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Associated Press
02-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Twin Vee PowerCats and Wizz Banger, Inc. Developing A.I. Toolkit to Drive Dealer Success in Marine Retail
FORT PIERCE, FL / ACCESS Newswire / June 2, 2025 / Twin Vee PowerCats Co. (Nasdaq:VEEE), ('Twin Vee' or the 'Company'), a manufacturer, distributor, and marketer of power sport boats, today provided further details on the AI-powered toolkit its subsidiary, Wizz Banger, Inc., is actively engineering. Wizz Banger is crafting a comprehensive suite of tools designed to transform the marine retail landscape, empowering dealerships with high-quality leads, streamlined transactions, and unmatched market transparency, revolutionizing how boats are sold in the $57 billion recreational boating industry. Wizz Banger is focusing its development efforts on creating an integrated platform that addresses the evolving needs of marine businesses in an increasingly digital world. 'The core of Wizz Banger's development focuses on providing tangible advantages to dealerships, enabling them to connect more effectively with today's discerning boat buyers,' explained Joseph Visconti, CEO and President of Twin Vee PowerCats Co. 'The suite of tools being engineered by Wizz Banger aims to redefine how marine products are marketed, sold, and managed, fostering a more efficient and customer-centric ecosystem.' Wizz Banger's AI will be a free tool that provides instant, data-driven boat information for dealers, buyers, and sellers. By analyzing national listing data, auction results, and dealer feedback, the AI will deliver transparent pricing that streamlines trade-ins and sales. The tool is designed to help reduce disputes and expedite the sales process, allowing dealers to close deals more quickly and with increased confidence. According to Visconti, Wizz Banger is also planning to integrate dealer inventories into its platform. 'By including a dealer's inventory into our platform, we will be granting dealers access to a robust lead generation engine that delivers qualified, intent-driven leads, intending to surpass traditional advertising models,' stated Visconti. Wizz Banger's aggressive SEO strategy, targeting high-intent searches like 'My favorite boat brand for sale near me,' will enable dealers to connect with motivated buyers, maximizing sales opportunities. 'Partnering with Wizz Banger will allow boat dealers to thrive in a digital-first market,' said Tom Huffman, President of Wizz Banger, Inc. 'The AI-driven tools and lead generation models we're developing will provide boat dealers with a competitive edge, delivering high-value leads and a seamless transaction experience that sets a new standard in marine retail.' About Twin Vee PowerCats Co. Twin Vee PowerCats Co. manufactures a range of boats designed for activities including fishing, cruising, and recreational use. Twin Vee PowerCats are recognized for their stable, fuel-efficient, and smooth-riding catamaran hull designs. Twin Vee is one of the most recognizable brand names in the catamaran sport boat category and is known as the 'Best Riding Boats on the Water™.' The Company is located in Fort Pierce, Florida, and has been building and selling boats for 30 years. Learn more at Visit Twin Vee PowerCats Co. on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. About Wizz Banger, Inc. Wizz Banger, Inc. is a wholly owned technology company developing an online marine commerce and sales platform to modernize and streamline the recreational boating industry. By integrating Wizz Banger's AI-powered tools, the company aims to create a seamless and transparent ecosystem for buyers, sellers, dealers, lenders, and manufacturers. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are identified by the use of the words 'could,' 'believe,' 'anticipate,' 'intend,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'may,' 'continue,' 'predict,' 'potential,' 'project' and similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements and include statements regarding crafting a comprehensive suite of tools designed to transform the marine retail landscape, empowering dealerships with high-quality leads, streamlined transactions, and unmatched market transparency, revolutionizing how boats are sold in the $57 billion recreational boating industry, creating an integrated platform that addresses the evolving needs of marine businesses in an increasingly digital world, providing tangible advantages to dealerships, enabling them to connect more effectively with today's discerning boat buyers redefining how marine products are marketed, sold, and managed, fostering a more efficient and customer-centric ecosystem, providing instant, data-driven boat information for dealers, buyers, and sellers, delivering transparent pricing that streamlines trade-ins and sales, reducing disputes and expediting the sales process, allowing dealers to close deals more quickly and with increased confidence, integrating dealer inventories into Wizz Banger's platform, granting dealers access to a robust lead generation engine that delivers qualified, intent-driven leads intending to surpass traditional advertising models, enabling dealers to connect with motivated buyers through Wizz Banger's aggressive SEO strategy maximizing sales opportunities, allowing boat dealers to thrive in a digital-first market and providing boat dealers with a competitive edge, delivering high-value leads and a seamless transaction experience that sets a new standard in marine retail and creating a seamless and transparent ecosystem for buyers, sellers, dealers, lenders, and manufacturers by integrating Wizz Banger's AI-powered tools. These forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and assumptions from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, Wizz Banger's ability to craft a comprehensive suite of tools that will transform the marine retail landscape, empower dealerships with high-quality leads, streamlined transactions, and unmatched market transparency and revolutionize how boats are sold in the recreational boating industry, Wizz Banger's ability to create an integrated platform that addresses the evolving needs of marine businesses in an increasingly digital world, Wizz Banger's ability to foster a more efficient and customer-centric ecosystem, Wizz Banger's ability to provide instant, data-driven boat information for dealers, buyers, and sellers, deliver transparent pricing that streamlines trade-ins and sales, reduce disputes and expedite the sales process, Wizz Banger's ability to integrating dealer inventories into its platform as planned, Wizz Banger's ability to provide boat dealers with a competitive edge delivering high-value leads and a seamless transaction experience that sets a new standard in marine retail, and the risk factors described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, the Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K and subsequent filings with the SEC. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Contact: Glenn Sonoda [email protected] SOURCE: Twin Vee PowerCats Co. press release
Associated Press
29-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Twin Vee PowerCats Unveils 3D Boat Configurator, Putting Customers First with Immersive "Build & Price" Experience
FORT PIERCE, FL / ACCESS Newswire / May 29, 2025 / Twin Vee PowerCats Co. (Nasdaq:VEEE),('Twin Vee' or the 'Company'), a manufacturer, distributor, and marketer of power sport boats, today announced the highly anticipated official relaunch of its 22-foot BayCat. It makes its return with a host of modern upgrades and refined features, ready to redefine aquatic adventures for families, anglers, and water enthusiasts alike. Simultaneously, the Company is also introducing its innovative online 3D configurator integrated into its newly redesigned website, offering customers an unprecedented level of interactive customization and transparent purchasing. Twin Vee's All-New 3D Configurator (Available Here ) 'The Twin Vee 22 BayCat has been reborn, meticulously re-engineered to meet the demands of contemporary boaters while preserving the fundamental qualities that established it as a cherished classic,' explained Joseph C. Visconti, CEO and President of Twin Vee PowerCats Co. With an overall length of 22 feet and a beam of 7'8", the 22 BayCat provides abundant deck space and a stable platform. Its shallow 14-inch draft makes it an ideal platform for an expansive array of waterborne activities on inland lakes, river systems, or coastal waters. The boat is engineered to accommodate up to 200 horsepower, ensuring robust and agile performance on the water, with customers able to select from Suzuki, Yamaha, or Mercury outboard motors for reliable and efficient power. 'At the core of the 22 BayCat's exceptional ride is its advanced hull, constructed using Twin Vee's cutting-edge vacuum-infused, 3-part all-composite method,' remarked Visconti. 'This process results in a hull that is not only lighter and more rigid but also exceptionally durable, forming the foundation of the smooth and stable experience that defines a Twin Vee boat.' Anglers will find the 22 BayCat to be an exceptionally well-equipped fishing machine. It features dual 25-gallon aerated livewells to keep bait fresh, a spacious and stable casting deck that offers ample room for multiple boaters to maneuver freely, and conveniently located insulated in-deck fish boxes for storing the day's catch. 'The 22 BayCat is a part of our Company's history and holds fond memories for countless boaters. We've taken what made the original model a success and have elevated it with the latest advancements in technology, materials, and design. We are extremely confident that the new 22 BayCat will not only meet but substantially exceed the expectations of today's boaters,' stated Visconti. Twin Vee's All-New 3D Configurator (Available Here ) Twin Vee also unveiled its sophisticated online 3D configurator alongside the relaunch of its 22 BayCat. This interactive tool is seamlessly integrated into the Company's newly revamped website, which itself offers a modern design and intuitive navigation for an enhanced user experience. The 3D configurator provides customers with an unparalleled ability to visualize and personalize their future vessel with complete transparency through a more realistic build-and-price tool. 'Our 3D boat configurator is an advanced digital tool that empowers users to dynamically construct their ideal boat model within an interactive three-dimensional environment,' explained Visconti. 'Prospective buyers can explore and select from an extensive catalog of options, including different hull colors, a variety of engine choices, diverse T-Top styles, comprehensive electronics packages, luxurious upholstery selections, and a wide array of other accessories.' As each selection is made, the 3D model of the boat updates instantaneously, offering an immediate and precise visual representation of the customized vessel. The platform also allows users to rotate the boat model, zoom in on specific details, and truly understand how various color combinations and optional features will appear on their finished boat, effectively removing any guesswork from the customization process. The updated site allows these prospective buyers to visualize and customize with complete transparency. According to Visconti, the 3D configurator's step-by-step process expertly guides users through all of the customization options available. As each choice is made, the system provides clear, straightforward, and real-time pricing updates, ensuring that customers maintain a full understanding of the financial implications of every selection they make. 'The tool visually showcases premium features, add-ons, and potential upgrades, such as more powerful engines, higher-grade upholstery, or technology packages, which permits customers to make informed decisions based on their specific needs and budget,' stated Visconti. 'They can freely experiment with different configurations, compare various options side-by-side, and ultimately design a boat that is a true reflection of their personal preferences and boating lifestyle.' The Company is already working on the first update to its 3D Configurator. According to Visconti, once updated, a customer that has completed the configuration of their boat will be able to effortless save and share it with family, friends, or directly with their local Twin Vee dealer. This feature is intended to significantly improve the efficiency of sales handoff and follow-up, streamlining the purchasing process. 'In this increasingly digital era, consumers rightly expect a more engaging, transparent, and highly personalized shopping experience,' added Visconti. 'While the 3D configurator is launching with the 22 BayCat, we'll be adding more models soon, so customers can explore every conceivable facet of our entire product line and ensure they are absolutely confident and genuinely thrilled about their new boat.' You can learn more about the 22 BayCat at About Twin Vee PowerCats Co. Twin Vee PowerCats Co. manufactures a range of boats designed for activities including fishing, cruising, and recreational use. Twin Vee PowerCats are recognized for their stable, fuel-efficient, and smooth-riding catamaran hull designs. Twin Vee is one of the most recognizable brand names in the catamaran sport boat category and is known as the 'Best Riding Boats on the Water™.' The Company is located in Fort Pierce, Florida, and has been building and selling boats for 30 years. Learn more at Visit Twin Vee PowerCats Co. on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are identified by the use of the words 'could,' 'believe,' 'anticipate,' 'intend,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'may,' 'continue,' 'predict,' 'potential,' 'project' and similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements and include statements regarding the new 22 BayCat substantially exceeding the expectations of today's boaters, customers using the 3D configurator to design a boat that is a true reflection of their personal preferences and boating lifestyle, the ability to share the completed configuration significantly improving the efficiency of sales handoff and follow-up, streamlining the purchasing process and adding more models soon to the 3D configurator. These forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and assumptions from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, the Company's ability to meet the expectations of today's boaters, the Company's ability to add more models to the 3D configurator, and the risk factors described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, the Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K and subsequent filings with the SEC. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Contact: Glenn Sonoda [email protected] SOURCE: Twin Vee PowerCats Co. press release
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Twin Vee PowerCats Reports a 92% Increase in First Quarter 2025 Revenues from Previous Quarter
FORT PIERCE, FL / / May 8, 2025 / Twin Vee PowerCats Co. (NASDAQ:VEEE),("Twin Vee" or the "Company"), a manufacturer, distributor, and marketer of power sport boats, today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. First Quarter 2025 Highlights: Revenues of $3.6 million, a 91.7% sequential increase from the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to guidance of 50%. Gross margin of 14.9%, an improvement of 961 basis points from the first quarter of 2024. Adjusted net loss averaged $333,000 per month during the quarter, an improvement of 17% over the previously guided Adjusted net loss of $400,000 per month. The Company's new dealer network is expanding Twin Vee's brand presence and geographic footprint. "We are pleased to report a strong start to 2025, with top-line growth and margin expansion that outpaced expectations," said Joseph Visconti, CEO and President of Twin Vee PowerCats Co. "Our team executed well across the board-growing revenues by more than 90% over the fourth quarter of 2024, expanding gross margins, and staying disciplined with operating costs. The addition of several new dealers in the first quarter underscores growing market confidence in the Twin Vee brand and further extends our reach into key regional markets." Visconti continued, "Looking ahead, we expect the second quarter to reflect continued sequential growth in revenue as market conditions gradually improve and consumer demand begins to rebound. We are committed to scaling responsibly, that is, balancing production increases with expense control and working capital discipline. With most of our heavy capital investments now behind us, we anticipate a more favorable cash profile going forward." Conference CallJoseph Visconti, CEO and President, and Michael P. Dickerson, Chief Financial & Administrative Officer, will hold a conference call today, Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (Eastern). To listen to the conference call, interested parties should dial-in to 1-877-407-3982 and use Conference ID 13753591. All callers should dial in approximately 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time and ask to join the Twin Vee conference call. The conference call will also be available through a live audio webcast that can be accessed at the LINK HERE. The Company's complete financial statements are being filed today with the Securities and Exchange Commission and can be accessed via About Twin Vee PowerCats Vee PowerCats Co. manufactures a range of boats designed for activities including fishing, cruising, and recreational use. Twin Vee PowerCats are recognized for their stable, efficient, and smooth-riding catamaran hull designs. Twin Vee is one of the most recognizable brand names in the catamaran sport boat category and is known as the "Best Riding Boats on the Water™." The Company is located in Fort Pierce, Florida, and has been building and selling boats for 30 years. Learn more at Visit Twin Vee PowerCats Co. on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are identified by the use of the words "could," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "may," "continue," "predict," "potential," "project" and similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements and include statements regarding the growing market confidence in the Twin Vee brand, reflecting continued sequential growth in revenue in the second quarter as market conditions gradually improve and consumer demand begins to rebound, scaling responsibly and balancing production increases with expense control and working capital discipline, and anticipating a more favorable cash profile going forward. These forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and assumptions from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, the Company's ability to grow revenue in the second quarter, the Company's ability to continue to expand its dealer network, the Company's ability to expand gross margins and remain disciplined with operating costs, the Company's ability to maintain its Nasdaq listing, and the risk factors described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, the Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K and subsequent filings with the SEC. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Contact:Glenn Sonodainvestor@ (Tables Follow) Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 2024 $ Change % Change Net sales $ 3,612,291 $ 5,276,343 $ (1,664,052 ) (32 %) Cost of products sold $ 3,075,177 $ 4,999,030 $ (1,923,853 ) (38 %) Gross profit $ 537,114 $ 277,313 $ 259,801 94 % Operating expenses $ 2,216,208 $ 2,820,520 $ (604,312 ) (21 %) Loss from operations $ (1,679,094 ) $ (2,543,207 ) $ 864,113 (34 %) Other income $ 68,854 $ 208,012 $ (139,158 ) (67 %) Net loss $ (1,610,240 ) $ (2,335,195 ) $ 724,955 (31 %) Basic and dilutive income per share of common stock $ (1.08 ) $ (1.77 ) $ 0.69 (39 %) Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding 1,487,445 952,000 March 31, December 31, 2025 2024 Change % Change Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,910,267 $ 7,491,123 $ (2,580,856 ) (34.5 %) Restricted cash $ 215,117 $ 215,117 $ - 0.0 % Current assets $ 12,200,833 $ 10,419,141 $ 1,781,692 17.1 % Current liabilities $ 3,021,247 $ 3,747,990 $ (726,743 ) (19.4 %) Working capital $ 9,179,586 $ 6,671,151 $ 2,508,435 37.6 % Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 2024 Change % Change Cash used in operating activities $ (1,736,276 ) $ (1,749,920 ) $ 13,644 (1 %) Cash (used in) provided by investing activities $ (789,774 ) $ 1,476,448 $ (2,266,222 ) (153 %) Cash used in financing activities $ (54,806 ) $ (83,735 ) $ 28,929 (35 %) Non-GAAP Financial MeasuresWe have presented a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure in this earnings release. We believe that this supplemental information is useful to investors because it allows for an evaluation of the company with a focus on the performance of its core operations, including more meaningful comparisons of financial results to historical periods. Adjusted Net Loss is a non-GAAP financial measure which excludes certain non-cash expenses. Our executive management team uses these same non-GAAP measures internally to assess the ongoing performance of the Company. Adjusted Net Loss is not intended to be a substitute for any GAAP financial measures, and, as calculated, may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of performance of other companies in other industries or within the same industry. Below is a reconciliation of GAAP net loss to Adjusted net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024: Adjusted Net Loss Quarter Ended March 31, 2025 2024 Net loss $ (1,610,240 ) $ (2,335,195 ) Depreciation & amortization 441,672 425,281 Stock based compensation 55,968 426,283 Loss on sale of property & equipment 63,011 - development costs 52,067 - Adjusted net (loss) $ (997,522 ) $ (1,483,631 ) SOURCE: Twin Vee PowerCats Co. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Fashion Network
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Chanel's love letter to Italy at Lago di Como cruise show
Chanel kicked off the international cruise season with an elegantly staged show Tuesday evening at Villa D'Este that was a telling expression of founder Coco's long-time love of the Italian peninsula. Specifically referencing Coco's great friendship with master filmmaker Luchino Visconti, whose noble family once owned Villa Erba next door. While a unifying theme in the show was the famed star of Visconti's films, Romy Schneider, with several models done up with the Austrian actress' smoldering hairstyle style. For the final look, a side-slit white satin column, the model's haircut mimicked the messy-shirt look of Schneider in the comedy anthology "Boccaccio '70", where – directed by Visconti - she played a housewife whose aristocrat husband cheats on her, leading Romy to successfully demand payment from her spouse for sex. Chanel dressed Schneider in that film, and this collection featured updated references to the pink cloqué blouse and blue, gold lame dresses and silver lame lingerie that Coco created for Boccaccio '70. Movie star glamour al'Italiano throughout a show where Keira Knightley, Anna Mouglalis, Lupita Nyong'o, Margaret Qualley, Caroline de Maigret, Anamaria Vartolomei, and Carlotta Gamba sat front row. The stars perched around metals tables, as was Sofia Coppola, a former intern and long-time friend of the house, who directed a cool teaser where model Ida Heiner strolls about the marble staircase or sunny terraces of legendary hotels in high-waisted shorts or swimsuits. This 2025 cruise collection will be the penultimate created by Chanel's hyper professional design studio, which will also handle the house's next couture collection in July in Paris. As reported, Chanel named Matthieu Blazy to be its new creative director. The former Bottega Veneta designer began working at the house in early April and will stage his debut collection for Chanel in October in Paris. Presented at sunset outside Villa d'Este, a 16th-century palace built for a Renaissance cardinal, the collection was also an artful display of an ecosystem of top-quality Italian factories that supply Chanel, three of them based near Como. Like the classical two-tone Chanel slingbacks, or natty pyramid-heel mules finished with tiny golden double "CC" logos that were made by Roweda in Parabiago. One of the first Italian resources acquired by Chanel back in 2000, Roweda today boasts 380 skilled men and women artisan boot and shoemakers. Backed up by the latest great soundtrack by sound-meister Michel Gaubert, blending electro samba remixes of tracks by the likes of Dean Martin or Michael Jackson, the cast wandered around between an audience of 400 editors, thespians and VICs, at two shows - noon and then 6p.m. Opening with a pearly white quintet, 50's femme fatale glam with dressing gown dresses, metallic trim cocktails or knit mini blazers. Classic, though certainly shorter, and shaggier wool bouclé suits looked splendid, again sourced locally. From Vimar 1991, famed for its specialist yarn making and brilliant bouclé materials that incorporate leather, cashmere, paper and even feathers. Other passages starred great metallic leather party frocks, or perfectly cut suede cocktails with faux-fur pockets trimmed in strass. Many looks accessorized by beautifully printed scarves from Mantero, probably Como's most famous silk manufacturer, in which Chanel recently announced it had acquired a 35% stake. In the wake of social media laments about Chanel jacking up prices last year, this was the house's way of reminding informed fans and trained eyes of the unique quality of its products. Pre-show, seaplanes from Aero Club Como buzzed by the hotel terrace - their machines part of the essential soundtrack of this beautiful lake. Post-show, cormorants, seagulls, and mallard ducks flew by, as Lago di Como returned to its peaceful evening silence, before a local DJ began spinning and the models dashed onto the dancefloor.
South China Morning Post
30-04-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Chanel's cruise 2025-26 collection at Lake Como in northern Italy: the French maison celebrates its Italian connection, with Sofia Coppola directing a short video
Anticipation is mounting for Matthieu Blazy 's first collection as creative director of Chanel, to be unveiled in October, but in the meantime the Parisian powerhouse is not slowing down. After travelling to Hangzhou, China late last year to present its Métiers d'Art collection with a mesmerising show on the shores of West Lake, Chanel sojourned to another body of water to reveal its cruise 2025-26 collection: Lake Como. Held at the majestic Villa d'Este – a former 16th century royal residence and one of Italy's most famous hotels – the show was a celebration of Italian joie de vivre and Chanel's long relationship with Italy. Chanel's cruise 2025-26 show opened with a series of white looks in tweed. Photo: Reuters Advertisement While Chanel is first and foremost a French maison, Italy plays a vital role in the making of its creations – from leather goods to shoes, sunglasses and knitwear. Over the years, Chanel has invested in a series of Italian suppliers, and in 2023 partnered with luxury label Brunello Cucinelli for a joint investment in a cashmere manufacturer. More recently, the house acquired a 35 per cent stake in Como-based silk maker Mantero. 'I always say that Chanel is half French and half Italian,' said Chanel president of fashion Bruno Pavlovsky in an interview before the show. 'We are a French brand but for a very long time, we've set up a lot of activities here in Italy. In the luxury world you have no choice: it's either France or Italy. Today in terms of units, we're manufacturing more units in Italy than in France, and there are more people working for Chanel in Italy than in France, for the fashion division. 'We're not Italian but we feel at home in Italy – especially in this part of Italy. Shoe manufacturing has disappeared in France, so today we make 100 per cent of our shoes in Italy. In ready-to-wear, tailoring is made in France, but denim, knitwear is made in Italy.' The show was held at Villa d'Este, a historic hotel at Lake Como in northern Italy. Photo: Reuters The bond between Italy and Chanel in fact dates back to the time of Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel herself . The designer first discovered Italy in 1920, when she visited what would become one of her favourite cities, Venice. She was also close to Italian director Luchino Visconti, who is said to have invited her to his villa at Lake Como, at a spot not far from Villa d'Este. Chanel introduced Visconti to French director Jean Renoir, and eventually Visconti asked the designer to dress actress Romy Schneider for a role in an episode of Boccaccio '70 (1962), an anthology of four stories about women. The chapter starring Schneider, in which the actress wears Chanel signatures such as two-toned heels and pearl necklaces, is one of director and long-time Chanel collaborator Sofia Coppola 's favourite films.
