Lucy Rao’s story is one of vision, resilience, and transformation. Trained as an agricultural engineer, she has always had a deep appreciation for both the land and the communities that work it.

Her passion for design, culture, and community empowerment led her to establish Rialto Fashions, a brand that celebrates African identity while driving social impact. What began as a creative pursuit has since grown into a platform that brings together artisans, models, farmers, and communities, all united by fashion with purpose.

Beyond her role as Rialto’s head designer, She has become an influential leader in the Kenyan fashion ecosystem. She serves as a Director at the Kenya Fashion Council, where she champions policies and initiatives to strengthen the local fashion industry, and as a board member of Pamba Mali, an organic cotton project in rural Nyanza that provides smallholder farmers with sustainable livelihoods.

Her leadership, creativity, and commitment to social responsibility have positioned Rialto as more than just a fashion house—it is a voice for heritage, innovation, and positive change.