Deep Dive
Massimo Stefanello is a believer in Italian craftsmanship, down to the label that hangs from a garment. Since becoming Cadicagroup’s CEO in 2021, Stefanello has applied his more than 30 years of experience in leading companies’ operations and finances toward new endeavors that are expanding the trims manufacturer’s capabilities.
The company expanded its technology range by acquiring Etichetta 2000 last year, a 30-year-old woven and printed labels company that specializes in the distribution of anti-counterfeiting products and services including labeling with QR codes, customized holographic strips and tracking technologies like RFID and NFC.
In March, Cadicagroup added woven, printed and leather label company Varcotex to its portfolio. It marked the company’s fourth acquisition in a 36-month span, making it one of the leading operators in high-end fashion accessories in Europe.
Simultaneously, its namesake Cadica brand has been busy developing creative market-right trims spanning recycled leather patches to trend pieces that tap into denim’s demand for nostalgia. Stefanello is now focused on making the brand “more recognizable” by designing innovative, sophisticated solutions and investing in care, reliability, creativity and passion.
What denim buzzword do you think is overused? And what would you replace it with?
I think sustainability, responsibility and ethics are overused, and I’d replace them with certified supply chain.
What do you wish more consumers knew about the jeans they buy?
That the entire production chain is clear, transparent and understandable. This would help buyers make conscientious purchases.
If you had one request for denim brands, what would that be?
Make conscientious, verified and ethical purchases.
What is your first denim memory?
During high school in the 1980s when the myth of American denim became popular thanks to Italian brands like Roy Rogers, Diesel, Fiorucci and others.