Karen Radley talks to Gabriela Ripani from Ripani, Italy

Tell me about Ripani: RIPANI was founded in 1967 and, from its headquarters in Tortoreto, designs, manufactures and distributes high-quality Made in Italy leather handbags worldwide. Every creation is the result of a combination of artisanal expertise, research and design, celebrating the beauty of genuine leather and Italian creativity. As a Benefit Corporation, RIPANI is also strongly committed to high environmental and ethical standards.

Your first fashion memory:  As a child, around the age of seven or eight, I loved sneaking into the company, which had only recently been founded, and staging my own fashion shows among the handbags and materials. That was probably where my passion for this world began.

Vintage or new: Both. I love vintage pieces for the stories, emotions and memories they carry with them, while new creations inspire me through their originality and their ability to interpret contemporary trends.

Who inspires you: My greatest inspiration is the contemporary woman: dynamic, independent and feminine. A woman who embraces the present with confidence, without ever giving up her elegance or individuality.

Museum or art gallery: Of course, the RIPANI Historical Leather Goods Museum! Within our company, we preserve a unique collection of over 100 original pieces, including handbags, suitcases, beauty cases, and many other leather goods dating from the 1800s to the present day.
The purpose of this exhibition is to celebrate, share, and pass on to younger generations the creativity, beauty, and evolution of Italian leather craftsmanship and design, spanning more than two centuries of history.

Which values define RIPANI the most: Research, material quality, attention to detail, distinctive design, sustainability and environmental responsibility. In a single expression: everyday luxury.

What does “Made in Italy” mean to you today: Today, Made in Italy means much more than simply manufacturing in Italy. It represents research, design, attention to detail, and control over the entire production chain, from the selection of materials and suppliers to the creation of the final product and the achievement of quality certifications. Above all, it means working every day according to principles of professional ethics, respect for people, and environmental responsibility

Which kind of woman do you design for: The women at the heart of the RIPANI world are modern and contemporary women who recognise and appreciate the value of Made in Italy, its quality, design and functionality. They choose a RIPANI handbag not only for its style, but also because they identify with the values the brand represents.

Which place in Italy best represents the spirit of RIPANI:  Tortoreto, where our company is based. A small town in central Italy overlooking the Adriatic Sea and surrounded by beautiful olive-covered hills. It is a place that immediately evokes the carefree feeling of a holiday, the scent of the sea, fresh air and the pleasure of authentic living. This harmony between beauty, nature and quality of life perfectly represents the spirit of RIPANI.
Best coffee: Coffee from a moka pot, at home, of course.

Favourite piece or pieces in the next Ripani collection: My two favourite styles from the SS27 collection are Greta, for the originality of its design, and Erica, for its practicality, versatility and everyday elegance.