October 10, 2024

Andrea Gentilini: The Middle East Is a Place to Be Right Now

The CEO of Luxury Living Group introduces the world’s first residential project branded by Trussardi, talks about his love for Dubai and explains the magic of the ‘Made in Italy’ quality mark.

Why have Luxury Living Group chosen Dubai for Trussardi’s first residential collaboration? 

Dubai is one of the main luxury hubs in the world. Finding the right partner was crucial for the first residential project by Trussardi, and we are really happy with Dubai-based Mira Developments.

How important is the Middle East region for Luxury Living Group's global operations?

The Middle East is very important. For the past 3-4 years, it has become one of the most significant areas for luxury products in general. There are a lot of opportunities here. Luxury Living Group has been present in this market for a long time, and we know it very well. We also see solid growth and a huge investing potential here. The Middle East is a place to be right now. 

Italy is known for its rich history in art, design, and fashion. How is this legacy integrated into Trussardi Residence?

Luxury, in its essence, is all about having pleasant experiences. It’s all about the beauty, the craftsmanship, and the atmosphere. With all the special furniture, precious materials, and brilliant designs, Trussardi Residences is able to transmit this atmosphere. In a way, our business is not far from making a movie, an Italian movie, of course. It requires considering every single component in order to tell a story and develop something really special and unique. It’s not an easy task, but that’s what Trussardi is all about. It’s a family story that started long ago, one of the most successful stories in Italy.

How does the ‘Made in Italy’ mark translate to residents' experience?

I strongly believe that ‘Made in Italy’ represents something really special. Of course, this comes from an Italian, but some kinds of projects can start only in Italy. Here you can find all types of unique capabilities involved in developing something, that has unique value. Sure, we have an international team, but there’s a distinctive approach that can be found only when you work with an Italian designer or artisan.

Tell us more about the new Trussardi Casa collection.

The brand changed a lot of things in the past couple of years. We collaborated with many young designers, and each of them found a different perspective when trying to capture our heritage. Some of the latest products are sure to become icons in their own right.

Sustainability is a growing concern worldwide. How have you incorporated Italian sustainable practices into Trussardi Residence?

It’s very important to have a sustainable approach. Our supply chain is in Italy, and we can control every single step of our production. It’s the company’s philosophy to deliver environmentally friendly products, and Luxury Living Group invests a lot in this direction.

Do you plan to replicate this blend of fashion and realty in other cities?

It all depends on the partners and locations – we are very selective. The reputation of the brand is our main asset, and it means we can’t just follow every market opportunity out there. A brand like Trussardi can’t tolerate compromises or get away with something that is not 100% correct. With residential property, the stakes are even higher than with a fashion collection. There’s a new collection every year, but the buildings are gonna remain there for a long time. So far, I’m pretty sure we might consider another collaboration with Mira Developments. Regarding the cities, we might also consider Dubai, Miami, and London, but it is always gonna be something bespoke, something special. You know, one very important person in the luxury world once told me: ‘If you want to play this game, you can’t reduce the complexity. You have to be able to manage it.’ And it’s totally true. Luxury customers always request something special, and our job is to meet their expectations. 

What do you think of Dubai compared to other global cities?

I absolutely love Dubai, I’ve been here lots of times in the last 20 years. It’s one of the safest places in the world, and it has a special type of energy where people really want to make a difference. Yes, it can seem like a business-oriented city, but hey, New York or Shanghai are quite busy, too.

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