Two representatives from the Italian fur company Federico Albarello and two collection coordinators from a world-name retailer visited Saga Furs Design Centre to develop a collection for the retailer. With Saga Furs acting as a facilitator, both parties found the perfect setting to help their respective businesses.

Developing a collection--especially for a top-end retailer--means more than just designing. It involves close attention to materials, cost feasibility and finding the right partner to produce the merchandise. That's where Saga Furs steps in.

"We made the contact through Charlie Ross (Saga Furs head of international marketing). A major retailer was looking for a new furrier who was up to speed on techniques, and one who could supply the desired quantities and quality," says Albarello business manager Giuseppe Benefico.

 He and the company's master furrier Fabrizio Quaccini worked hand in hand at the Design Centre with two people from the retailer. The exercises at the Centre were an overlapping of inspirational ideas from Workshop/R&D and production methods from Workshop/Biz.

Step by step development of a partnership and a collection

The budding partnership went into a second phase after Alberello delivered some sportswear samples employing easy techniques, mainly in natural colours.

The Federico Albarello company and its affiliates have operations ranging from dressing pelts to finished garments and can accommodate virtually any order. They contract-manufacture exquisite fur apparel for top Italian and other international fashion houses.

Customer satisfaction moves the process into stage three

Pleased with the samples, the retailer invited Albarello representatives to the retailer's HQ to develop a women's collection together.

"We made plans to visit Saga Furs Design Centre. It's the perfect place to develop a collection; you have the fur, feedback, coaching and the staff understands the needs of a fashion retailer and fur manufacturer. It is pure synergy. Perfect," says Benefico.

The retailer carries furs in three lines, accessories, a casual series and a luxury line. Albarello will deliver three styles in three colours for the luxury line; five styles in different colours for the weekend series; and, five accessories in different colours.

Jan 11, 2013

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