Coccapani

Italian griffe. It was established in 1988 under the name Il Marchese di Coccapani, on the initiative of Gianfedele Ferrari, the founder of the Sicem Group, producers of knitwear. The brand was named after the 18^th century Villa di Soliera, near the factory, which belonged to the noble family of the Marquises of Coccapani and which has today become the firm’s headquarters. The qualitative leap, at least in terms of advertising strategy, occurred in 1993, when the company chose Claudia Schiffer as the model for its products. The brand quickly found its identity, offering a total look to its target of female consumers between 20 and 40 years old. In 1997 the griffe made its début at Milano Collezioni, and in 1999 it opened a single-brand boutique on via della Spiga. In 2002, as part of a massive stylistic reorganization, the brand changed its name, leaving the aristocratic aura behind in order to become known as, simply, Coccapani.
At the Milan Collection of Autumn-Winter 2003-2004, the second by the new designer Riccardo Tisci, who radically changed the Coccapani style from classic to trendy, there was great approval, especially from buyers in Japan and the U.S., two markets on which the company depends for its international development, although for the moment only through multi-brand stores. In Japan and Russia, the brand is already well known, but less so in the U.S. In 2002, the turnover was €10 million. Riccardo Tisci joined the company in the Spring of 2002. Born in Como, 27, he now lives in Milan, but lived for more than 9 years in London, where he attended the Saint Martin’s School. After graduating in 1998, he returned to Milan and created a small Collection of 28 pieces, handmade with the help of his mother and 8 sisters. The Collection carried his own name and was sold in select boutiques. He also designed a clothing line for Puma. In the meanwhile, Coccapani felt the need to change its style and hired him. Ever since the first Collection, the difference could be seen. The Collection returned to lingerie, with satins, lace, georgettes, and silk organza for light and swaying styles, rich in frills, ruches, and drapings, multilayered, with embroidery and sequins. The colors are those typical for underwear: pale pinks and flesh tones.
The launch of the AnnamariaB Collection, designed by the designer’s wife. It is a ceremony line which has about 120 pieces, aimed at the women’s market. The fabrics include silk, cotton, lace, and metallic materials.
Alessandro De Benedetti is asked to create the Spring-Summer 2005 Collection: one hundred pieces which are to be presented in September in the Milan showroom.