Camera della Moda: Carlo Capasa presents roadmap

By

Dominique Muret

Published
May 13, 2015

The Camera della Moda is changing its tone and style...even if, ultimately, its strategy remains the same. In his first public appearance, Carlo Capasa, the new president of the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (CNMI), offered simplicity and frankness. 

In a slim suit and a loose tie, he gave a welcome breath of fresh air to the institution, which, since 1958, has promoted made in Italy companies, which together account for 30 billion euros, or half the total turnover of the Italian fashion industry.

Alone, Capasa unveiled his roadmap amid a friendly atmosphere, while ex-president Mario Boselli stood back in the audience. The new president, who also oversees Costume National, which he founded with his brother, the designer Ennio Capasa, detailed a series of steps he intends to take over the next year at the rate of one per month! 

"I am the luckiest man in the world because I’m supported in the governing board by top-notch people, from Patrizio Bertelli (Prada), to Renzo Rosso (OTB) to Diego Della Valle. We Italians are excellent when it comes to the art of manufacturing and business. However, we are much less able to talk about ourselves." It’s in regards to this central "narrative" theme that Capasa kicked off his presentation by announcing the organization of an "Italian fashion summit” next fall. 

An additional initiative: in order to better promote Italian excellence, he is establishing a special convoy, "the great fashion train", which will leave Florence at the end of Pitti Uomo on June 19, and travel to Milan, where men’s fashion week will begin the same evening. On board: the international press, which will subsequently be taken to the Universal Expo in Milan. 

To change its somewhat "provincial and contentious" image, the Camera della Moda even plans on selecting "prestigious ambassadors”, who will spread the good word around the world. The aim in particular is to attract foreign journalists, who will benefit from the assistance of a "concierge" in order to work in the best possible conditions during the Milanese fashion week! 

Finally, in order to fight against the negative image that foreigners have of Italians, the dashing new president promises to deal with fashions show schedules, a source of endless controversy. 

Another fundamental change: support for young designers. In this regards, Capasa has announced numerous initiatives, from the creation of a hub in Milan, where young talents will be able to present their work and to meet, to the establishment of a special day that will culminate in a major event in Milan for final-year students at all Italian fashion schools. 

La Camera della Moda also intends to organize a world tour in order to publicize the new generation of Made in Italy, while strengthening its relationship with major stores and distributors to the advantage of young Italian designers. 

Communication, internationalization, a focus on young designers… These were also the points emphasized by Jane Reeve, named CEO of the Camera della Moda last year, and recently dismissed. But with Carlo Capasa, the Camera’s tone has clearly changed.