AGENT PROFILE Editor, Cheryl Taylor, talks to Italian-born footwear agent, Renato de Angelis
Name: Renato de Angelis Brands: Nero Giardini – Pons Quintana Home town: London Birth town: Naples Family: Married, 2 daughters Contact details: Tel:/Fax: 0207 9377618, mobile: 07931 774410
renatodeangelis@aol.com
Tell us about your background? In my youth, I worked in partnership with my brother producing and selling commercial handbags in Napoli, where I was born. Then moving on, on my own, in the field of fine leather goods representing luxury footwear and handbags; Valentino, YSL, Rossi Moda, Mario Valentino, Ferdin to mention few.
Before I moved to England one of my preferred destinations for holidays was London, where at the time everything was happening. One day I met this sweet, young lady who eventually became my wife (and still is), one good reason to stay in London up until now.
How did you get into the footwear trade? Footwear has always fascinated me from a very young age. What I find amazing is how the human mind continuously creates new designs and details within such small dimensions, from the uppers to heels and last shapes. If a “master chef” takes these ingredients, mixes them well with a good choice of materials and colours, then a great piece of footwear is born. I decided to become part of this amazing world and became a sales rep of a famous Italian men’s brand at first, then followed by some ladies factories.
Tell us about your brands? PONS QUINTANA, a well known ladies Spanish brand. It is renowned for its Summer ranges, which have a particular look with woven uppers, wedges and platform, and for Winter their sporty boots. NERO GIARDINI is an all Italian brand, one of the biggest and famous brands in the country, offering a complete range of slick men’s, ladies and children footwear, complimented by contemporary apparels.
And, your customers? What sort of retailers do you supply? Medium to high grade footwear and fashion retailers, mainly independents,
28 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • SEPTEMBER 2011
How are you finding the footwear market currently? Tough all around. It is one of those times when the gloom reigns for various reasons, but in the last 35 years or so that I have been in the UK trade I have seen it all before and better times will come again. This time though, there is much more competition coming from many parts of the globe; there are more and more factories making all kinds of good looking footwear at competitive prices, thus it is a battle leading to the survival of the fittest.
On the other hand, retailers should be careful, it is easy to get led astray and focus on cheaper prices alone, this is not always the way to go. It is important for retailers to be able to offer their customers continuity in look and a good quality product. During the years I have seen retailers downgrading their product for the sake of cheaper prices and as a result going out of business.
What has been selling well this S/Summer? Flat and wedge sandals and ballerinas have done well from my Summer ranges. Fashion trainers and ankle and calf length cowboy boots have also performed well.
Any particular trends? Inspired by the 70s trend platforms and wedges have been strong. Block colours have been in demand, particularly secondary colour palettes, and nudes.
Any difficulties, problems? Personally not much to be grumble about, same as everyone else, navigating stormy seas whilst keeping an even keel.
What’s your favourite men’s footwear brand – ditto ladies/children’s brand? My brands of course! Being brands that I carry could I say something different?
What was your first job? Working in a friend’s dad’s shoe factory during school holidays, which in Italy are over 3 months at a time, a bit of nightmare for mothers! I was in my early teens then, I was the “boy” who would be sent to the local suppliers to collect/buy heels, leather, glue, etc.
What was your car? Which car do you drive now? No car then, too young to drive one, I could not reach the pedals! Now I drive a Volvo XC60.
What did you listen to on your last car journey? Classical music, it can be enjoyable and relaxing.
Any hobbies? Gym, listening to music.
What one thing do you wish you could do better? Control my food/appetite? Difficult, being Italian I do like my food. Seriously, don’t know really, I’m sure there are many, no one’s perfect.
What’s your biggest achievement? There have been a few but I look more for what I need to do next rather than what I’ve achieved.
Who is your role model? All the achievers in whatever fields they may be.
Renato de Angelis is founder and co-organiser of the widely acclaimed Kensington Shoe Event, a twice yearly show featuring medium to high grade footwear from top European factories.
Next Event is held at The Westbury Mayfair Hotel, September 25-27.
www.thekensingtonshoeevent.co.uk
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