Latest news with #Santoni
Fashion Network
4 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Santoni celebrates 50th anniversary with new store and Assouline book
Despite its rich Italian leather goods history which hails from Italy's epicenter of the trade, Le Marche, it's New York City that remains at the core of the Santoni brand. Founded with a goal to scale artisanal shoemaking by Andrea Santoni and five employees in 1975, in the family home's garage in Corridonia, it was a suitcase-in-a-hotel-room sales venture in the Big Apple which helped launch the exquisitely crafted shoes. Now as it marks its 50th anniversary, led by Andrea's son -- chairman and executive president, Giuseppe Santoni -- the global luxury goods purveyor offers men's and women's shoes, bags, belts and more. The event coincides with a new flagship in Manhattan and partnership with luxury book publisher Assouline, 'Santoni Meraviglia' which tells the story of the family and their brand. Giuseppe Santoni spoke to at the store opening and celebratory star-studded dinner. The new 4,500-square-foot, two story boutique at 667 Madison Avenue precedes a former New York store opened in 1997 and is located within a newly conceived commercial office tower, thus Santoni and his architect Patricia Urquiola had a blank space to work with. However, the ambitious design was a feat. 'It's a huge, beautiful space with very high, 27-foot ceilings. The construction process was very complicated due to this and because we installed a lighting system to mimic natural sunlight. You can see the real color of the shoe thanks to this lighting seat; typical indoor shop lighting discolors a product's appearance,' Santoni explained. Indeed, the ceiling featured an iron I-beam construction in triangular sections with luminescent panels that gave the appearance of soft spring afternoon light while outside in New York it was dark and cloudy. The design by Urquiola references the brand's first flagship in Milan which opened in 2012. Other design features include a pointed pyramid wave-effect wall covering and marble display tables and pedestals. The store sits in fine company with brands such as Brunello Cucinelli, Valentino, Jimmy Choo, and Tom Ford nearby. 'We wanted to create an ambience that is not a shop, but where we can tell the story of the Santoni lifestyle mood. It doesn't look like a store, but more like a private club or a lifestyle space where you see shoes and other leather goods collections mixed into architectural elements and design,' he continued. Beyond the specific area of Madison Avenue, the country at large is important for Santoni. 'The United States is our biggest export country. We're doing very well even in this tricky market situation where business is quite volatile. Since the beginning of 2025, the company overall has nice 15 percent double digit growth,' Santoni added. This is also in part to the growing success of its accessories category led by the Pluto bag which was introduced in 2023. According to Santoni the accessories component led by the bag's growth has increased existentially in the last six to 12 months. 'The Pluto bag is an unbelievable asset for Santoni and represents the brand from the design point of view. We are continuing to introduce new versions of the bag even for the next few years because we believe this is really the essence of the Santoni and important to the brand representation in the future,' he said. New iterations include suede styles and new travel accessories made from recycled materials. Beyond bags, the executive believes something other than possession for the sake of possessing drives the Santoni customer; it elicits an 'IYKYK' reaction. 'I'm positive because Santoni customers are loyal to our values and uniqueness of our hand crafted and hand painted offerings which are totally individual. They don't buy only a statement, but they buy something very specific, each pair of shoes is a piece of art; made by a single artisan their perfection lies in their imperfection. Our customer wants a different buying experience and to feel the emotion when you buy a specific product; you feel bold when you buy a pair of Santoni shoes,' he said. After exploring the new store, select guests such as Maggie Gyllenhaal and Michelle Monaghan joined the Santoni and the Assouline families and headed up Madison Avenue to the New York outpost of Caviar Kaspia at The Mark. While guests sipped vodka, enjoyed caviar and blinis and salmon in every form, Giuseppe Santoni and Assouline's president, Alexandre Assouline, welcomed guests. Assouline, noting that they publish a lot of books, said Santoni felt special and offered a toast to Santoni's 50th anniversary and new Madison Avenue flagship, highlighting the shared family values and dedication to heritage and craftsmanship that define both Santoni and Assouline, illustrated in the new title "Santoni Meraviglia". In speaking to about the partnership and meaning of the book's title, the chairman noted the synergy of the book as a luxury product like Santoni. 'Assouline and Santoni met through common friends, and they appreciate and understand Santoni. I appreciate what they do with the kind of passion and attention that they have. Compared to other editors, they have the highest-level quality,' he explained, adding, ''Meraviglia' or 'wonder' is experiencing something, so you remember it. What we do is something that is always created for people; when you see our shoes, our production process, visiting our factory, showroom, and stores. You can feel the meraviglia," he said. Demonstrated in the book is the family's unique approach to shoemaking in a region that boasts 70 percent of the country's shoe making facilities. 'Le Marche is a place where culturally shoes are created and our company has the sophistication, quality level and hard work that is unique. We are totally different from the others in the way we produce and how we do things,' he noted. While the book may sum up the last 50 years, Santoni is looking to the future. 'We're very proactive and productive. The book and the story are cool, and we are very happy and proud of our 50th anniversary, but this is not an arrival point. This is just the beginning of the next 50. There is a bright future in front of us," concluded Santoni.
Fashion Network
4 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Santoni celebrates 50th anniversary with new store and Assouline book
Despite its rich Italian leather goods history which hails from Italy's epicenter of the trade, Le Marche, it's New York City that remains at the core of the Santoni brand. Founded with a goal to scale artisanal shoemaking by Andrea Santoni and five employees in 1975, in the family home's garage in Corridonia, it was a suitcase-in-a-hotel-room sales venture in the Big Apple which helped launch the exquisitely crafted shoes. Now as it marks its 50th anniversary, led by Andrea's son -- chairman and executive president, Giuseppe Santoni -- the global luxury goods purveyor offers men's and women's shoes, bags, belts and more. The event coincides with a new flagship in Manhattan and partnership with luxury book publisher Assouline, 'Santoni Meraviglia' which tells the story of the family and their brand. Giuseppe Santoni spoke to at the store opening and celebratory star-studded dinner. The new 4,500-square-foot, two story boutique at 667 Madison Avenue precedes a former New York store opened in 1997 and is located within a newly conceived commercial office tower, thus Santoni and his architect Patricia Urquiola had a blank space to work with. However, the ambitious design was a feat. 'It's a huge, beautiful space with very high, 27-foot ceilings. The construction process was very complicated due to this and because we installed a lighting system to mimic natural sunlight. You can see the real color of the shoe thanks to this lighting seat; typical indoor shop lighting discolors a product's appearance,' Santoni explained. Indeed, the ceiling featured an iron I-beam construction in triangular sections with luminescent panels that gave the appearance of soft spring afternoon light while outside in New York it was dark and cloudy. The design by Urquiola references the brand's first flagship in Milan which opened in 2012. Other design features include a pointed pyramid wave-effect wall covering and marble display tables and pedestals. The store sits in fine company with brands such as Brunello Cucinelli, Valentino, Jimmy Choo, and Tom Ford nearby. 'We wanted to create an ambience that is not a shop, but where we can tell the story of the Santoni lifestyle mood. It doesn't look like a store, but more like a private club or a lifestyle space where you see shoes and other leather goods collections mixed into architectural elements and design,' he continued. Beyond the specific area of Madison Avenue, the country at large is important for Santoni. 'The United States is our biggest export country. We're doing very well even in this tricky market situation where business is quite volatile. Since the beginning of 2025, the company overall has nice 15 percent double digit growth,' Santoni added. This is also in part to the growing success of its accessories category led by the Pluto bag which was introduced in 2023. According to Santoni the accessories component led by the bag's growth has increased existentially in the last six to 12 months. 'The Pluto bag is an unbelievable asset for Santoni and represents the brand from the design point of view. We are continuing to introduce new versions of the bag even for the next few years because we believe this is really the essence of the Santoni and important to the brand representation in the future,' he said. New iterations include suede styles and new travel accessories made from recycled materials. Beyond bags, the executive believes something other than possession for the sake of possessing drives the Santoni customer; it elicits an 'IYKYK' reaction. 'I'm positive because Santoni customers are loyal to our values and uniqueness of our hand crafted and hand painted offerings which are totally individual. They don't buy only a statement, but they buy something very specific, each pair of shoes is a piece of art; made by a single artisan their perfection lies in their imperfection. Our customer wants a different buying experience and to feel the emotion when you buy a specific product; you feel bold when you buy a pair of Santoni shoes,' he said. After exploring the new store, select guests such as Maggie Gyllenhaal and Michelle Monaghan joined the Santoni and the Assouline families and headed up Madison Avenue to the New York outpost of Caviar Kaspia at The Mark. While guests sipped vodka, enjoyed caviar and blinis and salmon in every form, Giuseppe Santoni and Assouline's president, Alexandre Assouline, welcomed guests. Assouline, noting that they publish a lot of books, said Santoni felt special and offered a toast to Santoni's 50th anniversary and new Madison Avenue flagship, highlighting the shared family values and dedication to heritage and craftsmanship that define both Santoni and Assouline, illustrated in the new title "Santoni Meraviglia". In speaking to about the partnership and meaning of the book's title, the chairman noted the synergy of the book as a luxury product like Santoni. 'Assouline and Santoni met through common friends, and they appreciate and understand Santoni. I appreciate what they do with the kind of passion and attention that they have. Compared to other editors, they have the highest-level quality,' he explained, adding, ''Meraviglia' or 'wonder' is experiencing something, so you remember it. What we do is something that is always created for people; when you see our shoes, our production process, visiting our factory, showroom, and stores. You can feel the meraviglia," he said. Demonstrated in the book is the family's unique approach to shoemaking in a region that boasts 70 percent of the country's shoe making facilities. 'Le Marche is a place where culturally shoes are created and our company has the sophistication, quality level and hard work that is unique. We are totally different from the others in the way we produce and how we do things,' he noted. While the book may sum up the last 50 years, Santoni is looking to the future. 'We're very proactive and productive. The book and the story are cool, and we are very happy and proud of our 50th anniversary, but this is not an arrival point. This is just the beginning of the next 50. There is a bright future in front of us," concluded Santoni.
Fashion Network
4 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Santoni celebrates 50th anniversary with new store and Assouline book
Despite its rich Italian leather goods history which hails from Italy's epicenter of the trade, Le Marche, it's New York City that remains at the core of the Santoni brand. Founded with a goal to scale artisanal shoemaking by Andrea Santoni and five employees in 1975, in the family home's garage in Corridonia, it was a suitcase-in-a-hotel-room sales venture in the Big Apple which helped launch the exquisitely crafted shoes. Now as it marks its 50th anniversary, led by Andrea's son -- chairman and executive president, Giuseppe Santoni -- the global luxury goods purveyor offers men's and women's shoes, bags, belts and more. The event coincides with a new flagship in Manhattan and partnership with luxury book publisher Assouline, 'Santoni Meraviglia' which tells the story of the family and their brand. Giuseppe Santoni spoke to at the store opening and celebratory star-studded dinner. The new 4,500-square-foot, two story boutique at 667 Madison Avenue precedes a former New York store opened in 1997 and is located within a newly conceived commercial office tower, thus Santoni and his architect Patricia Urquiola had a blank space to work with. However, the ambitious design was a feat. 'It's a huge, beautiful space with very high, 27-foot ceilings. The construction process was very complicated due to this and because we installed a lighting system to mimic natural sunlight. You can see the real color of the shoe thanks to this lighting seat; typical indoor shop lighting discolors a product's appearance,' Santoni explained. Indeed, the ceiling featured an iron I-beam construction in triangular sections with luminescent panels that gave the appearance of soft spring afternoon light while outside in New York it was dark and cloudy. The design by Urquiola references the brand's first flagship in Milan which opened in 2012. Other design features include a pointed pyramid wave-effect wall covering and marble display tables and pedestals. The store sits in fine company with brands such as Brunello Cucinelli, Valentino, Jimmy Choo, and Tom Ford nearby. 'We wanted to create an ambience that is not a shop, but where we can tell the story of the Santoni lifestyle mood. It doesn't look like a store, but more like a private club or a lifestyle space where you see shoes and other leather goods collections mixed into architectural elements and design,' he continued. Beyond the specific area of Madison Avenue, the country at large is important for Santoni. 'The United States is our biggest export country. We're doing very well even in this tricky market situation where business is quite volatile. Since the beginning of 2025, the company overall has nice 15 percent double digit growth,' Santoni added. This is also in part to the growing success of its accessories category led by the Pluto bag which was introduced in 2023. According to Santoni the accessories component led by the bag's growth has increased existentially in the last six to 12 months. 'The Pluto bag is an unbelievable asset for Santoni and represents the brand from the design point of view. We are continuing to introduce new versions of the bag even for the next few years because we believe this is really the essence of the Santoni and important to the brand representation in the future,' he said. New iterations include suede styles and new travel accessories made from recycled materials. Beyond bags, the executive believes something other than possession for the sake of possessing drives the Santoni customer; it elicits an 'IYKYK' reaction. 'I'm positive because Santoni customers are loyal to our values and uniqueness of our hand crafted and hand painted offerings which are totally individual. They don't buy only a statement, but they buy something very specific, each pair of shoes is a piece of art; made by a single artisan their perfection lies in their imperfection. Our customer wants a different buying experience and to feel the emotion when you buy a specific product; you feel bold when you buy a pair of Santoni shoes,' he said. After exploring the new store, select guests such as Maggie Gyllenhaal and Michelle Monaghan joined the Santoni and the Assouline families and headed up Madison Avenue to the New York outpost of Caviar Kaspia at The Mark. While guests sipped vodka, enjoyed caviar and blinis and salmon in every form, Giuseppe Santoni and Assouline's president, Alexandre Assouline, welcomed guests. Assouline, noting that they publish a lot of books, said Santoni felt special and offered a toast to Santoni's 50th anniversary and new Madison Avenue flagship, highlighting the shared family values and dedication to heritage and craftsmanship that define both Santoni and Assouline, illustrated in the new title "Santoni Meraviglia". In speaking to about the partnership and meaning of the book's title, the chairman noted the synergy of the book as a luxury product like Santoni. 'Assouline and Santoni met through common friends, and they appreciate and understand Santoni. I appreciate what they do with the kind of passion and attention that they have. Compared to other editors, they have the highest-level quality,' he explained, adding, ''Meraviglia' or 'wonder' is experiencing something, so you remember it. What we do is something that is always created for people; when you see our shoes, our production process, visiting our factory, showroom, and stores. You can feel the meraviglia," he said. Demonstrated in the book is the family's unique approach to shoemaking in a region that boasts 70 percent of the country's shoe making facilities. 'Le Marche is a place where culturally shoes are created and our company has the sophistication, quality level and hard work that is unique. We are totally different from the others in the way we produce and how we do things,' he noted. While the book may sum up the last 50 years, Santoni is looking to the future. 'We're very proactive and productive. The book and the story are cool, and we are very happy and proud of our 50th anniversary, but this is not an arrival point. This is just the beginning of the next 50. There is a bright future in front of us," concluded Santoni.
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First Post
23-05-2025
- Business
- First Post
New battle brews against Beijing: Singapore, Indonesian holiday islands protest China's alumina push -- taking
China's Nanshan Group, has planned to establish a local unit in the Indonesian island of Bintan, sparking protests among businesses that operate there read more China's business ambitions are hurting the peace and calm of a cluster of islands that is a popular tourist spot among Singaporeans. A large China-based conglomerate, Nanshan Group, has planned to establish a local unit in the Indonesian islands of Bintan and other archipelagos, sparking protests among businesses that operate there. Although the company claims to adhere to environmental regulations and has pledged to minimise its ecological impact, the project has drawn renewed attention to the rapid expansion of Chinese raw materials firms in Indonesia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, this will not be the first time Nanshan has built a presence in the Indonesian islands. The company's Gbkek Industri Park already has an industrial park in Bintan's southeast. The Indonesian government has created a special economic zone in the area to lure more investments, and as part of this status, Nanshan enjoys perks like tax waivers for up to 20 years. What's the plan? The firm has now announced plans to bring more Chinese firms to the site and build a $6 billion aluminium smelting complex by 2028. As part of this expansion, there are plans to develop another industrial park on nearby Pulau Poto, a small, low-lying sandy island. According to resort co-owner Andrew Dixon, citing environmental impact documents shared with local business operators, the proposed development includes a steel smelter, an oil refinery, and both multi-purpose and bulk cargo ports. Gbkek director Santoni told Bloomberg that the Indonesian government has permitted the company to expand its operations to Poto. He said that the firm will build a petrochemical industry on the island as well as build ports. 'We will expand and develop the GB Special Economic Zone, that is also our right. We don't understand what the objections of the resort operator are,' he said. Why are people protesting? Dixon has said that industrial operations on Poto 'would not just be devastating for our own business but it's going to devastate the communities in that area.' According to him, resort operators and landowners, who have been filing objection letters since 2023, submitted their most recent protest to the Indonesian government earlier this month, addressing it to the environment and tourism ministries. A meeting between the involved parties is scheduled for next week. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'What was once a very rich unique marine environment is now a nearly dead zone,' said Marc van Loo, who owns the resort on the island.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
How global luxury brands are tailoring collections for the Middle East
by Sidhi Kapoor luxury brand's success story thrives on some key elements — a balanced mix of sophistication, design sensibility, glamour, quality and most importantly the culture and emotions. The need to connect with the consumer is extremely advantageous. The potent combination of sense and sensibility works extremely well in a setting like UAE where tradition and culture hold high value. Here come in the global luxury brands that are tapping on these two potential assets and reaping benefits in return by creating limited-edition collections just to suit Middle Eastern tradition and culture. 'Middle Eastern consumers feel connected to the brands they support. They seek exclusivity, cultural relevance, and enduring quality. Limited editions, personalisation, and storytelling are key drivers of demand. More than ever, they want products that express identity with a sense of pride in their heritage and a connection to the world of luxury that feels both personal and purposeful,' says Daniela Di Luca, senior vice president and managing director of the Timex Group Luxury Division. A line-up of international luxury brands is customising and personalising their collection to appeal to the UAE market. The most recent example of this has to be the exquisite range of hijabs and abayas in beautiful signature prints by Dolce & Gabbana. This turned out be super successful for the label. Indeed, the luxury market is growing exponentially and shoppers are increasingly looking for luxury brands creating more products that suits the cultural sensibilities and personal style. It is significant when luxury brands take the time to design collections that pay tribute to Middle Eastern and Arab traditions. Houses like Dolce & Gabbana, Bulgari, and Santoni have produced beautiful, culturally inspired lines — but the impact depends on the depth of their approach. 'What matters most is acknowledgment. If a collection is inspired by Arab culture, it should be clearly and publicly credited as such — not just subtly referenced. Inspiration should be treated with transparency, reverence, and storytelling, rather than borrowed for aesthetic value alone,' feels Nezha Alaoui, author and founder of Women Choice. The Middle East offers an abundance of visual and symbolic richness. 'We were particularly inspired by the intricate geometric forms of Islamic art, mosaic detailing, and the poetic symmetry found in regional architecture. These elements became the foundation of our designs — not simply as decoration, but as expressions of legacy and spirituality,' says Batool Kerdi and Marah Kerdi, co-founders of Italian brand BijouQ fine jewellery. So what inspired the international luxe brands to create product range that's so suitable to Arab flavours? Giuseppe Santoni, president and chairman of Santoni, has the answer. 'While our limited-edition collections are usually launched globally, we always pay close attention to the specific cultural needs and lifestyle preferences of each market including the Middle East, with its rich traditions and refined sense of style. For instance, we have an extensive range of slides models that cater to the region's climate and cultural practices — designed not only for comfort and elegance but also with the Middle Eastern aesthetic in mind while staying true to Santoni's values of craftsmanship and timeless sophistication,' says Santoni. Brands who have had long lasting consumer base in UAE ensure that their collections are deeply rooted in the longstanding partnerships built across the Middle East. These local relationships are invaluable to brands as they bring not only knowledge of the market, but they also bring an intimate understanding of the consumer and their needs. 'The Timex Group Luxury Division, which includes Versace, Ferragamo and Philipp Plein Timepieces, sees this region not only as strategically important, but as a market that really shows an appreciation for craftsmanship and our brands. Just as important is cultural relevance. Driving local relevancy of our consumers values, customs and needs is our process and not just a step where we check the box. We do this and then working closely with our design director, Giorgio Galli in Milan, we ensure each exclusive creation reflects the DNA of our brands while being thoughtfully adapted to local tastes and traditions,' says Di Luca. Tailored offerings for target audience in Dubai and other Middle Eastern locations, brands are focused on long term customer relationships that ensure the product line is shaped by a synthesis of brand heritage, regional relevance, and current trends. Brands lay emphasis on culturally resonant elements that play a central role. From adding local design motifs to bringing in emotional richness of colours and culture during festivities to traditional craftsmanship techniques — brands and designers are merging local flavour with distinctive identity of each brand. Brands are looking more towards inclusion while working proactively on marketing strategies to ensure cultural sensitivity and authenticity in their designs, says Alaoui. 'Cultural sensitivity requires collaboration, context, and representation. Brands must move beyond symbolic gestures and engage deeply — whether by consulting cultural experts, working with regional designers and artisans, or casting local models who reflect the heritage being honoured. The use of local voices and faces fin campaigns isn't just a marketing strategy — it's a gesture of respect and inclusion. As someone who collaborates selectively with luxury brands, I value those who make this commitment genuinely, not performatively.' Luxury brands are aware that the charm of driving demand lies in exclusivity along with inclusivity. Most of them launch limited edition products specially made for the Middle Eastern market. A classic example would be their launch of specially-designed limited-edition Birkin bags by Hermès, inspired by UAE culture, to satisfy HNI customers craving for collectibles. Label Santoni has a similar story and thought process. 'In every pair of Santoni shoes, there is a story — a story that begins in the heart of Le Marche in Italy where the artisanal craftsmanship is a way of life. We don't just make shoes; we continue a cultural legacy that has been passed down through generations. Consumers from the Middle East have a deep appreciation for quality, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. They are incredibly sophisticated and attentive to detail. They look for products that reflect not only luxury, but also identity and culture. We've observed a strong demand for pieces that combine comfort with elegance.' Brands are rolling out limited edition rare lines with focus on detailing. Take Hoffman timepieces for example. Their limited-edition collection features a striking teal green dial and sapphire teal green bezel, a bold yet refined choice that reflects the evolving tastes of watch collectors in the GCC. Will Hoffman, creative director and founder of Hoffman timepieces puts it in perspective. 'The colour represents modern elegance, confidence, and individuality. Paired with a stainless-steel case and manual-wind mechanical movement, the combination delivers a bold yet refined identity exclusive to this release. The Gulf region has been an incredible source of support — from passionate collectors to enthusiasts who value craftsmanship and authenticity. For the GCC Edition, we incorporated Eastern Arabic numerals on the dial. From typography to colour palette, ensuring the watch speaks to the region without feeling overdone. The use of Eastern Arabic numerals is a key design choice that immediately connects the timepiece to the region. We were also inspired by the spirit of hospitality, pride, and precision that characterises Gulf culture — elements that naturally align with the brand's values.' According to latest figures by IMARC group, the UAE luxury market is expected to reach USD7 billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.52 per cent during 2025-2033. Undoubtedly, today's consumers are smart shoppers too. 'They desire elegance, quality, and beauty but are deeply connected to their roots. They increasingly seek substance behind the style. They're drawn to collections that reflect their identity, their values, and their sense of belonging. For luxury brands, this is more than a trend, it's an invitation to be part of something more meaningful. They speak to a generation that wants to see itself represented in the luxury world, not just sold to," wraps up Nezha Alaoui.
