As Reported By Sally Kilbridge

Whether it’s a regal satin ball gown or a fluid lace sheath, Toronto-based designer Rita Vinieris fulfills all manner of bridal fantasies. The creative hand behind brands Alyne and RIVINI, as well as the bespoke Rita Vinieris collection, she delivers a modern vision with couture-level craftsmanship. Heading up the company’s sales and finance divisions is husband and business partner Tony Giancola.

As the worldwide coronavirus epidemic put their business on pause, the team shifted their focus to making and donating tens of thousands of masks to hospitals and frontline healthcare workers across Ontario and the US. Rita and Tony took time from their intense schedules to let us peek into their partnership and process.

Bridal Council: How did you find each other?

Rita:  I was working at a menswear shop when Tony came in with a bunch of his buddies. We found that we went to the same university and he said to me “Maybe I’ll see you at uni and we can go for coffee.” Surprisingly we actually did bump into each other, not just once but three times. The third time he asked me if we could meet up.

It’s difficult to pin down what I liked about Tony — it was an overall feeling. The things that caught my attention were his looks and his sense of humor. He made me laugh. 

Tony: This was all before cell phones and social media, so after we met in the store, who knew if we would see each other again? But there seemed to be a positive energy from the outset, and a hope of meeting again.

BC: How have your individual business roles evolved over the years?  

Rita: Right from the beginning we divided responsibilities based on our strengths. My focus was the creative process and production and Tony’s focus was finance and sales.

With fashion being my major and having worked as a designer and overseeing small production runs for other companies, I was able to bring that experience to my business. My role has evolved from being fully hands on at the start to working with a team and overseeing the process that brings my designs to life.  

BC: Tony, how difficult was the decision to quit your job in finance and join forces with Rita? 

Tony: The decision wasn't very difficult. I believed in her talent and would do anything to support it. Besides, we've always been a great team.

BC: Do you find it difficult to separate your business and personal life? 

Tony: I don't find it particularly difficult. When business concerns come up [outside the office] we deal with them as required and move on to personal time. Because we both share the same goals around family first, business second, we are able to put things in context. Having two children also serves as a natural distraction from business, and helps keep me stay centered on family.

Rita: Business life and personal life are two very separate components that involve two separate teams. When I started RIVINI in 1995 we had a four-year-old daughter. At the beginning of 1998 we were blessed with our second daughter. We have grown our business over the course of time and also have a very close relationship with our children. They are always there, always present. I believe as we both live in the moment we are able to separate business from personal life.  

BC: What is the most valuable thing about being married to your business partner?

Rita: I know that I can trust Tony 150%. We both have the same vision as to what direction we are moving in. Of course, its not always harmonious, but our one-mind thinking helps us get through any issues and puts us on course. 

Tony: The most valuable thing would be common goals. We both want to get to the same place in life and business, and we have learned to work collaboratively to meet those goals

BC: Tony, do you ever find it difficult to work in a business with such a feminine point of view?

Tony: At times, yes. There is little focus on traditional guy stuff like sports. But at times it helps, given that I'm a father of two young ladies, and as such I have become a great grad gown shopper.

BC: What happens when you disagree about something? Do you have a method for reaching a compromise?

Rita: We typically each voice our opinion, review the pros and cons of each, and find the best solution for our business.

Tony: We hash it out. It’s a true back and forth of ideas and opinions and then we get to a solution and agreement. At times it's like having a sparring partner in a gym, and that suits both of us. Rita knows how to spar in a respectful fashion. But in the end, the business — like our children — requires a consistent and measured approach with [shared] goals in mind.

BC: Can you describe a typical workday?

Rita: My workday varies with the time of the year. When a new season is in production for the first time, my typical day is composed of meetings with my design team on development and meetings with my production team on production. As we work through the development I [focus] on fittings with my team to perfect each design. Once the collection is complete we move into preparing for New York Bridal Fashion Week. This time is filled with styling, working on photo shoots, and fine-tuning presentation details. 

Tony: My typical day revolves around customer service, sales, and finance. Part of my day, depending on the year, includes working with Rita on product development as it relates to pricing.

BC: What is the best aspect of working together?

Rita: The best thing is that we get to see each other more than just in the evenings.

Tony: The best part is that I’m always proud to say we did it together.