Rat & Boa is a trailblazing, London headquartered direct-to-consumer women’s fashion brand that has risen to cult status over the past decade with its signature bold, bohemian dresses and powerful social media presence. Founded in 2015 by university friends and creative duo Valentina Muntoni and Stephanie Bennett, the brand is best known for transforming the online dress market with sensual silhouettes, saturated prints, and a dedication to celebrating feminine confidence.
Brand Origins, Ownership, and Creative Leadership
The brand is privately owned and led by its founders, Muntoni and Bennett, both of whom remain actively involved in every facet of the business—from design and creative direction to campaign modeling and styling. The duo met at fashion school in 2008 and formalized their business after reconnecting and traveling throughout Asia, where they found creative inspiration. Muntoni and Bennett credit their personal friendship and shared vision as the backbone of Rat & Boa’s runaway success.
The name itself is a nod to a Stevie Nicks quote: “He and I were about as compatible as a rat and a boa constrictor”, chosen to reflect the opposing yet complementary energies that Muntoni and Bennett bring to their brand.
Product and Market Position
Rat & Boa sells exclusively online worldwide, shipping to customers in over 100 countries. Though best known for its signature slips, bias-cut dresses, floaty maxis, and flamboyant party wear in silk, chiffon, and velvet, the brand has expanded its offering in recent years to include tailoring, suiting, and swimwear. Each piece is designed in-house and produced in limited runs, leading to frequent sell-outs and a “get it before it’s gone” cult following.
Its style ethos is “sexy, fun, bold, and feminine, with a touch of magic,” according to the founders. Pieces have gained a loyal following from celebrities and fashion editors alike, A-listers such as Bella Hadid, Kim Kardashian, Candice Swanepoel, and Elsa Hosk count themselves as fans, regularly wearing the brand’s dresses in campaigns and on social media. The brand’s Instagram-led storytelling has amassed over 750,000 followers and is central to its DTC marketing strategy.
Target Audience and Core Values
Rat & Boa states their vision is for “every woman”: their customer is confident, independent, and embraces freedom, styling pieces in “her unique way”. The brand is unapologetically feminine, and its campaigns and influencer partnerships are curated to foster body confidence, self-expression, and a community that celebrates individuality.
Timeline and Major Milestones
- 2015: Brand launches online, quickly attracting an Instagram audience.
- 2017: Transitioned to a mobile-first, conversion-focused Shopify Plus site, boosting international orders.
- 2019-2021: Expanded collections beyond dresses to suiting and swim, as seen in launches covered by Vogue and Who What Wear.
- 2023: Revenue surpasses £14 million as the brand celebrates a decade of business.
- 2025: Rat & Boa named by The Independent as one of the “Best Online Clothes Shops”; launches exclusive Members Only rewards for loyal fans.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Rat & Boa plans to further diversify its range, expanding into more lifestyle and occasion product lines—including tailoring, swimwear, and new accessories. Muses remain a driving inspiration, as the brand taps into nostalgia, travel, and powerful female icons for each evolving collection. Muntoni and Bennett continue to lead a company culture grounded in empowerment and creativity, determined to remain fiercely independent and disruptive.
For women who desire sensual, intelligent, and bold design, Rat & Boa’s rise, as a brand founded and run by women, for women, shows no signs of slowing. It has won the loyalty of a truly global generation of dress lovers and style rebels.
