Meet Raquel Stroll: Brazilian Model-Turned-Designer, Wife of Aston Martin F1 Owner Lawrence Stroll a

From Catwalks to the Pit Lane: Meet Raquel Stroll, the Designer Making Waves in Fashion and Formula One

Raquel Stroll (née Diniz), a Brazilian-born beauty, moved to Italy at the age of 19, where she began her career as a swimsuit model before transitioning into fashion design. Today, she’s not only the second wife of Aston Martin executive chairman and part-owner Lawrence Stroll but also a dedicated supporter of her stepson, Lance Stroll, who races for the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One team.

While Lawrence lives life in the fast lane, 38-year-old Raquel prefers the runway—both literally and figuratively. In recent years, she has become a familiar face in the F1 pit lane, often seen cheering on the team. Beyond the racetrack, she has been quietly building a name for herself in the fashion industry, with her sophisticated designs gaining traction among fashion insiders and celebrities alike.

In September, Raquel turned heads at a glamorous Aston Martin event during the Venice Film Festival. Accompanying her 65-year-old husband, she wore a stunning black-and-white floor-length gown—one of her own designs from her namesake label—as they celebrated the unveiling of Aston Martin’s V12 flagship model, the new Vanquish.

The star-studded evening brought together big names like Benedict Cumberbatch, George and Amal Clooney, Adrien Brody, Joe Alwyn, and Daniel Craig. Both Lance Stroll and fellow Aston Martin driver, two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, were also present to reveal the sleek new vehicle.

So who is Raquel Stroll beyond the glitz and glamour? Let's take a closer look.

What’s Her Background?

Raquel Stroll was born in Brazil and moved to Italy at 19. She began her fashion journey as a swimsuit model before pursuing formal studies in fashion design at Milan’s prestigious Istituto Marangoni, alma mater to notable designers like Indian talent Rahul Mishra and the late Franco Moschino.

Early in her career, Raquel worked in public relations at Noona Smith-Petersen, representing luxury brands such as Valentino. In 2012, she started designing her own pieces, initially sharing them with friends and socialites across London, New York, and Milan. Growing demand led her to launch her first ready-to-wear collection in 2016 under the name Raquel Diniz.

“My Brazilian roots—the colors, prints, curves, and architecture—inspire my designs,” she shared on her brand’s website. In 2022, she opened her label’s flagship store on Milan’s Via Santo Spirito, with Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones among the distinguished guests.

Second Wife of Lawrence Stroll

Lawrence Stroll was previously married to Belgian businesswoman Claire-Anne Callens, who is also involved in fashion with her activewear brand, Callens. The couple has two children: Lance and Chloe Stroll. After their divorce, Lawrence married Raquel in 2020. Their wedding took place on the Caribbean island of Mustique, attended by hundreds of guests, many of whom stayed at Stroll’s $91.4 million estate, The Great House. Raquel was previously married to financier Giovanni Scolamiero, with whom she has a son; they separated in 2019.

Beloved by Celebrities

 

Once described by The New York Times as the “best-kept secret of fashion insiders,” Raquel’s designs gained widespread attention after Anne-Marie Curtis, former editor-in-chief of British Elle, wore one of her dresses at the 2017 Fashion Awards. Since then, her creations have been embraced by high-profile celebrities and royalty alike, including Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, Queen Mary of Denmark, Ashley Graham, Emily Blunt, and Priyanka Chopra.