INSIDERS

Cósima Ramírez’s Colorful Future

The socialite prepares to take over her family’s fashionable house.


Cósima Ramírez
Photographer: Angelo Pennetta Stylist: Gianluca Longo

Like many teenagers, Cósima Ramírez went through a stage when she wore only black. In her case, however, it was not a goth signifier but a very specific rebellion against her mother, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, the Spanish aristocrat and fashion designer known for her wildly colorful creations. “I was trying to deny the inevitable,” says Ramírez, 24, whose father is the famed Spanish journalist and El Mundo newspaper founder Pedro J. Ramírez. But after nine years of British boarding school and four years at Brown University, where she studied history, Ramírez returned to Madrid and now works for her mother’s eponymous company, which encompasses clothing, makeup, home goods, and a children’s line. “Before I started, I thought, How difficult can this fashion thing be?” Ramírez says. “Then reality hit.” Her baptism by fire motivated her to pursue an MBA while working. “If I’m going to inherit this company, I’m going to make it as profitable and established as possible. I want to bring freshness to the brand.”

Je Ne Sais Quoi

Jemima Jones “Food was just always on my brain.”

Jemima Jones, at her family’s home in London, wears a Lanvin dress; her own jewelry.

Photographer: Angelo Pennetta Stylist: Gianluca Longo

Fran Hickman “I know the direction I’m going in: The Italian architect Carlo Mollino had a beautiful apartment in Turin, which I’m quite inspired by. But I’m at the bottom of the priorities list, really.”

Fran Hickman, at the Moda Operandi office she designed, in London, wears a Dior dress and (left hand) rings; (right hand) her own ring.

Photographer: Angelo Pennetta Stylist: Gianluca Longo

Scilla Ruffo di Calabria “I am not a very formal person.”

Scilla Ruffo di Calabria, at her family’s home in Milan, wears a Roberto Cavalli jumpsuit; Fendi boots; her own jewelry.

Photographer: Angelo Pennetta Stylist: Gianluca Longo

Madina Visconti di Modrone “It was very stimulating to grow up in this world.”

Madina Visconti di Modrone, in the courtyard of her atelier in Milan, wears a Sportmax sweater and skirt; Madina Visconti di Modrone earrings, ring, and bracelet for Yoox.com.

Photographer: Angelo Pennetta Stylist: Gianluca Longo

Zita d’Hauteville “I have maybe two or three balls a year. We really like them; you can meet people, and you’re partying in beautiful places.”

Zita d’Hauteville, at her mother’s house in Brussels, wears an Emporio Armani dress; Aquazzura flats; her own jewelry.

Photographer: Angelo Pennetta Stylist: Gianluca Longo

Mafalda Muñoz “I learn from the place where I’m working and the people I’m working for.”

Mafalda Muñoz, at her family’s country house in Pedraza, Spain, wears a Dsquared2 trenchcoat; Christian Louboutin flats, her own earring.

Photographer: Angelo Pennetta Stylist: Gianluca Longo

Clotilde de Kersauson “At the time, I thought it was a drag. But now, looking back, it was quite a lot of fun.”

Clotilde de Kersauson, at her family’s home in Paris, wears an Alberta Ferretti dress; Elie Top necklace.

Photographer: Angelo Pennetta Stylist: Gianluca Longo

Cósima Ramírez “If I’m going to inherit this company, I’m going to make it as profitable and established as possible. I want to bring freshness to the brand.”

Cósima Ramírez, at home in Madrid, wears a Valentino dress; Agatha Ruiz de la Prada shoes.

Photographer: Angelo Pennetta Stylist: Gianluca Longo
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Hair by Luke Hersheson at Art + Commerce; makeup by Gemma Smith-Edhouse at LGA Management. Photography assistants: Jack Day, Rob Willey. Fashion assistants: Lucas Asin.