At the launch of his eponymous store, Italian designer Stefano Ricci talks about giving the Indian man a complete look
As I wait for Italian designer Stefano Ricci in his newly launched store at The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, I glance around and feel a sense of perfection in his pursuit—be it the quality of fabrics or an eye for details. The décor of the 2,500 sq ft-store is refreshing—it has a subtle blend of modern style and mid-century elements, contemporary furniture, soft earthy panels and a brass eagle head (which I am told is the trademark of Stefano Ricci). The store exudes a sense of unmistakable elegance and sophistication.
Stefano arrives a few minutes later and apologises for the delay, “What can I do to make up?” “Just a quick interview,” I say. Soon I am ushered forward to his desk.
Wearing a happy smile (which reminds me of Santa) and a long white beard, this cherubic designer stubs out his cigarette and says, “Stefano Ricci is an Italian tradition. I care about tailoring, quality, materials; I don't care about fashion”. The 65-year-old designer's connection with India goes back to the time when he first visited The Taj Mahal Palace hotel, 30 years ago. He decided to enter the Indian market when equal partner, Jackie Manglani, President, Stefano Ricci India offered him the proposal to open a store in India. Their collective karma played along. “I believe in karma. It is because of our joint karma that we have opened a store in a place which we are both passionate about” adds the designer, who has an eye for craft and all things Italian.
So what does he have for the Indian customer, you ask? “I want to design garments for the wardrobe of a man, who already has everything. He should be able to appreciate rare and precious materials, sophisticated details, exclusive prints, unseen shades of colours and a style which is not only a classic but also quite different and personal. Stefano Ricci is about the complete look.”
Talking about the store, he adds, “The design of all my stores follow the same style and layout. Everything in this store is made in Italy by the same craftsmen and by the same hands. Everything at Stefano Ricci is handmade. This store is divided into three broad sections: the Stefano Ricci menswear, Stefano Ricci home décor and Stefano Ricci Bespoke section”. To which Jackie adds, “It is designed for the sophisticated customer who seeks perfection and exclusivity”. As I walk around the store, I find that the store houses a wide range of menswear suits, dress shirts, casual shirts, polo shirts, neckties, bags, shoes and other accessories made from fine leather.
I notice Stefano’s blue tie with yellow elephant motifs, “I love elephants and I love the eyes of Indian women, they have so much energy; it inspires me. I have a good feeling about India, I see a huge potential here,” he shares, as he lights up another cigarette. You can tell family comes above all when he emphasises, “Luxury means having your family around, your wife, children, grandchildren...nothing else spells luxury.”
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}