MALO BOOSTS ITS LUXE WITH SABINO VENTURE
MILAN — In a bid to boost its luxury quotient, the high-end knitwear firm Malo has announced a joint venture with the Neapolitan sartorial workshop Sabino.
Malo said in a statement the new deal would allow it to increase its production capability of handmade garments. Sabino will produce new articles for Malo, including two light overcoats and a jacket. Only 250 units of each model will be produced, as each coat requires 28 hours of work and each jacket 22 hours.
Last season, Sabino produced Malo’s handmade sweater-jacket, which now has a waiting list of at least eight months, the company said.
Malo already runs two state-of-the-art knitwear factories in Florence and Piacenza and produces its apparel line at IT Holding’s Bologna-based plant. In 1999, the company posted sales of approximately $60 million. (Dollar figures are translated from the Italian lira at current exchange rates.)
Since IT Holding purchased Malo in January 1999, the company has focused on retail expansion and adding tailored pieces, more accessories and infants collections.
IT Holding controls Ittierre, Romeo Gigli, Husky, Exte, Gentry Portofino and produces collections under license for Gianfranco Ferre, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Roberto Cavalli and Antonio Berardi.