The countdown has officially begun—and no, we’re not referring to the holiday season. The much-anticipated premiere of House of Gucci is just weeks away (mark your calendars for Nov. 24).
As we gear up for its release, we’re taking a deep dive into each character. Up next: Paola Franchi. Portrayed by French actress Camille Cottin, the Italian interior designer led a life filled with intrigue and scandal.
You may already be familiar with the tumultuous saga of Maurizio Gucci and Patrizia Reggiani—but what about Franchi? Below, we’re uncovering everything there is to know about her. Spoiler alert: her role in the Gucci family drama is just as fascinating.
Who Is Paola Franchi?
Born in 1953, Franchi was raised in Milan and was actually a childhood friend of Maurizio Gucci. In 1983, she married copper industrialist Giorgio Colombo, and the couple welcomed their son, Charly, two years later.
Following her separation from Colombo, Franchi rekindled her connection with Gucci, and the two began a romantic relationship in 1990.
They shared an opulent apartment in Corso Venezia, Milan, where she lived as Gucci’s partner for five years.
Once Gucci’s divorce from Reggiani was finalized in 1994, he and Franchi started planning their wedding. However, that never came to pass, as Gucci was tragically assassinated in 1995. The following day, Franchi was ordered by Reggiani to vacate the luxury residence she had shared with Gucci.
What Happened to Paola Franchi?
Several years after leaving the apartment, Franchi suffered another devastating loss when her 16-year-old son, Charly, took his own life in 2001.
In the wake of the tragedy, she dedicated herself to helping troubled youth by becoming involved in a charity called L’amico Charly. During this period, she also immersed herself in writing and painting.
Her literary pursuits culminated in the release of her 2010 autobiography, L’amore strappato (translated as Broken Love). Today, the interior designer and author is 67 years old.
