I am responsible for merchandising for the stores we have in the Asia Pacific region, specifically China.
When I started working for Canali
I did not do it simply to add an experience on my resume,
to put a name on my resume.
My grandmother was a seamstress and my mom a modeler,
so, I kind of grew up within this culture
and I have to say that the best thing is just being able to see the product first-hand.
Maybe it is also due to the culture that I come from.
There is a strong attachment to the work itself,
not simply as an everyday task,
but as something to be faithful to.
It is kind of like a marriage, you know,
you always get a little married to the work that you do.
Being in contact with a very different culture
you have a much broader view of the business.
Chinese customers, 10 years ago, when I first approached them,
were looking for the finest fabric because it was more of a gifting-related business.
Now they also need to be able to choose what to wear in person.
For me, one of the main values of Canali is elegance,
the elegance in people's attitudes.
It is a transversal element that starts not only from the garments themselves,
but elegance also lies in knowing how to address customers and managing
not only sales, but relationships with people.
It is not simply based on the work itself
There is always the human component.
The boss who does not just call you to ask for that number or that analysis,
but who also asks you how your children are doing
or, again, Dr. Eugenio who sends his best wishes at Christmas by writing "Dear Jessica,"
this is something that makes a difference to me.