Gildo Zegna, 'We are at the highest levels of quality'

Ermenegildo Zegna is the rule and Gildo Zegna flagship of a company, scion of a family that, since 1910, has four generations in the business of fashion . Thanks to the modern management of its directors, the group has seen its consolidated sales have been increasing and expanding its network in more than 500 own stores and franchises more than 60 countries to achieve global leadership in male clothing luxury.

This large growth is based on an increasingly ambitious portfolio of products and lines, ranging from clothing to formal wear, casual or sport, via the leading edge until the footwear, leather accessories, perfumes and sunglasses and graduated. The latest addition is the line of underwear, which will produce Perofil under license. Zegna is a vertically integrated organization, which handles the supply of wool in their home markets to the management of each store itself, which makes it a point of reference for the whole Italian industry.

Suggest a gift for Father's Day.

Well, looking at our entire universe of quality products is not difficult to hit from a silk tie to a bottle of "Essence di Zegna ', for example, a leather wallet or a 'business bag. There are many options depending on the tastes of people's pockets and, of course.

Does it cost a homeowner as classic as Zegna make the jump to parade in New York with his' daughter 'small, the' Z '?

Good observation. The truth is that all was well thought out and measured and, as we wanted to publicize this new option for clothing, under our protection, but being a different style, we think that the window of New York was the more appropriate. Here are all eyes, the great interests, the press, public, global tourists ...

Looks like its designer, Alessandro Sartori, has brought them luck.

Alessandro is doing great at the forefront of artistic creativity of the 'Z' of Zegna, a designer is very religious, with clear references and ideas very well established what you want this house.

How far you have left their mark early, right?

My grandfather Angelo began with the watches and then he specialized in high quality fabrics. Both plots involve a high accuracy, the watch has to do with time and the loom with the requirement of the web.

Do you remember what your first stimuli in the workplace?

Perfectly. I dreamed of reaching the British who were at the top of the fabric quality, the goal was to create clothes with the most select raw materials, with the Italian design and a real brand. After a few decades we can say without doubt that the house Zegna is at the highest levels of quality than many.

What is your growth strategy in Spain?

We want to strengthen our presence with stores in ownership or direct control, such as the corner that we have in El Corte Ingls and that both are successful. Also we plan new products in the category of leather goods, accessories, shoes and more online fashion sport, which is the fastest growing curiously close to the line to measure.

Is not it ironic?

Times change and demand new ways of living, new situations, and at this point there are two very different public sectors, but just as demanding in their views. On the one hand, the man asks garments to enjoy at leisure, relax in, in their quality of life, and then there is another type of audience you want to distinguish themselves from the mass-to-measure clothes and pieces of exquisite quality.

Represents the fourth generation of the family. What is the secret of Ermenegildo Zegna?

Family business, success lies in solving the important things from the unity and respect to members of the company. I, as CEO, and my cousin, as president, the handle as if it were a firm quote. It is the discipline with which we manage. It is adding value to shareholders, highlighting the brand values and family. The fact that family is a plus for me. Think about that in a globalized world, these features are missing and are becoming less marked with the identity of our own.

Could we end up with a maxim that you implement in your daily work?

Continue a family saga and industry is what keeps current with a brand like ours, full of character and solid values that transcend the time.