OF MANAGING A BRAND ACROSS MULTIPLE COUNTRIES?
It can be very challenging operationally, but it’s also magical. When I stop and think about how everything comes together from start to finish, I still surprise myself. We’ve found a beautiful balance, and it’s fascinating to see how customers in different countries interpret the brand in unique ways while staying true to its DNA.
PÉRO HAS COLLABORATED ON EXCITING PROJECTS, INCLUDING THE HELLO KITTY SPRING/SUMMER 2025 COLLECTION AND AN UPCYCLED DENIM JACKET COLLECTION WITH JONATHAN COHEN. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE COLLABORATION SO FAR?
Collaborations can be tricky because they require finding the right balance between two creative worlds. We’ve loved them all — each was different, fun, and full of surprises. I could easily imagine a Hello Kitty dress paired with a Jonathan Cohen upcycled denim jacket! But I have to admit, the JC dotted denim jacket stole a piece of my heart.
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE WHEN WORKING ON COLLABORATIONS?
Definitely maintaining both brands’ identities in a way that feels authentic to each. It’s harder than it looks, but when you collaborate with people you truly admire and love their work, everything flows much more naturally.