Sophie Carreras of Victorienne: A Passion for Fashion Passed from Mother to Daughter

The doors of Victorienne, a family-run luxury boutique in Bolzano, Italy, have welcomed customers for the past 36 years. Specializing in premium European and American brands, the store has become a staple for high-end fashion lovers. Today, Sophie Carreras, who grew up immersed in this world, shares insights into her profession.

With boundless energy, she actively travels to fashion trade shows and showrooms, looking for pieces that will captivate her clientele. After all, her mother founded the boutique 36 years ago, making fashion an essential part of her life.

Can you introduce us to Victorienne?


Victorienne was actually born by chance. After living in Paris for three years, my mother moved to Italy. Passionate about fashion, she decided to open a small shop, and here we are, 38 years later, with a much larger boutique located in the city center. Her passion has never faded—she loves the excitement of researching trends and connecting with clients. Today, we’re dressing the second generation of Victorienne customers.


Tell us about your clientele.


Victorienne is located in a highly touristic area, attracting both local and international customers. Our clientele consists of working women—entrepreneurs, lawyers, doctors, hoteliers, journalists, and more. I love the atmosphere of the store; it’s vibrant, and we get to enjoy a blend of cultures every day.


How long have you been attending the trade show?


My mother has been coming to Who’s Next since its very beginning, 30 years ago. I started coming as a child! What I love most is the diversity of products available. I especially enjoy Bijorhca. Having jewelry that complements the clothing is essential for creating the perfect look.

What do you do when you get to the fair?


We begin by exploring everything that catches our eye at Bijorhca and also the Fame area. Then, it’s a genuine treasure hunt—we search and search until we discover something that truly excites us! There isn’t a strict process, but I try to stay organized to prevent getting lost in the aisles.


What trends have you spotted that will interest your clients?


I absolutely loved the new collection from "Sing a Song." We have been carrying this brand from the start, and their jewelry has been immensely popular with our customers! I’m sure they will be excited to see bold, new, and unique pieces from the brand.


Any favorite brands?


One standout piece for me was a VD Vinster coat—it’s made of velvet and completely embroidered with crystals. I adore it! Another favorite brand of mine is Books and Baum; their jewelry is genuinely one of a kind.

What have been your biggest challenges in recent years?


Our biggest challenge has been finding good employees. We don’t operate an online store—everything happens in-person. Finding the right individuals, those who still possess a passion for sales, has proven challenging. You can have the most beautiful products, but you need someone who knows how to guide clients and create complete looks.


What role does social media play in your business?


Social media is very important, but honestly, I’m not really skilled at it, so we don’t post much. I believe social media can be highly effective, but it’s crucial to find the right balance. Even if it works, I’m not a fan of live selling or home shopping. I don’t think it’s necessary for success. Our strength lies in personalized service. We understand our clients well, and many new customers are pleasantly surprised by our level of service—they aren’t accustomed to this kind of shopping experience anymore. Creating a special and enjoyable experience is what truly makes the difference.


What are your expectations for 2025?


I’m looking forward to two incredible seasons! Several major fashion houses have appointed new creative directors, which will surely affect the fashion landscape. I’m really curious to see how this will shape upcoming trends.

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