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Sophia Loren and granddaughter Lucia

Exclusive: Sophia Loren's 'transformation' that inspired her 18-year-old granddaughter

Lucia Ponti opened up to HELLO! for an exclusive interview

Hannah Hargrave
US Deputy Editor
November 26, 2024
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Growing up as the granddaughter of screen-siren Sophia Loren, Lucia Ponti, was never far from glamor. 

The 18-year-old — who will make her debut in Paris at the Debutante's Ball on November 30 — shared insight into her unique childhood and what it was really like growing up with her famous grandmother. 

Talking to HELLO!, Lucia recalled dressing up in the film star's clothes and how she'd long for her grandmother to visit them in America from Geneva. 

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"Occasionally my grandmother would come and visit my family in LA and I would give her my room to stay in during her visits," she said.

"As a little girl, I would walk into my room covered in hair pieces, jewelery and coats, and at the time I was so mesmerized by the transformation my room would go through every time she visited."

Sophia has passed down some good advice to her granddaughter
Lucia opened up about her childhood with her grandmother

Sophia allowed Lucia to create "my own personal fashion shows," with her designer wardrobe. 

"I would try on the hair pieces or the jewelry and jokingly strut around the house having no understanding of why my grandmother wore such outfits or pieces." 

Lucia — who is the daughter of Sophia's son Edoardo Ponti and his wife Sasha — is excited for the weekend.

Italian actress Sophia Loren attends the 29th Annual Golden Globe awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, California, January 28, 1977. (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)© Ron Galella
She's passed down wise words to Lucia

Sophia has helped shape her choice of gown as she said: "My grandmother always believed in timeless elegance and the importance of wearing something that reflects your true self."

When asked if she'll be wearing some of Sophia's jewels at the ball, she said: "My grandmother gave me the most treasured piece of advice, not jewelery, which is to be yourself," Lucia remarked. "I will make sure to carry this with me as I embark on this journey.

Lucia Ponti
Lucia is making her debut a the Debutante's Ball

"I think I have inherited her grit. She always taught me to never give up and to continue striving for what you yearn for no matter the rejection or the cost." 

Lucia says her relationship with Sophia is "very close," and despite the distance they share a special bond. 

Sophia Loren with son Edoardo and daughter-in-law Sasha Alexander, and grandchildren Leonardo and Lucia© Sasha Alexander
Sophia with son Edoardo, daughter-in-law Sasha, and grandchildren Leonardo and Lucia

Sophia spoke about her family connection in an interview with the Financial Times in 2020.

"I have two beautiful children and they gave me grandchildren, so I'm surrounded by great love every day," she told the outlet. 

Lucia used to play dress-up in her famous grandmother's wardrobe
Lucia used to play dress-up in her famous grandmother's wardrobe

"I live for my family," Sophia insisted during a chat with Al Roker on Today. "I have the most beautiful grandchildren that I've ever seen in my life."

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