CC_CAT_JULY-26 - Flipbook - Page 5
CHRISANN E CLOV ER: A HERITA GE
Our Lasting Impact on Dance Fashion
Introduction
Ronnie had been familiar with Chrisanne for many years. Despite being competitors, he maintained positive relationships with the Chrisanne
team, and before the merger, the two companies had already collaborated on several successful projects. The 2015 merger was a textbook
case, uniting the strengths of two industry leaders and propelling Ronnie
and the business to a dominant position far ahead of any competitor.
Chrisanne Clover is widely acknowledged as the premier brand for
Ballroom dance couture anzd fabrics. Established on the principle of
providing dancers with all they need to craft the perfect garment; our
company seamlessly blends the comfort and resilience of sportswear
with the glamour and allure of high fashion. To simplify the creation of
couture, Chrisanne Clover offers colour-coordinated fabric collections
in both stretch and non-stretch varieties, available in a diverse palette
of vibrant shades. This comprehensive offering ensures that dancers and
designers have everything required to create exquisite Ballroom dresses
and more.
The Heritage of Chrisanne
Chrisanne was established in 1986 out of the frustration experienced
by dancers seeking suitable fabrics for dance dresses and in response
to market demand. The company was founded by dancers Peter &
Christina Dobner, and Hans & Anne Laxholm. Their collective expertise
formed the foundation of Chrisanne and shaped a corporate culture
focused on meeting dancers’ needs.
Global Recognition and Growth
After three decades, Chrisanne Clover stands as the top global brand
supplying Fabrics, Accessories, Crystal, Dancewear, and Couture. Our
reach extends beyond dancers to performers, designers, and the wider
fashion industry in more than 50 countries worldwide.
As Peter explained, “When we first started out, the dance dresses had
just changed from tutu dresses to long and flowing dresses and nobody
knew how to make that look, or where to source the fabric. This is where
we stepped in...”
Leadership and Vision
At the helm is Ronnie Li, Managing Director, who is highly respected in
the Ballroom dancing community. Ronnie acquired Chrisanne Clover in
2015, further reinforcing the brand’s leadership position in the industry.
Chrisanne’s beginnings mirrored those of Crystal Clover, starting in a
one-bedroom flat in Norbury before expanding rapidly to a head office and warehouse. The company grew to employ over 65 people
and supplied dance goods to more than 50 countries. This impressive
growth earned Chrisanne a place in The Independents Top 100 companies in 1993 and 1995, marking it as one of the UK’s fastest-growing
businesses.
From Humble Beginnings
Ronnie Li’s introduction to dance began in China, thanks to his uncle, the
renowned Ballroom dancer Philip Li. Growing up in Shanghai, Ronnie
was inspired by the ambition, drive, and splendour of the dance world.
In 1995, he made the bold move to London, regarded as the dance
capital of the world, where he honed his business management skills at
Choice London, a dancewear company.
The Heart of Chrisanne Clover
According to Ronnie, “We have a great team at Chrisanne Clover. I am
lucky enough to have very loyal people who have been working with
myself and Peter, supporting us and the company for many years. Now
I have a bigger platform to make and meet more friends. The excitement
of being able to talk to people thousands of miles away to not only get
an order, but to also make a friend is a huge achievement for me. I am
very lucky.”
Ronnie’s passion for the dance business quickly grew. He explains, “I
got myself more and more into it; my involvement was not just to make
money but to make friends and make it enjoyable for myself. I am a
very open person and I love to meet people from all over the world. I
used to like seeing my friends and then they would give me orders and
it combined the two beautifully.”
Ronnie lives by the mantra: “Do what you love and then throw yourself
into it fully, never stop improving yourself and the business, never be
satisfied with being second best and—above all—make sure you have
fun on the way!”
The Creation of Crystal Clover & the Merger
Ronnie’s first independent venture, Crystal Clover, began modestly in a
flat in Norbury, a suburb of London, but soon expanded into a nearby
shop. In 2008, Crystal Clover Japan was established. By 2015, Ronnie had acquired Chrisanne, a leading name in Ballroom dance, and
merged the two businesses to become Chrisanne Clover—a union that
combined innovation, expertise, and heritage. In June 2016, the first
Chrisanne Clover flagship store opened in Shanghai.
The challenges of the pandemic have underscored the importance of
loving what you do and surrounding yourself with positivity.
Chrisanne Established
Crystal Clover Japan
Chrisanne Clover Shanghai
1986
2008
2016
2003
Crystal Clover Established
2025
2015
The merger Chrisanne Clover
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