From grandfather to nephews. From Naples’ city center to Nola’s CIS. Common denominator: specialized production. Meaning: leather jackets. In order to diversify a business fixed on third-party manufacturing, Aldo D’Agostino (28 years old, on the left in photo) and his brother Fabio , 25 years old (on the right), created their own brand in 2019: Dfour. While manufacturing is the strength, the two entrepreneurs are currently facing the market from a commercial standpoint. That’s why they participated to Pitti Uomo, to get close to Asian clients: Japanese and Koreans especially.
On what is Dfour investing and betting
In 1973 Aldo D’Agostino founded a company to manufacture leather jackets, thanks to his artisanal approach ability in working with leather. At the end of the 80s the company moved to Casandrino and then, under the leadership of Vincenzo, decided to move to Nola’s CIS, where it’s still located now. The site currently occupies 2,000 square meters and employs 15 people. “Our production is done 100% internally. And just last year we renewed our machinery. They are all last generation now: it was a great investment”, explained Aldo D’Agostino, third generation leading the company with Fabio. Also manages the manufacturing and commercial aspect, while the brother is the brand’s designer.
Focus on Asian clients
“Dfour was created four years ago to diversify the business. To own a brand and not be dependent on outside orders”, explains Aldo. Sales today make up 20% of the total turnover. Also knows there is a long road ahead, but also the brand’s growth potential. “About 80% of our revenue comes from the Italian market. We are present in the center and south of Italy. We also began selling in Germany and Spain and got a space at Pitti Uomo to meet Asian customers”.
An expertise to leverage
Dfour recorded solid returns in 2022, when sales recovered strongly from Covid, and a number of new customers was acquired. “2023? We think it could be in line with 2022”, states Aldo. The brand utilizes the know-how of the company when it comes to sourcing leather and manufacturing processes. Now it’s investing to make itself known in the wholesale world. A story about a new generation that is basing vision and mission on its roots.
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