The value of leather for Hogan? “It’s a fundamental component for sneakers as well. It’s the basis for everything”, said the vice-president and CEO of Tod’s Group, Andrea Della Valle, while presenting the Fall/Winter 24/25 collection of Hogan (in Via Savona, Milan, on February 21st). Della Valle (in photo), president of the brand, also discusses young resources working for Tod’s: the topic will also be one of focus for the March edition of La Conceria.
Tod’s delisting
How are the investment plans change? For example, the one regarding the new logistics’ site?
We will clarify our projects later on. With regards to the new logistics’ site, we are still in the definition phase. Some years are necessary to close it, but it’s important to have ongoing projects we trust in. The delisting doesn’t change that. All is continuing as before, and we have already started investing money for the new site (by acquiring the land).
Are you feeling the impact of the Red Sea crisis?
Not really. We have no issue importing raw material because we source from Europe. We haven’t had an impact so far and hope to not have it in the future. With regards to exports, we are evaluating prices.
Hogan’s leather
Are sneakers still in demand?
Of course. One needs to be able to interpret it differently, with an urban yet elegant feel. We are relaunching tennis shoes with this collection, taking after the models and the name they had 30 years ago. A tennis shoe with laces and lines inspired by archives and yet re-interpreted in modern key.
Is leather still important for sneakers?
Leather is a fundamental component. It gives you quality, and it’s at the basis of everything. You always start with leather, sometimes before you look at the creative end of it. It’s still at the center of it all.
How is Hogan performing?
Right now, with the delisting under way, I can’t say much. The brand is growing and there is optimism and a new energy at Hogan.
What are the future programs?
Beside from developing the Chinese market, we aim to consolidate our European operations. Next year we will start strengthening the US market.
Hogan means sneakers, and more: there are handbags and apparel in this new collection…
We want to transmit our brand’s philosophy with our apparel. Few items, but iconic.
Hogan is nearly 40 years old, but let’s talk about young resources in the company…
We have many young employees. We are one of the youngest companies, in terms of average age. Young talent is the future of the company, and we have tutoring programs to train them. Via Bottega dei Mestieri, we inserted over 80 young employees in our HQ. They are not just the present, but our future.
But there are also upcoming young Della Valle: the son Leonardo and nephew Filippo…
Give them time and let them grow slowly.
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