Chiara Aichele: Petrol in Her Veins, Style in Her Heart, and a Vision for the Future

Markus Herzberg: Chiara, you are a fashion designer, event organizer, and passionate motorcyclist – an exciting combination! Is there a common thread that runs through all these areas?

Chiara Aichele: Everything started with my training as a fashion designer. However, the passion for motorcycles and classic cars was already a big part of my life back then. I particularly love how you can usually tell which person belongs to which vehicle. The style and design of the vehicle almost always match perfectly. Organizing events ties it all together – it allows everything to be combined.

Markus Herzberg: Motorcycles, classic cars, fashion – it sounds like a world full of stories and emotions. Do you remember the moment when you realized: this is exactly my world, this is where I belong?

Chiara Aichele: When I was 13, I attended the "Wheels and Waves" event in Biarritz for the first time. Sitting there in town, motorcycles passing by and crowds of passionate people talking about their motorcycle experiences around me, I knew: this is it! Passion, riding pleasure, and living the experience simply belong together. I wanted to be part of it.

Markus Herzberg: With "Ciaradumonde" you have established your own brand and at the same time launched a cult event together with your father. Creativity on the one hand, petrol in the blood on the other – how do these two worlds influence each other?

Chiara Aichele: All my projects are based on creativity and passion. For me, that is the fundamental prerequisite whenever I start a brand or organize an event.

Markus Herzberg: You grew up in a family where speed plays a major role. Was it natural for you to take this path, or was there a moment when you consciously said: Yes, this is my thing?

Chiara Aichele: For a long time, I accompanied my father to various events. At some point, it became clear to me: I no longer want to stand on the sidelines as a fan, I want to race myself and be cheered on. Everything happened very quickly after that. In 2018, I raced my first "proper" race in Montlhéry, 20 kilometers south of Paris, a track built in 1924, primarily for record attempts. The biggest challenge of the racetrack are the steep wall curves. Standing at the start with my Honda back then, among all those I had admired just shortly before, my heart was pounding. Now I had to prove that I could do it too.

Markus Herzberg: The "Kilomètre Lancé" in St. Moritz quickly gained cult status. What were the best moments of this project – maybe a situation where you thought: "Wow, is this really happening!"?

Chiara Aichele: That was the moment when I arrived at the airport early in the morning around seven o'clock. The entire area was covered in mystical fog. The first participants were already preparing their vehicles for the kilometer sprint. I looked around and had tears in my eyes. All these wonderful people and spectacular vehicles had come because of us. That was incredible!

Markus Herzberg: Your passion for classic motorcycles brought you into the top 3 of "Bike Woman of the Year". What fascinates you so much about these machines? Is it the design, the technology, or the pure riding experience?

Chiara Aichele: "If you can't kickstart the machine, you can't ride it," a friend once told me. That stuck with me. Each of these historic motorcycles operates differently. Sometimes the gearshift is on the right, sometimes on the left, sometimes the gears are up, sometimes down. You really have to concentrate when riding to avoid making serious mistakes. I love that challenge!

Markus Herzberg: With Rare.Sphere you have created a completely new, young concept. What is behind the idea? And what can we expect from you in the future – a revolution in the classic car world?

Chiara Aichele: It is very important to me to rejuvenate and refresh the classic car scene a little. Together with a team of individualists, we created RARE.SPHERE – a movement that connects social media car communities with the established automotive world. Emotions and special stories about vehicles and drivers are showcased on various platforms. Stay tuned – the next RARE.SPHERE event is already in the planning stages.

Markus Herzberg: The Early911S Porsche with Pepita design is set to turn heads at various events this year. What inspired you to choose this look? Is there a special story behind the design?

Chiara Aichele: The "Pepita" was conceived as an ambassador for RARE.SPHERE and is a tribute to 60 years of Pepita design. It incorporates elements from iconic Porsche designers. The extended knee panel even gives a nod to modern times (992 model). The 911 S was crafted by the restoration specialists at Early 911S. The "Pepita" has several exciting stops planned for this year. Stay tuned.

Markus Herzberg: Your new "old" Targa – when will we finally get to see it? Is it your personal dream car? And how much "Care for your Dream" is in this project?

Chiara Aichele: The goal was clear: to drive my own Porsche before turning 30. That dream drove me for years. Early this year, the opportunity came, and now I’m completely in love with a 1974 Targa in Peru Red – even though I never wanted a red car and always leaned towards a Coupé. I will drive my first 911 as often as possible and share my experiences.

Markus Herzberg: The automotive and motorcycle worlds are changing rapidly – from new technologies to sustainability topics. How do you see the future of classic car events? Do they need to adapt, or will the charm of the classic remain untouched?

Chiara Aichele: I believe the appeal of classic vehicles will remain strong. However, the scene must become more open and rethink its approach to create future-proof events. Traditional formats like club meetings, oldtimer magazines, and classic trade shows are no longer enough to sustain the passion for the hobby over the long term. We need fresh energy and new ideas!

Markus Herzberg: You are deeply rooted in the digital world and are working on new event concepts. How do you think the fascination with classic vehicles can be made even more tangible through modern media?

Chiara Aichele: Using social media is a huge advantage for this industry and absolutely essential in my opinion. The longer you resist it, the more you lose touch. Personally, I discover most events and activities online and then aim to attend them. Being open, thinking differently, and embracing new things is an absolute must for me!

Markus Herzberg: One final personal question: If you could choose any classic car or motorcycle – without limits – which one would it be and why?

Chiara Aichele: A Lotus Turbo Esprit – of course with skis on the roof! And an MV Agusta 750S from the 70s :)