Valentina Muntoni and Stephanie Bennett met in 2008 while both were studying fashion design at university.[4] Reconnecting a few years later, they launched the brand and began photographing the pieces themselves.[3]
The name "Rat and Boa" is taken from a Stevie Nicks quote about her relationship with her bandmate, Lindsey Buckingham: "He and I were about as compatible as a rat and a boa constrictor".[5] During an interview with Italian Vogue, the founders explained, "The Rat and the Boa both represent different elements of the brand and the varying qualities and personalities that we both bring".[6]
In 2020, the label expanded its ready-to-wear offering of statement dresses to include soft tailoring, and in 2021, they introduced a swimwear collection.[7] The label is set to expand its collections with the addition of new categories in the future.[8]
In June 2021, The Independent included Rat and Boa in their list of the "Best Online Clothes Shops" list.[9]
The label has been recognized in fashion publications including Vogue,[10] its Italian edition,[4] and Who What Wear for its designs.[11] Its pieces have been worn by a number of celebrities, including Bella Hadid,[12] Kim Kardashian, Candice Swanepoel,[13] Kaia Gerber,[14] Irina Shayk,[15] Ariana Grande, and Elsa Hosk.[16]
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