“2024 was the most difficult year for us, but we remain optimistic. We are back to real fashion, to change, to many new projects. January was positive, and we see possibilities for growth”. Matteo Mastrotto, CEO of the Mastrotto Group, is ready for Lineapelle. At the trade fair for materials in fashion and design (Fieramilano Rho, 25-27 February), he arrives with a collection (Candyland) in the sweet, fresh hues of summer. And with confidence, particularly in young people: “They are the future”, said the CEO during the Milan presentation on 19 February (photo). “To attract them, we need an appropriate language and we cannot use the same one from 20 years ago, because it no longer works. We are happy to be able to do this: we have many in the company. We need passionate people because ours remains a craft, despite being classified as industrial”.
The macroeconomic context
The luxury market has seen better times, acknowledges Stefano Fenili (partner at Bain & Co). “We are facing an economic situation that does not, as in 2008 (during the financial crisis) or in 2020 (during Covid), have a major exogenous factor explaining the difficulties”, he said. The fundamentals of the sector suggest that up to 2030, performance will show growth: new consumers will come from China and India, while high-spending customers will continue to strengthen.
However, between 2022 and 2024, revenue growth will be driven by price increases, with volumes expected to decline between 20-25%. The macroeconomic context does not worry NB Reinassance, partner of the Rino Mastrotto Group: “We invest in and support Made in Italy for export results: we are known abroad, in fashion as well as in other sectors, for our extremely high-quality products”, commented Alessio Masiero. “We have supported the group in its growth and acquisition project. Now, it presents itself to customers not only with new collections, but as a platform of proposals. This path began in 2020 and, after the issue of bonds, could lead us to a listing”.
Ready for Lineapelle
Guest of honour at the presentation, as well as at the forthcoming participation in Lineapelle, is Davide Paoli (aka Clessio), a 22-year-old creator of customised trainers with over a million followers on TikTok. Also joining him are Kristina Thaden, a designer who used Rino Mastrotto’s leathers to create a bag that appeared in the series Emily in Paris, Tommaso Motti, creative director of TMMT Clothing, and Selvaggia May (born Alessia Migliavacca), a young, up-and-coming reseller of luxury handbags. “2024 taught us that the market is changing, and we cannot stand still,” concludes Matteo Mastrotto. “We have diversified a lot, and this helps us. For the same reason, we collaborate with schools and universities and continue to invest”.
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