Carla Sozzani

Carla Sozzani (Mantua June 29, 1947) is the Italian gallerist founder of Galleria Carla Sozzani and the creator of 10 Corso Como in Milan.

Life and work

Born in Mantua, Italy, 1947.

Graduated from Bocconi University, Milan. While attending University in the late 60’s and early 70’s she worked as editor for several Italian fashion magazines.

In the following decade she was editor in chief for all Italian Vogue's special issues working with photographers and artists like Sarah Moon, Herb Ritts, Bruce Weber, Paolo Roversi, Robert Mapplethorpe among others.

In 1986 she left Italian Vogue and was appointed by Alexander Liberman as editor at large for American Vogue.

In 1987 launched Italian Elle as editor in chief where she worked with photographers and artists like Steven Meisel, Nick Knight, Peter Lindbergh, Jurgen Teller, among others.

In 1989 Sozzani met American artist Kris Ruhs. They began what became a strong collaboration in both their lives and work.

In 1990 she started Galleria Carla Sozzani at Corso Como 10, Milano; publishes first book on Walter Albini, followed by books on Pierre Cardin, Rudi Gernreich, Paco Rabanne and many photography catalogues. Over the years she oversaw more than 200 exhibitions of photography and design, among them: Man Ray, Horst, Annie Leibovitz, Helmut Newton, David La Chapelle, Jean Prouvè, Marc Newson.

In 1991 other spaces within 10 Corso Como joined the Galleria. A fashion and design store, an expanded bookstore, a café restaurant with city garden and in 2003, a hotel named Three Rooms.

Throughout the 1990's, 10 Corso Como gels into the 10 Corso Como brand.

In 2001 she published the book “Talking to Myself” on Yohji Yamomoto and started a collaboration with lifelong friend Azzedine Alaïa on the brand Alaïa.

In 2002 she opened in Tokyo 10 Corso Como Comme des Garcons, a co-venture store with Rei Kawakubo.

In 2008, in joint venture with Samsung Group, she creates 10 Corso Como in Seoul: a three- story, 1.400 sq. meters combining fashion, art, design, cuisine, designed by Kris Ruhs

2010 marked the 20th Years Anniversary of Galleria Carla Sozzani. Sozzani is now working on a book to celebrate the 20th Years Anniversary of Galleria Carla Sozzani.

Personal life

Her sister is Vogue Italia editor in chief Franca Sozzani.

Her daughter is Vogue Italia senior fashion editor Sara Sozzani Maino.

Her nephew is film maker and photographer Francesco Carrozzini.