Manolo Blahnik Takes Control, Acquires Top Italian Shoe Factory

LONDON – In tune with its luxury peers, Manolo Blahnik is taking control of production, acquiring a top Italian women’s shoe manufacturer, Calzaturificio Re Marcello S.r.l., WWD has learned. An announcement is expected today. Founded in 1938 by the Re family, Calzaturificio Re Marcello has a single factory, in Vigevano, Italy, not far from Milan. It has produced women’s shoes for the Manolo Blahnik brand since 1990. Re Marcello’s facility employs 77 craftsmen who will now become part of Blahnik’s company, reinforcing the brand’s efforts to develop artisanal talent and preserve shoemaking skills for future generations, Manolo Blahnik said. As part of the acquisition, the current management team of Bruno Re and Giuse Galazzi will stay on for the foreseeable future, working alongside the Manolo Blahnik management team. “I have known the Re family for nearly three decades and have been a longstanding admirer of their business,” said the designer. “I have enjoyed a close working relationship with them and all the skilled artisans in the workshop, as their ability to bring my designs to life turns fantasy into reality. I am enormously excited that this wonderful partnership can flourish and look forward to welcoming the family and employees into our company.” Re, chairman of Calzaturificio Re

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