CC_CAT_OCT 2025-26 - Flipbook - Page 5
CHRISA NNE CLOV ER: A HERITAGE
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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