This past December, I had the profound honor of visiting Make-A-Wish Italia in Genova (Genoa) to solidify a collaboration that has been close to my heart since founding MUOI. I was warmly welcomed by the President and co-founder, Sune Frontani Schwenkbier.
Make-A-Wish Italia was co-founded by Sune together with her husband, Fabio Frontiani, in loving memory of their daughter, Carlotta. After losing her at just 10 years old to a serious illness, they made the extraordinary decision to transform unimaginable grief into a life-affirming mission. In Carlotta’s name, they built something enduring, dedicating themselves to bringing hope, joy, and moments of wonder to children and families facing critical conditions across Italy. Through every wish granted, Carlotta’s spirit lives on, not as loss, but as love in action.
Walking through the doors of the Genova office, I was immediately struck by the warmth, care, and quiet strength of the team. Every person there works with deep intention and compassion, carrying forward the legacy Sune and Fabio created. Their dedication is felt in every detail, in every story, and in every child whose life they touch.
From the beginning, MUOI has been built on the belief that luxury should serve a greater purpose. Each bag we create carries a story, and through our partnership with Make-A-Wish Italia, those stories will now help create moments of light for children who need them most.
Italy holds a special place in MUOI’s heritage, from craftsmanship to culture, and partnering with Make-A-Wish Italia in Genova felt like a natural extension of our values, rooted in community, compassion, and care. While Make-A-Wish is widely recognized in the United States, many people do not realize that its work reaches children around the world. In countries like Italy, the need is just as real. Children everywhere deserve love, dignity, and moments of joy, regardless of where they live, and this is something we hope to help change.
Through this collaboration, a portion of proceeds from select MUOI collections will directly support Make-A-Wish Italia’s mission to grant life-changing wishes. We are not simply creating beautiful handbags, we are helping create hope, strength, and joy for families navigating some of their hardest moments.
During my visit, I spent time with the team discussing how we can deepen our impact together, from special edition pieces to awareness initiatives that bring our communities closer to this important cause.
This partnership represents everything MUOI stands for, premium quality with purpose, beauty with meaning, and luxury that gives back. I am deeply grateful to walk alongside Make-A-Wish Italia and honored to support the legacy Sune and Fabio created in Carlotta’s name.
Thank you for being part of the MUOI family and for believing, as we do, that even the smallest acts of kindness can create lasting change, one bag and one wish at a time.
If you feel moved to support the beautiful work being done to bring joy and hope to children facing serious illnesses, you can make a donation to Make-A-Wish Italia through their secure online giving page. Every contribution, large or small, helps create moments of light and strength for kids and families when they need it most.
Donate to Make-A-Wish Italia here.
With gratitude,
Liz