[1] Her father, once a member of Mussolini's first government as Minister of Postal and Telegraph Services, became a target of the fascist regime after resigning in 1924 and publicly condemning fascism.
During this time, she moved to Sorrento, began amateur fashion design, and created dresses for the daughters of philosopher Benedetto Croce.
Elisabetta opened her first fashion house under the brand "Visbel" in 1946 at the family palace on Via Gregoriana in Rome, which remained its base until 1963.
Her second collection, including eighteen models, presented richer designs and evening dresses, receiving coverage in high-fashion magazines.
Her Mediterranean-inspired collection for Bergdorf Goodman was a success, with one of her dresses being the first Italian design presented at the New York Fashion Group's biannual show.
This era blurred the lines between evening and cocktail dresses, and Simonetta's designs featured in luxury car advertisements in Vogue America.
This collaboration led to the "Boutique Collection," characterized by practical, accessible models, suitable for American mass production.
In 1964, Simonetta collaborated with Françoise Letessier, focusing on "Haute Boutique" ready-to-wear fashion, popular among celebrities like Elsa Schiaparelli and the Duchess of Windsor.