I love Italian leather. Tommy Hilfiger and wife, Dee Ocleppo, arrived at Micam (in photo) yesterday, to meet their buyers inside the stand filled by handbags and shoes, that carry the name of Dee Ocleppo. The products are all made in Italy: handbags are manufactured by leather goods’ producer Paolo Bianchi of Frattamaggiore, while the shoes are made by Della Pia in Arzano. The leather used is all Italian. Why? “Because it has the best quality and allows for a wide number of variants. In a few words. It is the best in the world”, explains Tommy Hilfiger, interviewed by us at Micam, who later gives the microphone to his wife: “I started manufacturing in China, then I saw how handbags were made in Italy, and I had no doubt production should move, also because made-in-Italy products have a better sell out. The craftsmanship and Italian know-how have no equals”, states Dee Ocleppo, who aims at making high quality products, easy to wear, in the affordable luxury category. “The design and choice of materials, as well as choice of colours, is done by me and the creative team, based in the USA and Italy. Production then, takes place entirely in Italy. Future strategies? As of now products are only sold online, so I want to start distributing via retail channels as well while trying not to change the price”, concludes Dee Ocleppo, who is also co-owner and creative director of brand Judith Leiber, owned by Authentic Brands Group.
Tête-à-tête with Tommy Hilfiger at Micam, who clarifies things: “Italian leather? The best in the world”
