Born in Florence in 1968, Franco Gabbrielli is the creator of the Gabs brand, which was acquired by Campomaggi & Caterina Lucchi, where he continues to hold the role of designer. He will take over the presidency from Riccardo Braccialini following the vote in the meeting to be held at the end of June 2019.
“We will concentrate our efforts on three crucial points: firstly, the renewal of the Mipel fair which is still the world’s most important exhibition dedicated to leather goods and which must focus on quality and young people with fresh and innovative ideas; secondly, the rejuvenation of the association in terms of tools and methods of communication; and finally, greater openness and support for manufacturers/contractors, who should be able to use us as a reference point, as currently occurs with companies with their own brand. From a political point of view, I will fight vigorously to protect the “Made in Italy” brand, to combat counterfeiting, and to construct the logics of the system, starting from the involvement of designer labels in these paths,” explained Gabbrielli.
The leather goods sector is, to date, one of the best performing sectors in the Italian economy. In particular, exports, which increased by 10% in 2018 compared to the previous year, reach almost 8.2 billion euros.