Sara Battaglia’s aesthetic can be described as glamorous and tailored with a feminine twist. With bright pants suits and a healthy dose of rainbow detail, her designs speak volumes.

We were thrilled to have the opportunity to ask Battaglia a few questions about her early start in the fashion industry (who else can say they designed their first handbag at age six?!), what inspires her and why she loves the idea of renting. Keep reading for a backstage pass into what drives this Milan native. 

RTR: Tell us about your brand, Sara Battaglia, and how it all began. 

Sara Battaglia: I always had a passion for fashion. I made my first handbag when I was only 6! Being creative has always been part of my life. I really love to create or try to invent something. I did art school in Milan but I never studied fashion. 

I had the opportunity to assist artisans in the factory — they taught me everything. The factory is one of my favorite places — it’s where my dream began. One day I took the courage to start my own brand and I started with handbags, which is still one of my favorite product categories.

RTR:  What made you want to pursue fashion as a career?
SB: I’ve always been attracted to lifestyle. I always wanted to communicate, to express myself, my vision and my aesthetic through fashion pieces. This desire gave me the crazy courage to start my own independent brand!

RTR: What’s been the most rewarding part of building your business throughout the years?
SB: When people recognize my product or recognize me through my products, it’s amazing. I have to say that the best part is when one of my clients wears one of my pieces and starts to smile, and is happy, the reaction is a wonderful gift for me!

RTR: Describe the brand in 5 words or less.
SB: Original, sophisticated, cool, extravagant, made in Italy

RTR: Do you remember the first time you saw someone wearing Sara Battaglia? What was that experience like?

SB: Yes I do, it was in Milan. I was walking in the street and I saw a woman carrying one of my handbags — it was emotional!

RTR: We know you love them all, but if you had to pick, what are your must-rent Sara Battaglia styles on RTR?

SB: If I had to choose, I would pick the duvet coat. Where the proportions are extravagant and unexpected. That piece is an entrance coat…it’s like WOW.

RTR: What’s been the best part about seeing your designs available to rent on Rent the Runway?

SB: I think that renting fashion is a very modern idea, especially for me because I always design things that can last for a very long time.

RTR: What are you inspired by right now? How have you been getting into the creative zone? 

SB: I am always in my creative zone, even when I walk down the street or when I travel, I always think about what can be an inspiration for me. I get my inspiration through everything — through books, watching a movie, or looking at how people dress in the street. 

Rapid-Fire Questions 

First Fashion Memory: I learned how to sketch before I read. 

Personal fashion icon: All women with a strong personality are my fashion icons. 

A song you have on repeat: “La Vita” by Shirley Bassey 

Most memorable person you’ve dressed: It’s hard for me to choose! My luck is that many celebrities choose my brand spontaneously, Bella Hadid, Naomi, Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Lopez, and many others… but if I had to pick one, it’s Queen Rania of Jordan. She is stunning! 

Who do you want to see in Sara Battaglia? Grace Kelly, unfortunately that will never be possible! 

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? A film director. 

What is your power outfit? A stunning power suit. I think that a woman wearing a suit can be very sexy.