Calgaro - five years like five minutes
This Italian jewelry brand, created by Giuseppe Calgaro and Monica Fin, first made a loud announcement about itself in 2003, despite the fact that his name was registered in Italy at the beginning of the new century. The Calgaro brand immediately became the object of close attention of fans of unusual jewelry and jewelry connoisseurs. Judge for yourself, not yet widely known, the brand is awarded the Gold Virtuosi Award for design and the Bulgari Award of Excellence in 2002, and already in 2004 Calgaro received the award of the international watch and jewelry exhibition in the Haute Couture design category, and in 2008 - Award "Choice of MPP Editors" in the category "Best Fashion Collection". We met with Giuseppe Calgaro and Monica Fin in the Damas brand boutique, where the new Calgaro collections are presented today, and talked about the five most successful years in the brand's life.
Giuseppe, why is the Calgaro brand so rapidly gaining popularity?
It seems to me because we produce handmade jewelry, completely unlike the others. One of our new Soleil collections is a vivid confirmation of this. Secondly, we have a very competent marketing policy and cooperate with the most famous distribution companies around the world, such as Damas in the UAE, Mercury Group in Russia, Heiwado & Co. in Japan and many others. In May 2007, our brand officially became a partner of the Mariella Burani Fashion Group, and in early 2008 we opened our own Via Montenapoleone boutique in the center of Milan. The Calgaro brand is positioned as elite, so our collections are usually limited, which helps to maintain high customer demand.
You have achieved so much in just five years! Wasn’t it scary to break into the established luxury market, where fierce competition and its own laws operate?
No, because we have proposed a completely innovative approach to precious stones and metals. For example, no one except Calgaro produces clutches, scarves, belts, and many other things woven from silver and gold threads, painted in a variety of colors. This is our know-how. We were the ones who again attracted the attention of buyers to yellow gold, which over the past few years has been replaced by white and pink shades. Moreover, many of the jewelry in our collections have a matte finish, which further emphasizes the handmade effect. We tell women that in order to create a luxurious look, it’s not necessary to wear only diamonds, gems are also a great choice, most importantly, in what frame are they served. We offer original interweaving of gold rings in necklaces and bracelets, reminiscent of the Golden Fleece for some, and for others - chain mail of medieval warriors. In general, in all our collections there is a lot from ethnic jewelry and Art Deco style.
Monika, is it possible to dwell in more detail on clothes and accessories made of gold and silver? Does Calgaro really create gold and silver fabrics?
With the help of a very laborious patented process, gold and silver in our factory is converted into precious threads - durable and very soft to the touch. Then they are mixed with pure silk threads in a percentage ratio of 75 to 25. The resulting semimetal fabric is dyed in various colors. At the moment, our colorists offer a palette of 400 colors. And this is really a very large palette - there are more than 20 shades of pink alone. Jewelry and accessories are sewn from dyed gold fabric - necklaces, bracelets, necklaces, rings, neckerchiefs, belts and bandanas. Products made from this “fabric” can be completely dry cleaned or washed on their own.
Is it probably terribly expensive?
Let's just say it's not cheap. But that is precisely why Calgaro is on a par with the most elite jewelry brands in the world and is in constant demand in countries and regions such as the USA, Latin America, India and the Middle East, and, of course, Russia.
Giuseppe, what is more difficult for you to create new collections or marketing your products?
More difficult, of course, marketing. But I usually ask Monica to help me with this. I am more an artist than a businessman, but I know for sure how to surprise customers, and Monica correctly selects the right partners and can correctly deliver our products to completely different markets of the world.
Which of your collections are currently represented at Damas stores in the UAE?
Today in Damas stores you can buy products from four collections - Soleil, DiVa, Cipria and Perfect. I am sure that those buyers who want to impress their loved ones on New Year's holidays will definitely find something interesting from Calgaro. Monica and I wish all your readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We wish you and them new creative successes and good health.
Thanks, Giuseppe and Monica.
See you in Dubai.
