On March 28, the Italian National Fashion Chamber (CNMI), in partnership with Zalando, hosted the event “Changemakers in luxury fashion” in Milan and brought together some of the leading thinkers of the luxury fashion scene, symbolizing some key values of innovation and positive transformation.
Zalando with its over 51 million active customers in 25 European markets and CNMI, a key institution connecting the Italian and international luxury industry, partnered up to foster a timely conversation about how to inspire and capture the attention of the younger generations - from Millennials to Gen Z and Gen Alpha - and what role do innovation, experiences and new technologies play in it.
Hosts of the event, named were: CNMI chairman Carlo Capasa, Zalando Co-CEO David Schneider, Moncler’s Remo Ruffini Moncler, Bottega Veneta’s Leo Rongone and Zegna’s Alessandro Sartori.
Moncler, with the forward-thinking vision of its CEO and Chairman Remo Ruffini, was chosen as an example of championing disruptive communication, as demonstrated by the brand’s highly engaging and innovative strategy.
Celebrating authenticity and high-end Made in Italy craftsmanship, the leading role in the industry of Bottega Veneta and its CEO Leo Rongone. Thanks to the company’s recent launch of the “Certificate of Craft”, a program guaranteeing lifelong repairs to the brand’s most iconic bags, he could explain how the brand’s exclusive quality product is set at the attention pf the market.
Zegna Artistic Director Alessandro Sartori took the stage to share his constant work focused on the innovation of men’s tailored silhouettes and his commitment to experimenting with high quality materials.
The most exceptional project in this direction is Oasi Cashmere, as it has affirmed itself as a place of artisanal thought, experimentation, and progress. With Oasi Cashmere, Zegna is aiming to become fully traceable within 2024 with the fiber of cashmere.
“We are very proud to host this event dedicated to transformation in collaboration with Zalando, a global player that definitely contributed to the digital evolution of the fashion e-commerce,” commented Capasa. “I think we are celebrating two of the key values that are certainly guiding the work of CNMI–positive change and disruption. We are channeling uncertain times, but for sure the Italian industry is playing a leading role in shaping a better future for global fashion,” he added.
“The one change that we at Zalando witness every day is the evolution of our customers and how they change the future of e-commerce. More than ever, new generations of customers look for inspiration, engagement and emotions when shopping for fashion online,” highlighted David Schneider, Co-CEO, Zalando.
“Luxury players will especially benefit from this shift, as they have built invaluable expertise in crafting aspirational product and brand experiences in the offline world. I’m excited to explore the new opportunities that the future holds for all of us together online and build the next generation of fashion e-commerce,” he added.
From Millennials to Gen Z and Gen Alpha, younger generations are increasingly becoming the driving force of luxury consumption. According to Bain & Company, spending by Gen Z and Millennials already accounted for all the luxury sector’s growth last year, while spending by Gen Z and the even younger Gen Alpha is projected to make up a third of the market by 2030.
Remo Ruffini, CEO & chairman, Moncler: “We live in a world where we ‘compete’ every day for attention, while the ways we interact with each other are constantly evolving at the intersection of digital and real life. For a brand, maintaining a constant connection with its communities and having a voice is a work of endless reinvention and exploration of meaningful and relevant ways to engage. This often means taking creative risks to stay at the forefront of change because when the world changes, so does communication."
Leo Rongone, CEO, Bottega Veneta: “Bottega Veneta is designed to last forever. The Certificate of Craft is a lifetime warranty on our iconic handbags, offering clients a superior service of long-term preservation with an unlimited refresh, replace and repair offering. Our philosophy is that exceptional after-care prolongs the life of our bags and reduces the need for replacement. It is a celebration of true luxury, where exceptional creativity and enduring craftsmanship are honored as our legacy, transforming beautiful objects into timeless treasures that transcend generations."
Alessandro Sartori, artistic director, Zegna: “Thanks to the Ermenegildo Zegna Made in Italy Luxury Platform, our vertically integrated structure ensures that an exceptional level of care is put at the heart of all we do. Oasi Cashmere for Zegna wants to be a trademark of traceability and accountability, from remote farms where cashmere is responsibly sourced, to the world to innovative manufacturing in Italy. By evolving the progressive ‘crafted modernity’ aesthetic and silhouette, we need to adjust to a new reality that acknowledges the importance of the silhouette and the one-to-one customer relationship where digital experience becomes an integral part of a luxury customer journey. With Zegna X, the newly digital ecosystem and customization tool, we are rewriting the future of luxury service.”
Riccardo Vola, general manager Italy & Spain, Zalando: “Italy is a key market in Europe, where Zalando keeps on strengthening its fashion ecosystem and inspiration. Our commitment to excite our Italian customers continues with a growing range of global and local brands, membership services with exclusive fashion drops, faster and more flexible deliveries. Ultimately, we are advancing new key partnerships with the ultimate aim to elevate the shopping experience of Italian customers."
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