Cecilia Cassini

Some people spend a lifetime trying to figure out their passion. Cecilia Cassini discovered hers early. As a preschooler, she loved painting and even cutting up clothes. “Once I was jealous of my sister’s dress, so I cut it and hemmed it to fit me. I tied it in the back with a ponytail holder,” she says with a mischievous smile. 

Then Cecilia’s grandmother gave her a sewing machine for her 6th birthday. “In the beginning, I’d sew anything to make dresses. Now, though, when I see Lady Gaga on stage or Karl Lagerfeld’s designs, I get really inspired and go to the fabric store.” It probably comes as no surprise that her colorful creations often feature faux fur, feathers and sequins.

She practices what she preaches. The sixth-grader, who lives in Encino, is almost always fully decked out, with her signature accessory: a large silk hair bow. “Every outfit needs a puff,” she explains, “to pull it all together.”

Cecilia started out giving clothes as gifts or delivering them to local hospital patients. Actually selling them didn’t happen until she met actress Denise Richardson, who requested dresses for her daughters. That led to a Fred Segal trunk show, an order from Sherman Oaks boutique Tough Cookies, and the rest is history.

Cecilia has been featured in People, on The Nate Berkus Show and The Today Show. Recent thrills include making custom duds for Miley Cyrus, designing the “Fashionista” Madame Alexander doll, and (you knew this was coming) some interest from Hollywood. Mom Michelle, a yoga teacher, tells us they’ve partnered with TV production powerhouse Endemol for a reality show. The family also includes Cecilia’s dad, a professional photographer, and a younger brother.

Still, the pint-sized prodigy insists she remains grounded. “I’m normal. I like TV, texting and hanging out with friends. I’m just a fashion designer. And, I’m going to be one for the rest of my life.”

For more on Cecilia’s creations, check out ceciliacassini.com.