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BETWEEN TRADITION AND MODERNITY
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hen looking at the world of luxury and fashion in Belgium, it would be hard to disagree that Delvaux is a key figure. Founded in 1829 by Charles Delvaux, the brand is known by all Belgians and its bags are iconic in the kingdom. We have met with Marco Probst, the CEO of this luxury giant, who shared his passion with us.
3 Why were you attracted to the brand?
3 What is Delvaux’s strategy for 2013?
Delvaux is the oldest luxury leather goods manufacturer in the world and is one of the Royal warrant holders of the Cour t of Belgium since 1883. Our products are the result of over 180 years of tradition and know-how, which is a priority in the luxury sector. The leathers we work with are the best in the world. What I like about the company is that it values craftsmanship methods. For instance, the "Brilliant", the flagship bag of the brand requires more than 8 hours craftsman work and the assembling of 64 leather pieces.
We want to focus on expanding. Today, 90 per cent of sales are generated in Belgium, where the reputation of Delvaux is firmly established. The challenge lies in the choice of partners beyond our borders, but also in the strategy to adopt in each country. As of now you can find our products in Beijing.
3 80 per cent of Delvaux is now Chineseowned, what influence does this have on the company’s philosophy and collections? That is correct. Fung Brands is also one of Sonia Rykiel and Rober t Clergerie’s major shareholders and was founded by the Fung Brothers. Delvaux can boast more than 3000 models designed during its 183 years of existence. The motto is to keep the codes and values that have forged the brand name by remodelling the classics, in an up-to-date manner. In Asia, we have a mini version of "the Brilliant", the model created for the Universal Exhibition of 1958.
3 Do you plan any openings in the world and especially in China? Absolutely. We have plans to open flagship stores in Paris and Hong Kong on the one hand and on the other hand we will work exclusively with trusted partners for other locations such as China, Japan and the United States.
布鲁塞尔2013春夏季 / Spring-Summer 2013 | 31