THE BEST OF INTIMA – 01/2009 - (Page 100)

Cover Story Spotlight on Chantelle The leading French brand Chantelle is turning 60 this year The Best of Intima takes this opportunity to . tell you more about the famous family owned company straight from the mouth of Patrice Kretz, President of the Chantelle Group, and Sonja Winther head of the US subsidiary. , Patrice Kretz President of the Chantelle Group Mr Kretz, you are currently the President of the Chantelle Group, which generation do you represent in the family business you direct? Could you tell us which major evolution has characterized the brand throughout the years? I took the decision not long before joining the company in 1985, when I was 29. I was driven by the wish to seize the opportunity to develop a business with a great number of assets in a true entrepreneurial spirit. Do you believe that a family business in today’s world translates into greater possibilities or more limits? I represent the fifth generation, following my father Claude Kretz. Our major transformation has been marked by the progressive shift from an industrially and technically oriented company (for 75 years we produced elastic mesh) to a company focusing on the end-consumer with a network of boutiques which today counts 200 stores. Clearly I believe it’s a greater opportunity, because all decisions taken and strategies applied are part of a long term plan. It is vital in such a fast-moving world, to fix your objectives and be able to keep to them without being forced to implement frequent policy changes due to the requirements of shareholders who have an exclusively economical approach to a With hindsight, would you say ther e is a business. «Chantelle management style»? The longevity of the managers of the company - 5 in We can definitely say our management style is char- 130 years! - enables our staff to know clearly what acterized by the pursuit of excellence; the will to direction they should be moving in and what their prievolve constantly as well as a major focus towards orities should be. our business teams who, thanks to their experience, What do you expect from the crisis we are going allow us to envisage continuous success is the future. through? I expect for it to last as little as possible! Otherwise, Having undertaken engineering studies and sub- inevitably weaker businesses will disappear while sequently worked as a business strategy constronger ones will become even more strong and will sultant did you plan to take on the reins of your be able to benefit once the economic situation picks business ? What convinced you to do so? up again. History of the brand 1876, Mr Gamichon manufactures the first elastic textiles in the factory in Romilly (Aube) thanks to the discovery of the vulcanisa tion of rubber. He subsequently forms a partnership with his nephew . 1902, the company starts making corsetry and revolutionizes the market by introducing corsets made from elastic textiles. 1949 the company takes on the name Chantelle and becomes the reference point for figure hugging undergarments 1961, the first bras are introduced 1962, Chantelle launches onto the international market with its first subsidiary in Germany . 1970, the Fête model marks an era, selling more than one million items a year . 1972, introduction of Défi, the first moulded model. 1982, Les Chéris epitomize a new seduction 1986, Vertige is a huge success 1993, Chantelle opens in the US, quickly becoming the symbol of French elegance and captivating American women. 2007, to assert its success, Chantelle broadens its product offer and causes a sensation with the opening of the first «Chantelle Paris» boutiques founded on an extremely innovative concept which brings together lingerie and beauty . 100

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of THE BEST OF INTIMA – 01/2009

Cover
CONTENTS
EDITORIAL
SHOP SCOUTING WORLDWIDE - BOI’s selection from Asia to Europe
NEWER NOTABLES -Victoria’s Secret
- The Blue Corset
- Miss Lala’s Boudoir
- Harrods
- Secrets from Your Sister
- Ann Summers
BOI’S SURVEY - Weathering the storm
EXPERT - Trends to shine through economic gloom
RETAIL NEWS - Pull-In, Marlies Dekkers
FW 09/10 TRENDS - Baroque Allure
- Red Passion
- Light & Shadow
- Sweet Glamour
- Sensual Skin
TALENT - The Lake&Stars
LAUNCHING - Dietrich, Fiorucci Pin Up
- Lola Haze, Cosabella
- Parah, R Crescentini
VIEW FOR YOU
EVENT - Femmy Awards 2009, Seduction at FIT
EVENT - The 2008 Hug Awards
2008 BEST SHOP AWARDS
EXPO - Sonia Rykiel revealed
PORTRAIT - All about Jogê
- Frock Couture
THE GUEST - Elizabeth Hospodar
COVER STORY - Spotlight on Chantelle
BUSINESS NEWS
WHO’S WHO
EXCLUSIVE - Round Table
INTERVIEW - Curve takes it all
CALENDAR - Major trade fairs around the world
NETWORK EXPRESS - Network Dessous’ ten worldwide magazines
MARKET FOCUS - Russia: conquering the east
BEST SELLERS
FABRIC NEWS
FABRIC TRENDS

THE BEST OF INTIMA – 01/2009