"Despite the uncertain scenario, we remain confident: focusing on quality and craftsmanship is always a far-sighted choice," he says. This is the clear point of view of Antonio De Michele, chairman of the board of directors of DEAN, a tanning company from Arzano (NA) that has been working exclusively on top quality lambskins for over 50 years.
How did you find Lineapelle in terms of visitor participation and interest?
"After the uncertainties of the market in recent months, Lineapelle did not disappoint our expectations: there were many buyers present and great attention was paid to the new DEAN proposals for SS25. Let's say that the sector has shown that it knows how to respond to challenges with tenacity and dynamism, let's hope that the market will also overcome the impasse and show more confidence in the future".
What innovations did you present and which articles attracted the most interest?
"We proposed articles with transparency effects and optical three-dimensionality, pure aniline articles with barrel-dyeing and matt appearance. Our research efforts have always focused on enhancing the natural essence of genuine leather, while meeting the requirements of resistance and holdfastness demanded by the brands. Tassels with a rounded hand and the most natural aspects are always highly appreciated, but shiny finishes and soft, iridescent varnishes have also aroused curiosity'.
In the light of your impressions, what do you expect for the coming months for your company?
"The impressions gathered at Lineapelle and the results of the first quarter of 2024 confirm that this will not be an easy year, although 2023 was in fact an atypical, I would say doped year. As always, we will be able to put this market adjustment to good use by further improving internal processes and implementing new processing technologies. However, we cultivate reasonable confidence and cautious optimism, because DEAN has always focused on the value of craftsmanship, a forward-looking approach in any scenario".
And for the sector in general?
"The trend for the tanning sector is traced and irreversible: the future will be of companies that have distinguished themselves in terms of product and service, without neglecting the construction of a traced and sustainable supply chain".
