Gianni Gallucci, CEO of the eponymous Italian footwear brand and president of the youth branch of the Confindustria association in Fermo, central Italy, has spoken to the Adnkronos/Labitalia agency ahead of the December 4 inauguration of the Gallucci space inside Walton Fine Arts, in London’s South Kensington district. The brand’s Walton Street address is the latest after openings in Milan and Miami. “This is a very delicate time for the fashion world, and we’re convinced that it will soon be over, cementing the reputation of luxury fashion. We’re always customer-centred, focusing on quality, authentic made-in-Italy products, and always offering the right value for money to our customers. But not everyone is bold enough to invest, and we’re expecting support from the Ministry of business and made-in-Italy, and Minister Adolfo Urso,” said Gallucci. High-end footwear producer Gianni Gallucci was founded in 1959.

“Internationalising and supporting Italian manufacturing excellence is essential. Artisanal Italian producers are the country’s pride and symbol, but they are increasingly struggling to survive in the current tempestuous geopolitical climate. [State] interventions targeted at the small producers that make up 80% of Italy’s industrial economy are needed,” added Gallucci.

“Gallucci’s London opening is not a challenge to the centuries-old Northampton [shoemaking] giants, but expresses a desire to present a new, contemporary product of the same high standards, made following traditional methods and using only the finest materials available. A combination that serves to break down entrenched market barriers, generating a truly unique and exclusive product,” said Gallucci.

He went on to explain that “the London opening is the result of a collaboration with Walton Fine Arts, a concept store founded 30 years ago as a contemporary art gallery, specialising in Pop Art and featuring artists like Andy Warhol, Banksy and Picasso. Fifteen years ago, the gallery began to host new talents who soon grew into emerging names. Brand development is driven by retail, and the choice of London was no coincidence, as the city is a well-established bridge between the Middle East and the USA. A presence [in London] was necessary to grow the brand organically and approach new markets, such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, with our ‘London Handmade’ line and our exclusive bespoke service.”

Gallucci said that “the collaboration with Walton Fine Arts is strategically important. There are major affinities in terms of customers and market positioning between our high-end artisanal collections and Walton Fine Arts, so we had the idea of combining fashion and art, utilising the Walton Street venue for live events and trunk shows, enabling the clientèle to enjoy a unique product experience.”

Gallucci concluded by saying that “the gallery’s clients include many collectors, royal families and more than 500 businessmen and women from all over the world, as well as celebrities such as Jude Law, Sadie Frost, Kate Moss, Ringo Starr, George Harrison’s family, the Saudi Royal family, Gary Barlow, and Sylvester Stallone. The gallery takes part in dozens of international projects, including the Riyadh Underground Festival in Saudi Arabia.”