Francesca Sofia Novello: "The most sexy and feminine thing of all is to be authentic" Interview with the founder of MissFortySix, who combines racing and femininity

The beauty of Francesca Sofia Novello could be intimidating. It could, I mean, because as soon as she melts into a bright smile, you immediately understand that you’re in front of a woman who communicates with simplicity and heart, a woman who is many things all at once, and who truly loves her life. The first part of the interview, in fact, centers on MissFortySix, the brand born within VR46 Racing Apparel that blends the racing world with feminine fashion. She’s wearing one of the pieces herself - a long-sleeved polo in brown and orange stripes - which stands out against our green armchair as we begin our conversation.

Interview with Francesca Sofia Novello, between MissFortySix and her whole world

The first question is about MissFortySix. "The brand was born from the need to bring together two worlds that seem extremely distant but are actually more similar than one might expect: the racing world and the fashion world. The idea was to give a stylish, feminine and cool identity to a sport that isn’t always seen that way. A wonderful project was born." A project that, besides being wonderful, is also highly coveted. The drops, in fact, sell out very quickly. Proof that Francesca Sofia Novello hit the mark with a project that has both character and a deeply personal touch.

Bringing this vision to life required a lot of work: "I worked incredibly hard on it, and every piece has something that made me truly proud to have created it. What represents MissFortySix the most, I think, is the combination of racing and elegance. It’s a very contemporary style," she tells us, and then adds: "The piece that represents me the most, though, is definitely the oversized bomber we created in collaboration with Forte dei Marmi Couture, precisely because it’s versatile, elegant and full of personality." Personality and versatility are the brand’s stylistic signatures, but also those of Francesca Sofia Novello, who admits with a smile: "Racing has inevitably taken over my life. I’ve been going to circuits and, more generally, places where motorcycling is at the center for many years, and I felt there was a lack of femininity in the clothing. It was a need of mine, first and foremost, for myself. I wanted to create a line that I wanted to wear when I was at the circuits, and not only there. Pieces that keep their identity and the imagery linked to the number 46. Because in the end, these are things you can wear in everyday life too, it’s a beautiful match." A way, then, of preserving herself even in very specific environments. For this reason, her advice to girls approaching the racing world but wanting to keep their femininity is illuminating in its simplicity: "Being feminine means many things, but above all it means feeling feminine. And that doesn’t mean wearing only a certain type of clothing. The sexiest and most feminine thing of all is being authentic, feeling good in what you wear. If you feel good and authentic in what you’re wearing, you are feminine by default. The important thing is staying true to yourself."

And what about the future of MissFortySix? Many things, and perhaps even some collaborations with different brands, though nothing can be revealed yet. "It’s a project that started almost as a game, but it will definitely continue. We’re planning to release two drops a year, one fall-winter and one spring-summer. Beyond that," she adds, "I also have many personal projects underway that keep me energized and eager to reinvent myself. I never settle, that’s part of who I am."

And so, naturally, we move from Francesca the brand founder to Francesca the content creator, entrepreneur, partner and mother. "To find balance, organization is essential. You have to organize your days. With two little girls, all my time is for them. I’m someone who needs to feel fulfilled—to be a present mother, to have my personal freedom of expression, to have time to work out, to be an entrepreneur, a working woman. Sometimes a grandma helps, but organization is truly fundamental." And to move through the world in so many different roles, Francesca chooses simple yet impactful looks: "I like minimal outfits, I love denim, even a jumpsuit. Then I’ll add a designer bag, I’m a big accessories lover. Even with makeup, I avoid anything too dramatic or overly structured hairstyles; I love a nude look. It depends on the situation though," she admits, laughing. "If I’m on the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival, that’s another story."

The interview began by talking about Francesca’s beauty that goes beyond the physical, about her smile and her energy. So it could only end on the same theme. "My beauty secret? Calm. Taking my time, my space. Training both body and mind. Doing pilates, living slow days filled with love, living in love. Love is the greatest driving force on this planet, for everyone. I want to fully enjoy everything that brings me calm and serenity. Taking care of the soul from within, feeling good with ourselves, helps us feel good on the outside too, with others. There’s nothing more beautiful."