wearing Miu Miu
“The world has irrecoverably changed, and I want to make sure that it is for the better, because we are on a path that I fundamentally do not believe is towards destruction,” says Kiara Nirghin, a South African-born technologist, author, and sustainability advocate who studied at Stanford. The 24-year-old, who wears Miu Miu for her Schön! 48 digital cover story, has earned her place on influential lists such as Forbes’ Generation Disrupter and Glamour Magazine’s College Women of the Year, thanks to her deep commitment to purpose-driven problem-solving. Her work has gained international acclaim, including the Grand Prize at the Google Science Competition for a data and tech-driven climate change innovation.
Problem-solving, for Nirghin, is a passion. “I’ve always been fascinated by how different parts of a system work together,” she reflects. “Even as a kid, I loved building and analysing algorithms; figuring out how we could improve models to change the way people interact with technology.” With artificial intelligence now at the centre of global conversation, Nirghin acknowledges the debates that inevitably come with transformative technologies. But for her, it’s not about resisting progress but rather about embracing it with intention.
“I hold two fundamental beliefs close to my heart,” she explains. “First, I’m a technology explorationist. I believe in pushing technology as far as possible because that’s how society progresses. Second, ignoring the inevitable is the worst decision we can make.” To Nirghin, these principles must go hand in hand. “Whether we talk about AI or not, it is going to get developed, and depending on where you are geographically, if there is a difficulty in having the conversations or funding researchers, [AI] is just going to advance elsewhere,” she points out.
As co-founder and CTO of CHIMA, a San Francisco-based startup backed by some of Silicon Valley’s most respected venture capital firms, Nirghin is working to redefine generative AI’s role across industries. The company is dedicated to developing advanced models that are not only powerful but also responsible, sustainable, and effective.
She credits CHIMA’s beginnings to a shared vision with her co-founder and sister, Nikhara: “The future is being built right now, and we’re living in the era of exponential change where technology and bold thinking are reshaping what’s possible in real time.” Through CHIMA, they are exploring the “more daring, open and abundant realities” that emerge where AI meets human potential. It’s a venture that perfectly blends curiosity with creativity. “We want to see what technology can do in accelerating the world. We call ourselves tech support on the side,” she says, laughing.
Nirghin’s fascination with technology extends beyond AI into other creative realms, including fashion. A devoted Prada enthusiast, she quips, “P is for Prada, but I also think it’s for Pioneers.” At the core of her passion is the belief that we are only beginning to uncover what’s possible. “We are so early in this [technology] journey that it is so incredibly exciting to talk about,” she says, adding, “and these technological advancements are going to be the most important [advancements] we have in this decade.”
As Nirghin sees it, the future is already in the making. It’s up to us to shape it for the better.
full look. Miu Miu
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full look. Miu Miu
full look. Miu Miu
full look. Miu Miu
full look. Miu Miu
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This Schön! 48 digital cover story is produced by
photography + art direction. Any Okolie
fashion. Maria Teresa Strippoli
talent. Kiara Nirghin in Miu Miu
hair + make up. Giorgia Giommoni using YSL, CHANEL + Rabanne
fashion assistant. Juliette Lejeune
location. Portrait Milano Leading Hotels Of The World
special thanks. The Team @ Miu Miu
words. Sandy Aziz
