Meet Giorgio Presca, a titan in the world of fashion with over three decades of industry mastery under his belt. Formerly at the helm of iconic brands like Clarks, Golden Goose, Geox, and Citizens of Humanity, Presca’s journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. With a stellar track record spanning executive roles at Diesel and Levis, Presca’s expertise knows no bounds. Hailing from the heart of fashion in Italy, armed with an Economics degree from Bocconi University and a Masters in Fashion, Retail, and Textile Management from ISTAO, Presca is a visionary leader poised to elevate Furla’s legacy to new heights since taking the reins as CEO in September 2022.
WHAT EMERGING TRENDS DO YOU FORESEE SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE LUXURY HANDBAG AND LEATHER INDUSTRY, AND HOW DOES YOUR BRAND PLAN TO ADAPT TO OR LEVERAGE THESE TRENDS?
In a dynamic landscape of the handbags and leather industry, several emerging trends are
poised to shape its future. These include Digitalization, Sustainability, Personalization,
Technological Innovation, and of course Immersive Experience. At Furla, while we are attuned
to seasonal trends and frequently introduce new shapes and reinterpretations of our iconic
arch logo, our core values remain rooted in timeless elegance and exceptional quality. When it
comes to technological innovation, we prioritize offering enduring pieces that stand the test of
time. Our commitment to sustainability goes hand in hand with our dedication to crafting
durable products that align with the evolving needs of our customers. We understand that our
customers embark on journeys filled with special moments and celebrations, and our classic
yet chic bags are designed to accompany them through every season of their lives, not just a
passing trend. At Furla, we believe in creating pieces that are not only stylish and
contemporary but also enduring, functional, and meaningful. Our handbags are crafted to be
cherished companions, symbolizing the enduring elegance and timeless style of their wearers.
SUSTAINABILITY AND ETHICAL SOURCING ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT TO CONSUMERS. HOW IS YOUR BRAND ADDRESSING THESE CONCERNS WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE HANDBAG AND LEATHER INDUSTRY, AND WHAT STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO MINIMIZE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT WHILE MAINTAINING QUALITY AND LUXURY STANDARDS?
At Furla, sustainability is synonymous with the durability of our products. We believe that
creating items built to last is the ultimate expression of environmental responsibility. By
crafting pieces that withstand the test of time, we minimize the need for frequent replacements
and reduce the overall environmental impact of our production processes. Sustainability, for
us, isn’t just a goal; it’s an inherent aspect of our commitment to quality craftsmanship and
long-lasting value. Over the years, Furla launched various projects, trying out creative solutions
in different stages of production through various collaborations with innovative partners (For
example, the first Made-in-Italy bag in compostable leather: Unica Furla). Moreover,
Sustainability is not only a concern in terms of products but also in terms of supply chain, and
encouragement of good managerial practices. We commit to fostering a strong territorial
community through Furla Academy which takes place at “Progetto Italia” – our research hub
based in Tuscany. We invest in the future of new professionals in the region, passing down
Furla’s know-how and carrying on our long-established legacy in leather goods in a sustainable
environment that celebrates individuals’ well-being in the workspace.
WITH THE RISE OF E-COMMERCE AND DIGITAL PLATFORMS, HOW DO YOU ENVISION THE ROLE OF BRICK-AND-MORTAR STORES EVOLVING FOR LUXURY HANDBAG BRANDS IN THE COMING YEARS, AND WHAT STRATEGIES IS YOUR BRAND IMPLEMENTING TO STAY AHEAD IN THE ONLINE RETAIL LANDSCAPE?
While the digital landscape continues to expand, brick-and-mortar stores remain essential in
fostering connections, conveying brand stories, and delivering exceptional shopping
experiences. Our stores are more than mere transactional points; they serve as immersive
spaces where we invite our customers into the vibrant world of Furla. We recognize the
importance of maintaining equal standards of excellence across both our physical stores and
our e-commerce platform. Recently, we’ve made significant enhancements to our E-Commerce
site, ensuring a seamless and intuitive customer journey. Every detail has been meticulously
crafted to support a memorable online shopping experience, marking a significant milestone for
our brand as we continue to evolve in the digital space.
AS CONSUMER PREFERENCES AND LIFESTYLES CONTINUE TO EVOLVE, HOW IS YOUR BRAND INNOVATING IN TERMS OF DESIGN, MATERIALS, AND FUNCTIONALITY TO MEET THE CHANGING DEMANDS OF LUXURY HANDBAG CONSUMERS?
To address the evolving preferences and lifestyles of luxury handbag consumers, our brand is
innovating across multiple fronts:
- Design Innovation: We continuously strive to stay with modern and contemporary design in line
with trends and anticipate consumer desires by innovating our design approach. This involves
exploring new shapes, styles, and color palettes that resonate with modern tastes while
maintaining our brand’s signature aesthetic. - Material Exploration: We’re committed to sourcing and utilizing innovative materials that align
with our brand vision and meet the high standards of premium craftsmanship. This includes
exploring eco-friendly alternatives such as recycled materials, without compromising on quality
or durability. By diversifying our material options, we can offer consumers more choices that
align with their values and preferences. - Functional Enhancements: In response to changing consumer lifestyles, we’re continually
enhancing the functionality of our handbag designs. This may involve integrating features such as an adjustable shoulder belt or simply lightening the weight of our bags as we did for the Nuvola bag presented last February during Milan Fashion Week.
THE LUXURY MARKET IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY GLOBALIZED, WITH EMERGING MARKETS PLAYING A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN DRIVING GROWTH. HOW DOES YOUR BRAND PLAN TO EXPAND ITS PRESENCE IN KEY INTERNATIONAL MARKETS, AND WHAT MARKET-SPECIFIC CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU ANTICIPATE IN THE HANDBAG AND LEATHER INDUSTRY?
Expanding our presence in key international markets remains a strategic imperative for our
brand. Over the years, we’ve honed a comprehensive approach to tackle market-specific
challenges. Europe, Japan, China, and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region have long been our
strongholds, boasting robust brand awareness and healthy business performance. As we
venture into new territories, we’re poised to deploy a multifaceted strategy. This entails
meticulous market research, forging strategic partnerships, and deploying localized marketing
efforts. Collaborating with established retail partners in target markets enables us to tap into
their local insights and expansive distribution networks, thereby extending our reach to a
broader audience. By carefully selecting retail partners that resonate with our brand values and
ethos, we can effectively penetrate new markets and fuel growth. Our brand remains steadfast
in its commitment to a strategic and tailored approach to international expansion. We leverage
our core strengths in design, craftsmanship, and brand heritage to not only capture market
share but also to sustain long-term success in key international markets.
ALSO READ: THE ULTIMATE RAMDAN STYLING GUIDE TO ELEVATE YOUR FESTIVE WARDROBE.
