Irene Forte: Pioneering Sustainable Luxury in Skincare and Wellness
When it comes to the world of luxury wellness and ethical skincare, few names stand out as strongly as Irene Forte. With an academic background from the University of Oxford, professional roots in the family-run Rocco Forte Hotels, and a vision for science-backed, plant-based skincare, Irene Forte has built a reputation as both a business leader and a trailblazer. Her journey bridges hospitality, wellness, and sustainability, culminating in the creation of Irene Forte Skincare – a brand that blends Mediterranean botanicals with clinical innovation.
This article explores Irene Forte’s background, career, entrepreneurial success, personal life, and her impact on the global skincare industry.
Early Life and Education
Irene Forte was educated at some of the UK’s leading institutions. She attended St Mary’s School Ascot before moving on to Charterhouse School, where she excelled academically, earning top grades in French, Mathematics, History, and Art.
Her academic promise led her to the University of Oxford, where she studied Modern Languages, specialising in French and Italian. This strong foundation in culture and communication would later shape her approach to brand storytelling and international business development.
She also completed a finance course at the London School of Economics (LSE), further strengthening her commercial and strategic skills. Alongside formal education, Irene gained valuable professional experience through internships at organisations such as Vogue, Christie’s, Dorchester Collection, and Fiorentina Football Club. These early placements gave her exposure to luxury, creativity, and brand identity – themes that would later resonate in her skincare venture.
Professional Beginnings at Rocco Forte Hotels
Irene Forte’s professional journey began within her family business, Rocco Forte Hotels, a globally recognised luxury hotel group founded by her father, Sir Rocco Forte. Her mother is Aliai Giovanna Maria Ricci.
Early Roles
In 2011, Irene worked as Interim Communications Manager at the Verdura Resort in Sicily, overseeing media relations, organising press visits, and building promotional campaigns. Prior to this, she had undertaken several internships in marketing and communications across the hospitality and fashion industries.
By 2013, she joined the Rocco Forte Hotels head office as a Quality Standards Executive. In this role, she focused on training programmes, service philosophy, brand guidelines, and employee engagement across the hotel group.
Brand Manager and Innovator
In 2014, Irene Forte became Brand Manager, where she developed new brand standards and service philosophies for the hotels. Her innovative thinking was recognised when she was awarded £250,000 in government funding to create a careers and development tool for the hospitality industry. This initiative led to the “Map My Future” app, launched in 2016, which became an important tool for career progression and training in the hotel group.
Launch of Rocco Forte Spas
Alongside her brand role, Irene took responsibility for the group’s spa and fitness proposition. She developed the Rocco Forte Spas brand, which introduced signature wellness concepts such as:
- Rocco Forte Nourish – a healthy food offering.
- Rocco Forte Fitness – a modernised approach to health and training.
- Rocco Forte Rituals – signature spa treatments.
- Rocco Forte Health at Verdura Resort – wellness programmes focused on long-term health.
Her efforts positioned Rocco Forte Hotels as innovators in luxury hospitality wellness.
Wellness Director and Industry Recognition
In 2015, Irene Forte was appointed Wellness Director for Rocco Forte Hotels. Over six years, she strengthened the group’s spa and wellness offering, introduced new programmes, and spoke at key industry events, including the Global Wellness Summit and the Luxury Connections event on wellness.
Her achievements in hospitality were recognised through several awards, including:
- Acorn Award (2017) – celebrating rising stars under 30 in the hospitality industry.
- Rising Star Shine Award (2016) – for excellence in hospitality, leisure, travel, and tourism.
- Health & Nutrition Catey (2016) – awarded for creating the Rocco Forte Nourish concept.
These accolades highlighted her role as a forward-thinking leader in wellness and luxury hospitality.
Founding Irene Forte Skincare
The Birth of a Brand
In 2018, Irene Forte channelled her passion for wellness into her own entrepreneurial venture – Irene Forte Skincare. The brand was born from her experience in luxury spas and her vision of merging Mediterranean natural ingredients with cutting-edge science.
Science and Sustainability
At the heart of the brand is the work of Dr Francesca Ferri, Scientific Director and a pioneer in the use of plant extracts for skin conditions. With over 35 years of research behind it, the skincare line integrates advanced formulations with novel natural ingredients, delivering clinically proven results.
The products are:
- Suitable for all skin types – even clinically approved for sensitive skin.
- Plant-based and vegan – with core ingredients harvested at Verdura’s organic farm in Sicily.
- Sustainable – the range uses upcycled ingredients, minimises waste, and meets the highest ethical standards.
Certifications and Global Reach
Irene Forte Skincare has earned B-Corp certification and the Butterfly Mark by Positive Luxury, both prestigious recognitions for sustainability and ethical excellence.
The products are now stocked in over 85 retail locations worldwide, and the brand is present in 12 luxury spas, including four dedicated Irene Forte Spas.
Leadership Philosophy and Brand Values
Irene Forte has consistently emphasised that her people are the brand’s greatest asset. She fosters a culture of inclusion, transparency, and respect within her company. Inspired by the principles of wellness, she ensures her workplace reflects the same values of balance, sustainability, and holistic care that her products represent.
Her approach is rooted in combining luxury with responsibility – redefining what beauty and skincare mean in the 21st century.
Personal Life
Irene Forte’s inspiration for wellness and sustainability is deeply tied to her Sicilian heritage and upbringing. Spending time at Verdura Resort and its organic farm gave her an appreciation for nature’s power, something she has translated into her skincare line.
On a personal note, Irene Forte is married to Felix Winckler, with whom she tied the knot in 2020. The couple first celebrated their union with a small ceremony at Chelsea Town Hall, followed by a larger wedding in Sicily. Together they have two children: a daughter, Alisea, and a son, Alexis Antoine Rocco.
While her exact age has not been publicly confirmed, various sources estimate she is in her early-to-mid 30s as of 2025.
Legacy and Future Vision
Still early in her entrepreneurial journey, Irene Forte has already made a significant impact. From reshaping the spa experience at Rocco Forte Hotels to creating a skincare brand with global recognition, she has shown resilience, creativity, and vision.
Her future plans are likely to expand the reach of Irene Forte Skincare, strengthen partnerships with global luxury spas, and further innovate with plant-based science. As consumer demand for sustainable and ethical products continues to grow, Irene Forte is positioned as a pioneer of responsible luxury.
Conclusion
Irene Forte embodies the new generation of business leaders – those who combine tradition with innovation, and luxury with responsibility. With a strong academic foundation, years of experience in the hospitality industry, and a vision for sustainable beauty, she has created a brand that is not only luxurious but also ethically grounded.
Her skincare line is more than just products; it represents a philosophy of holistic beauty, respect for nature, and commitment to wellness. As her influence grows, Irene Forte continues to inspire both the skincare industry and the wider world of ethical entrepreneurship.
