Outgoing Aimpes boss reflects on Italy’s leathergoods sector
18/02/2015
In that time, he says, the world has changed. “Italy used to be the undisputed home of leathergoods, our craftsmen were the best in the world with raw materials of excellent quality and unique design.
“Then, little by little, things changed. China and India grew rapidly and invaded the market, so Italian producers could do little other than carve out a small section of quality production for themselves, thanks to which the sector survive.”
He added that the biggest brands will continue to manufacture in Italy because it is difficult to find the quality elsewhere, but some smaller brands are just “third parties” in which case “there is no point in them taking part in [Milan-based leathergoods fair] Mipel”. “This has been a sticking point at the fair in recent years.”
He said the fair might in future feature high-end apparel alongside the bags, to create a “total look” for buyers.
Vice-director Fabrizio Sole will take his place as head of the association.
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