Kristen Tomassi is a name that resonates within the realms of interior design, celebrity culture, and personal reinvention. Best known as the first wife of billionaire Richard Branson, Tomassi’s journey is a tapestry woven with creativity, resilience, and a quest for personal fulfillment.
Early Life and Education
Born on August 10, 1952, in Southport, Connecticut, Kristen Tomassi was raised in a family that valued education and culture. Her father, Joseph H. Tomassi, was a businessman who worked as a director at Libby, McNeill, and Libby International, specializing in international marketing. Her mother, Jacqueline Tomassi, was a homemaker. Kristen was the youngest of four siblings. She attended Concord Academy for high school and later pursued higher education at Fairfield University in Connecticut. Her passion for design led her to the renowned Parsons School of Design in New York, where she honed her skills in interior design. She furthered her studies in architecture at Arizona State University’s School of Architecture, balancing her academic pursuits with her growing interest in the design world.
Career Beginnings and Rise to Prominence
In the 1970s, Tomassi began her career at Bradley-Marks, a design firm where she absorbed knowledge about high-end design. Her early work gravitated towards bold, modern sensibilities, moving away from the ornate traditional styles that were prevalent at the time. By 1978, she felt ready to launch her own firm, envisioning a collaborative studio where designers worked closely with clients to create spaces reflecting their unique lifestyles. Her clean, contemporary designs attracted attention from the media and the design community, especially for their subtle feminine touches. She often incorporated architectural elements like placing beds within framed nooks and used materials such as concrete, metal, and lucite to create livable high-end spaces.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Tomassi cemented herself as the go-to designer for celebrities, socialites, and business moguls. Notable clients included Warren Beatty, Nicole Kidman, David Geffen, and Barry Diller. Her innovative use of walls to showcase art and create textural interest set her apart in the competitive world of interior design.
Marriage to Richard Branson
In 1972, at the age of 20, Kristen Tomassi married Richard Branson, who was 21 at the time. Their Anglican ceremony took place in Shipton-on-Cherwell, near Branson’s property. However, their marriage faced challenges, leading to their separation in 1979. Branson later attributed the separation to a “bizarre sexual allergy” that caused painful rashes whenever they were intimate, a condition that remained unresolved despite medical consultations.
Despite their separation, the couple maintained a cordial relationship. Branson acknowledged that their marriage might have fallen apart due to their youth and lack of maturity. He later married Joan Templeman, with whom he has been married for over 30 years.
Life with Kevin Ayers
After her marriage to Branson, Tomassi became romantically involved with Kevin Ayers, the former singer of the band Soft Machine. Their relationship began at a wife-swapping gathering on a houseboat in Little Venice. Tomassi and Ayers welcomed a daughter together, named Galen Ayers, who followed in her father’s footsteps to become a musician. Ayers, however, struggled with alcohol addiction, which strained their relationship. Despite the challenges, Tomassi and Ayers maintained an amicable co-parenting relationship. Ayers passed away on February 18, 2013, at the age of 68.
Second Marriage to Axel Dieter Ball
In 2011, Tomassi married Axel Dieter Ball, a German property developer and former business partner of her ex-husband Richard Branson. The couple resides in Mallorca, Spain, where they enjoy a quiet life away from the public eye. They are also core members of Niños de Las Galeras, a nonprofit organization based in the Dominican Republic that Tomassi helped found in 2013.
Children and Grandchildren
Kristen Tomassi has two children. Her daughter, Galen Ayers, is a musician married to award-winning Jamaican-born British-Australian director and producer Stephen J. Hopkins. Her son, Nicholas Ball, is married to Nadine Hawa, a former news presenter, and is the CEO of Xfuel, a company focused on decreasing carbon impact. Nicholas and Nadine have two children together.
Philanthropy and Later Years
In her later years, Kristen Tomassi has focused on philanthropic endeavors. She co-founded the nonprofit organization Niños de Las Galeras in 2013, aiming to provide education and support to children in the Dominican Republic. She is also involved in various charitable organizations supporting women and children in need. Despite her semi-retired status, Tomassi remains active on social media, sharing glimpses of her life in Mallorca and her family’s achievements.
Conclusion
Kristen Tomassi’s journey from a young architecture student to a respected designer and mother illustrates a life lived with purpose and creativity. Her experiences underscore the idea that personal and professional growth often emerge from life’s complexities. As she continues to lead a private life away from the public eye, Kristen’s story remains a compelling narrative of transformation, resilience, and enduring influence.
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