The Independents Acquires Creative Culinary Studio “WE ARE ONA”

On June 10, global marketing and communications group The Independents, known for its work with leaders in the luxury and lifestyle industries, announced the acquisition of WE ARE ONA, a culinary studio and food production agency.

Founded in 2019 by Luca Pronzato, WE ARE ONA is a boundary-pushing culinary studio that has earned acclaim for its immersive dining experiences that fuse art, design, and gastronomy. The studio has collaborated with prestigious brands such as Chanel, Saint Laurent, Alaïa, and Jacquemus, creating site-specific culinary moments that transcend traditional hospitality.

With a global network of over 1,000 culinary talents—including Michelin-starred chefs and emerging voices—WE ARE ONA is also known for its multidisciplinary approach. From spatial design and menu development to visual identity and storytelling, the team handles every element of production in-house. In recent years, they have worked with artist Carsten Höller and designer Willo Perron, elevating culinary expression into the realm of art.

Isabelle Chouvet, Founder and CEO of The Independents, shared her thoughts on the acquisition: “Food is not only about taste. It’s a powerful medium to tell stories, spark emotion and elevate brand experiences. Across The Independents, we have been working with Luca and WE ARE ONA for many years. Now, as part of our collective, we are excited to deepen those synergies, crafting immersive and community-driven experiences at the intersection of gastronomy, art and design for our world-class clients.”

Luca Pronzato, Founder and Creative Culinary Director of WE ARE ONA, echoed this sentiment: “For years, and as a long-standing member of WE ARE ONA’s growing global community, she has understood the power of culinary culture in today’s creative industries. Joining forces now is both inspiring and empowering, as we aim to push boundaries and craft pioneering experiences that connect people, brands and ideas in meaningful new ways.”

This acquisition expands The Independents’ already robust expertise in brand strategy, storytelling, and live experiences, now incorporating culinary-led event design as a new pillar. For WE ARE ONA, the backing of a collective spanning 20 companies across 16 global cities marks a significant step forward in accelerating its international expansion.