The Conversation - STEFANO CANALI, CEO AND PRESIDENT, CANALI

FROM INTRICATELY WOVEN BANARASI SAREES AND SUCCULENT TANDOORI CHICKEN TO THEIR FAMED HOSPITALITY, LUXURY COMES NATURALLY TO INDIANS, SAYS STEFANO CANALI, CEO AND PRESIDENT OF ITALY'S FINE-SUITING BRAND CANALI. THE OWNER, WHO WAS IN INDIA RECENTLY FOR LAUNCH OF CANALI'S SEVENTH STORE IN THE COUNTRY, TOUCHES UPON CHANGING ASPIRATIONS OF NEW-AGE LUXURY CONSUMERS AND NEED FOR LEGACY LUXURY BRANDS TO KEEP REINVENTING THEMSELVES.

- AJITA SHASHIDHAR

POST-PANDEMIC GROWTH

How has the luxury industry evolved in post-pandemic era?

Luxury consumers have got rid of track suits and jumpers and rediscovered luxury garments 1 . They have become more discerning and demanding and want to dress up. This gave us a chance to implement a strategy we had worked out before the pandemic—evolution towards a lifestyle approach. Our latest Spring/ Summer24 collection is an epitome of craftsmanship that Canali is

known for, with a twist of fashion. We have managed to infuse our DNA, which is about luxury Italian craftsmanship, into the collection in a consistent way. Canali has always been known for excellent garments for a man. We ensured that the founding values of Canali—highquality materials and craftsmanship and ‘whispering luxury’ 2 , which is about inner quality of craftsmanship as well as materials—were consistently executed throughout our collection. Fashion content is the topping on the cake. It’s not bold or flashy. We have been consistent with our DNA.

The pandemic saw luxury brands embracing ecommerce. However, luxury is all about touch and feel. Do ecommerce and luxury go hand in hand?

Online operations are an important complement to physical stores. However, they will never take over the role of physical stores. We are human beings and love to meet each other in person. A luxury brand has many details and things to tell, so physical experience is a must. You can explain all the details of a piece of garment only in person. The consumer, too, might want to try it on.

INDIAN LUXURY

Several Indian brands have forayed into luxury. They aspire to be on global platforms. What is your advice to them? Listen to Indian consumers and understand what they need