15 Years of VienneMilano: A Little Lace, A Lot of Fabulous!

VienneMilano is turning 15! What started in 2011 as a collection of luxury thigh highs has become a brand dedicated to one of fashion's most delightful accessories: hosiery. I've always believed that the right stockings or tights can make an outfit. A little lace, an unexpected color, or a beautiful texture can change the entire look. And while hosiery may not always receive the attention it deserves, at VienneMilano, it's always been the star of the show.

Today, our collections include thigh highs, stockings, tights, socks, and shapewear, all Made in Italy. Over the years, we've celebrated memorable fashion shows, appeared in some of our favorite publications, and introduced new styles inspired by the people who wear them.

Fifteen years in fashion has given us plenty to celebrate, including some rather unforgettable moments along the way. But before the runway shows, magazine features, and beautiful collections, there was simply a woman who loved hosiery. And as you might imagine, that woman had quite a collection of her own.

A Love of Hosiery, Long Before VienneMilano

I've always loved hosiery, long before I had any intention of selling it. In fact, I recently found stockings and tights I'd bought while traveling through Japan and other countries, some still in their original packaging. Clearly, my wardrobe had been preparing for VienneMilano long before I was!

My love of hosiery goes well beyond stockings. I've always enjoyed colorful socks, beautiful tights, and experimenting with different patterns and textures. It's fascinating how much difference a small detail can make to an outfit. I also have a fond memory of my grandmother showing me a lavender lace garter belt she'd worn years earlier. I remember admiring the lace and thinking how beautiful it was. Clearly, my appreciation for beautiful hosiery isn't something I developed overnight.

When we launched VienneMilano in 2011, we started with thigh highs. Being petite, I'd always found them particularly comfortable. Traditional tights sometimes came up higher than I wanted, whereas thigh highs offered a lovely alternative without the extra fabric around my waist. It was a style I enjoyed wearing, and one I wanted other women to discover. Of course, my love for hosiery has never been limited to thigh highs. Stockings, tights, socks, and everything in between have always had a place in my wardrobe, and that broader appreciation continues to influence VienneMilano today.

The Italian Connection

My appreciation for Italian art and craftsmanship began long before VienneMilano. I first visited Italy while traveling with my high school choir, and I remember being completely captivated by its art and architecture. One memory in particular has stayed with me. In Venice, I stood behind a velvet rope, about 15 feet away from a work of art, trying to determine whether I was looking at a painting or a sculpture. The detail was so extraordinary that I couldn't tell the difference, even after staring at it for quite some time.

Over the years, that appreciation extended to Italian fashion, particularly beautiful shoes, handbags, and hosiery. So when we began developing VienneMilano, Italy naturally came to mind. It was a country whose tradition of craftsmanship I had admired for years, and one that felt right for the brand we wanted to create.

Fifteen years later, VienneMilano's hosiery continues to be proudly Made in Italy. Beautiful lace, thoughtful details, and quality craftsmanship are all part of what makes our collections special. Some love affairs, it seems, are meant to last.

A Fashionable Beginning and a Few Surprises

With our first collection of thigh highs ready to make its debut, there was only one thing left to do: put on a show!

VienneMilano made its debut with a fashion show at the InterContinental in Boston, an evening filled with preparation, rehearsals, and attention to countless details. It was our opportunity to introduce the brand and celebrate the beauty of luxury hosiery in a setting where it could truly take center stage.

As if launching a fashion brand weren't exciting enough, the evening came with an unexpected guest. Hollywood actor James Hong happened to be in Boston filming, and some friends brought him to our show. Of all the things we had planned for that evening, a surprise celebrity appearance wasn't one of them! I had the pleasure of getting to know him, and the experience remains one of my favorite memories from VienneMilano's early days.

Since then, VienneMilano has enjoyed its share of fashionable moments. Our hosiery has appeared at New York Fashion Week and in publications including Vogue, ELLE, and Marie Claire. We've collaborated with talented models, photographers, stylists, and creative professionals who have helped showcase our collections in beautiful and unexpected ways.

Yet some of our most meaningful milestones happened away from the runway. Speaking at Harvard University's Retail & Luxury Goods Conference brought an opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs in the plus-size fashion industry, whose encouragement helped inspire us to expand our sizing. That experience reinforced something important: beautiful hosiery should be enjoyed by women of different shapes, sizes, and personal styles. Making our collections accessible to more women remains a source of pride.

Fifteen Years of Beautiful Hosiery

Fashion has changed considerably since 2011, although some trends seem determined to make a comeback. Personally, I believe a beautiful stocking never really goes out of style. A delicate lace detail can be just as captivating as a bold pattern, and neither needs an occasion to justify wearing it. At VienneMilano, we've always appreciated the classics, but that doesn't mean we can't have a little fun. Fashion would be terribly boring otherwise!

What began with thigh highs has grown into a collection of stockings, tights, and socks in a variety of colors, patterns, and finishes. We've also added shapewear to the mix. From the delicate lace of ISABELLA to the classic appeal of LUANA stockings and the beautiful matte finish of CLAUDIA, our collections offer different ways to express personal style. Some days call for understated elegance. Others deserve something a little more daring. We happen to love both.

Fifteen years of specializing in hosiery has taught us one thing: women have wonderfully different tastes, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Today, our collections offer sizes ranging from 1XSmall to 3XLarge, along with sheer thigh highs in skin-tone-inspired shades such as Light Beige, Almond Brown, Hazelnut, Chestnut Brown, and Chocolate Brown. For those who prefer a little more personality, we have everything from classic back seams and polka dots to fishnets, lace, and playful patterns. Whether your style is understated, romantic, or delightfully daring, we believe your hosiery should be every bit as fabulous as you are!

Of course, the beautiful designs are only half the story. The other half belongs to the people who wear them.

The People Who Made It Memorable

Fashion shows, beautiful photographs, and magazine features are certainly exciting, but nothing compares to hearing directly from the women who wear VienneMilano. Over the years, we've received messages from customers sharing how our hosiery makes them feel—whether it's the confidence to walk into an important event, the pleasure of dressing beautifully for a special occasion, or simply the joy of adding a little luxury to an ordinary day. We love hearing these stories because they remind us that beautiful hosiery isn't just about how an outfit looks. It's about how a woman feels wearing it.

One of the nicest things about being in business for 15 years is seeing familiar names among our customers. Some have been shopping with VienneMilano for years, returning for their favorite styles while occasionally discovering something new. I love that our hosiery has become part of their wardrobes, and I'm grateful they continue choosing us. After all, with so many options available, having someone come back to VienneMilano is a compliment we never take lightly.

Another part of these 15 years that I treasure is the people I've met. I've worked with photographers, models, influencers, fashion icons, and suppliers from different backgrounds, and I genuinely enjoy hearing about their experiences, interests, and the paths that brought them into fashion. Some began as professional acquaintances and eventually became friends; others started out as customers. I certainly didn't expect the hosiery business to introduce me to so many wonderful people, but I'm very glad it did. To everyone who has been part of VienneMilano's story, thank you for being along for the ride!

Here's to the Next 15 Years!

Fifteen years have brought unforgettable fashion shows, beautiful collections, wonderful friendships, and more surprises than I could have imagined. But what excites me most is knowing there's still so much ahead for VienneMilano. We've grown alongside our customers, learned from their experiences, and continued refining what we do best. That dedication will remain at the heart of the brand as we look toward the future.

Through it all, our purpose remains unchanged. I want every woman who wears VienneMilano to feel like the most fabulous woman in the room. Not simply because of what she's wearing, but because of how she feels wearing it.

To our customers, friends, and everyone who has supported VienneMilano over these first 15 years, thank you. You've made this journey something truly special.

Here's to the next chapter. Something tells me the best is yet to come!

We'd Love to Hear From You!

Do you have a favorite VienneMilano style or a special memory you'd like to share? Tell us in the comments below. I'd love to hear your stories as we celebrate 15 fabulous years together!

With love and gratitude,

Vienne Brown

Founder, VienneMilano