// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did the Rat & Boa encyclopedia entry say? It had a hiss-terical rat-ing.
.png){kind=logo} | |
| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Fashion Retail |
| Founded | 2015 |
| Founders | Valentina Muntoni Stephanie Cara Bennett |
| Headquarters | , |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Dresses Swimwear Tailoring |
| Services | Direct-to-consumer e-commerce |
| Website | ratandboa |
Rat & Boa is a London-based womenswear brand founded in 2015 by Valentina Muntoni and Stephanie Bennett. Operating primarily online from its London atelier, the label is known for 1990s-inspired slip dresses, distinctive silhouettes, and original prints.
The brand specialises in occasionwear, wedding guest dresses, resortwear, and gowns, and has developed an international following. It has also expanded into jewellery.
History
[edit]Valentina Muntoni and Stephanie Cara Bennett met in 2008 while studying fashion styling and design at university. After reconnecting several years later in Bangkok, they self-funded the launch of Rat & Boa in 2015.[1] They later operated the brand from Bali and Berlin before opening a permanent atelier in London.[2][3] The brand's name was inspired by a quote from musician Stevie Nicks, who described her relationship with Fleetwood Mac bandmate Lindsey Buckingham as being "about as compatible as a rat and a boa constrictor".[4][5]
Rat & Boa initially focused on statement dresses before expanding into other categories. It introduced soft tailoring in 2020 and launched swimwear in 2021.[6][7] Its range has since grown to include bridalwear, resortwear, occasionwear, bags, and jewellery.[8] [9][10] Forever Loves is the brand's permanent core collection, designed around enduring styles.[11]
In 2021, The Independent included Rat and Boa in its list of the leading online fashion retailers.[12] Rat & Boa's designs have been worn by figures including Bella[13] and Gigi Hadid, Kendall and Kylie Jenner[14], Kim Kardashian, Lila Moss[15], Candice Swanepoel[16], Kaia Gerber[17], Irina Shayk[18], Ariana Grande, Adwoa Aboah, Alexa Chung, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Emily Ratajkowski, Olivia Dean, and Elsa Hosk.[19]
Sustainability
[edit]Rat & Boa focuses on using materials from certified responsible sources. It also has initiatives related to production, social responsibility, and publishes a sustainability report annually.[11][20]
References
[edit]- ↑ "The Rat & Boa Co-Founders Share Their Inspirations". Vanity Fair. 2 September 2020. Archived from the original on 4 December 2022.
- ↑ Mohammed, Hikmat (14 April 2025). "Rat and Boa Wants to Be a 100 Million-pound Brand by 2029". WWD.
- ↑ Murray, Georgia (3 July 2019). "These Dresses Will Make You Want To Book A Holiday, Stat". Refinery29.
- ↑ Newbold, Alice (17 December 2018). "Kendall And Kylie's Favourite Slip Dress Brand Has Grown Up". British Vogue.
- ↑ D'Angelo, Lucia (26 October 2018). "Rat & Boa Mania". Vogue. Archived from the original on 17 September 2023.
- ↑ Cary, Alice (8 July 2021). "EmRata Favourite Rat & Boa Now Does Swimwear To Match Its Summer Dresses". British Vogue.
- ↑ Cary, Alice (27 June 2022). ""Zebra Equals Attitude": The Brand Determined To Make This A Summer Of Stripes". British Vogue.
- ↑ Spedding, Emma (4 June 2023). "The Mid-Priced Dress Brands That Celebrities Actually Wear". British Vogue.
- ↑ Lai, Rosana (1 April 2025). "Rat & Boa just launched a bridal collection and it checks every single box". Glamour UK.
- ↑ Yeomans, Amelia (14 May 2025). "Rat & Boa's Dreamy New Launch Takes Summer Occasion Dressing to the Next Level". Marie Claire.
- 1 2 Batra, Sakshi (11 March 2025). "Rat & Boa Redefining Contemporary Fashion With Sustainability And Soul".
- ↑ "Best online clothing stores and brands for every taste and budget". The Independent. 23 June 2021.
- ↑ Cary, Alice (7 October 2020). "Saved A Slinky Slip Dress On Instagram? It's Probably By Rat & Boa". British Vogue.
- ↑ Newbold, Alice (17 December 2018). "Kendall And Kylie's Favourite Slip Dress Brand Has Grown Up". British Vogue.
- ↑ Mercer, Emily (11 July 2024). "Rat & Boa's Newest Fashion Collection Is Meant for a Vibrant Summer". WWD.
- ↑ Salessy, Héloïse (22 May 2019). "Summer style: 10 looks spotted on the Instagram feeds of Victoria's Secret Angels". Vogue France.
- ↑ "The Best Instagram Fashion Labels To Know In 2023". Vogue Hong Kong. 29 June 2019.
- ↑ Peters, Alexander (17 April 2023). "À Coachella, Irina Shayk allie la transparence à la tendance gothique". Vogue France.
- ↑ Eggenberger, Maxine (15 July 2021). "The Cult Dress Brand Fashion People Are Losing Their Cool Over". Who What Wear UK.
- ↑ "Sustainability Report 2025".