There is more that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his youngest daughter Phoebe have in common than meets the eye. They both have ties to Stanford University and, in the centibillionaire’s own words, “Phoebe and I both left college early, but she came away from Stanford with a degree.” They are both voracious readers, and now they have some “business” to discuss as well. No, the Reproductive Health Advocate hasn’t joined Microsoft, but as expected, she has paved her own path that has led her to business. Phoebe Gates is the co-founder of Phia, a forthcoming digital fashion platform.
The 21-year-old daughter of Bill and Melinda Gates founded the venture with her Stanford roommate Sophia Kianni, an Iranian-American social entrepreneur and activist. Kianni, the founder of Climate Cardinals, the world’s largest youth-led climate nonprofit, is the youngest United Nations advisor in U.S. history. The name ‘Phia’ is a portmanteau derived from the founders’ names.
The duo saw room for improvement in the fashion industry and decided to ruffle some feathers. The platform first set them up for success by roping in a top fashion pioneer, Stella McCartney. “We’re trying to build something that we think will change the future of fashion,” Kianni said. Gates added, “Stella has been able to build this empire while still holding onto her values. We reached out many times, and eventually, she really took us under her wing and has since been an advisor to us as we build out this platform.”
Their first capsule collection celebrated the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Open, per Vogue, with a series of bags made from deadstock material that flaunts details like chain handles and crystal-embellished ribbons. “I’m just inspired to work with women who I think are so incredible—I get to work with Sophia every day,” Gates shared.
