In 2017, Fernando Alonso decided to invest some of his racing fortunes in a clothing and lifestyle startup. The Spaniard established ‘Kimoa,’ a clothing and apparel brand along with his then-girlfriend Linda Morselli,
Morselli was his business partner but the brand was extremely dear to her. She regarded it as her baby. Both Alonso and Morselli worked relentlessly, with Alonso taking up the role of “Brand Ambassador”
However, Alonso’s business skills proved to be not as good as his driving. And the Spaniard learnt it the hard way after the fall of his brand ended his 5-year long relationship.
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Who is Alonso’s ex-girlfriend Linda Morselli?
Linda Morselli was Fernando Alonso’s longtime girlfriend and business partner. Morselli is an Italian Model who was one of 30 finalists in the 2006 Miss Italia. She won the title of Miss Eleganza.
Morselli and Alonso were very public regarding their relationship. The two were often spotted together on race weekends. But the two were more than just partners. The two were considering having kids and starting a family together.
Both Alonso and Morselli wanted to explore their interests in Fashion and Business. Thus founding Kimoa along with some friends in 2017.
Alonso was Kimoa’s Brand Ambassador. During his second stint at McLaren, you could regularly spot Alonso sporting a Kimoa cap or t-shirt during grid walks or Press interviews.
In 2018, the Spaniard signed a deal with McLaren to become the team’s official Surfwear partner. Kimoa’s branding was featured on the MCL33 and both the driver’s suits and helmets.
But things were not looking good for the company which was suffering rampant losses. In 2018 alone, Kimoa reported losses of about $1.2 Million. And the company reported straight losses for another 5 years.
And this affected the couple who began to drift apart on how to run the company. The clothing brand focused on sustainability became an unsustainable venture. Resulting in Alonso pulling the plug on Kimoa and his relationship.
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How sale of Kimoa ended Fernando Alonso’s relationship?
Fernando Alonso’s Kimo had already racked up losses of up to $3.5 Million and had become a ‘white elephant’ for the racer. The Spaniard was looking to offload the brand that had recorded its 5th consecutive year of losses.
Alonso was funding Kimoa out of his pocket. Furthermore, he was forced to continue as the brand’s ambassador for free. This meant that Kimoa had cost the Spaniard $15 Million.
In 2021, Alonso reached out to US-based fashion conglomerate, Revolution Brands over a potential takeover. Fernando had agreed to the sale. But his girlfriend and Business partner Linda Morselli wasn’t willing to sell the venture yet.
However, Alonso decided to go ahead with the deal. And in August 2021, 75% of the company was sold. Alonso retained a 25% stake in the company and would continue to serve as an ambassador for the brand.
Morselli was heartbroken by the sale of a company, that too in such a hasty manner. The differences between the couple grew over time and eventually in late 2021, the couple separated after 5 years together.
The pain of his relationship ending and the loss of his venture affected Alonso. But it would be an expensive business lesson learnt.
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