But the cinema wasn't the only admirer of the "mahogany ladies" (as Carlo Riva referred to his boats built in Sarnico). In the 1950s, when recreational boating took off in Italy and on the Côte d'Azur, Riva boats became objects of desire for the famous and wealthy. Aristocrats from all over the world hurried to buy these fantastic boats.
Numerous film stars have become Riva owners, many after discovering the qualities of the brand's boats on the set. A classic example is Sophia Loren, who used an Ariston with Clark Gable, in "It Started in Naples", to shoot the glorious scenes set against the Faraglioni rock formations, and three years later bought Aquamarine number three. Brigitte Bardot too, who in the 1963 film "Il disprezzo" is seen on a magnificent Tritone, soon became the owner of three Riva boats: a Junior, a Florida Super and an Aquarama previously owned by her husband at the time, Gunter Sachs.
One of the skills of Carlo Riva, who was also a brilliant communicator, was as a forerunner of today's influencers: celebrities in every field - actors, kings and queens, industrialists - spread the word about the beauty of his boats and were photographed on them in dream destinations.
For over 70 years, Riva has been a symbol of Made in Italy design, peerless style and forward-thinking, iconic values increasingly sought out by boating and lifestyle enthusiasts.