He then joined Giorgio di Sant’ Angelo as director of licensed products, executing sportswear, lingerie, dresses, swimwear, and accessories. In 1978, Bonavitacola launched his signature label, which became synonymous with quality and classic design. His designs garnered three Women’s Wear Daily covers and appeared on the pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Town and Country, among many other publications.
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Bonavitacola has dressed some of the world’s most honored women, including Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Octavia Spencer, and Mary Tyler Moore. Songwriter Kristen Anderson Lopez wore Bonavitacola Couture when she won a Grammy for composing Frozen’s “Let It Go” and again as an Oscar nominee.
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From 2010 through 2014 at Tadashi Shoji, Bonavitacola co-designed Ready-to-Wear, Plus Size, and Bridal. He has held designer or design director positions at Tahari, Kaspar, Perry Ellis, and Bill Blass; and has created products for Nordstrom, Dillard’s, David’s Bridal, BHLDN at Anthropologie, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Home Shopping Network, and QVC.
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The designer is presently working on a memoir and an exhibition—both titled Reflecting Forward—to commemorate his 50th anniversary in the fashion business, scheduled to open in March 2025."