Claudio Marenzi on Post-Covid Fashion, Pitti Uomo Cancellation

Claudio Marenzi, CEO of Herno and President of Pitti Immagine, discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the fashion industry in an Artribune podcast. Herno, known for urban outerwear, generates €130 million in revenue (70% abroad) with 250 employees across production units in Lesa (Lake Maggiore), Sicily, and Romania. Marenzi also founded and chairs Confindustria Moda. He describes how consumption froze during the pandemic, threatening the entire supply chain with raw material shortages, full warehouses, and unpaid invoices, yet the sector held together and recovery is beginning. However, he warns that a difficult situation lasting at least 18 months puts companies at patrimonial risk. As President of Pitti Immagine, he notes that Pitti Uomo skipped an edition for the first time since WWII, postponed to January after attempts to move from July to September failed due to low participation and lack of expected support from ICE. Marenzi remains optimistic, advocating a mix of 'fast thinking' and 'slow thinking': fast thinking leverages the traditional flexibility of Italian textile SMEs, while slow thinking emphasizes human social nature and the return to travel and gatherings beyond the digital world. The podcast is part of Artribune's series on art market, urban regeneration, and cultural tourism.