The inaugural 'Italian Fashion Days in India' (Le Giornate della Moda Italiana nel Mondo) officially kicked off yesterday, October 28, at the Italian Embassy in New Delhi, marking a significant new step in the strategic partnership between Italy and India. This three-city initiative, described as the first of its kind in India, was a key component of Italy's "Diplomacy and Growth Strategy" that continued in Mumbai on Oct 29 and on Oct 30th in Ahmedabad.
On Day 2 of the summit, the spotlight shifted from international trade to internal corporate dynamics, revealing a major cultural shift that is driving the successful turnaround of major Italian fashion and lifestyle houses.
The Turnaround Strategy: Investment and culture
Speaking at the event, Alberto Racca, CEO of the Miroglio Group, Trussardi, and Gentle Society, discussed the difficult period his company faced six years ago, noting that things were “not going so well” even before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the crisis period led to aggressive strategic choices, resulting in a dramatic turnaround, with business now doing "much better."
Racca attributed this success not just to financial decisions, but to a fundamental change in corporate philosophy. Strategic investments in product development, customer relationship management (CRM), and brand positioning were crucial, but the "key factor of life for all of this is a way of doing things."
Age is Just a Number: The talent obsession
The most radical change involves a shift away from traditional, seniority-based management towards an intense focus on young, high-potential talent. Racca’s new strategy explicitly aims to "train those who learn quickly and make things happen, regardless of their age."
This is not just rhetoric; it’s a measurable reality. Racca disclosed that the company now has $100 million businesses driven by people as young as 29 years old. He insisted that age differences are irrelevant, as the obsession is purely on talent.
The company has a highly selective program targeting university graduates, putting 24-year-olds through an 18-month high-intensity course with specific project responsibilities. The goal is clear: promote these individuals into middle management within two years.
“It has paid,” Racca noted, explaining that this rapid acceleration attracts a quality of management that might otherwise be drawn to different industries.
The power of ‘Gentleness’
Underpinning this talent revolution is a new cultural cornerstone: gentleness. In a world that often seems to demand “brute force,” Racca proposed a different path.
"We are going to talk about gentleness, because gentleness doesn't mean being naive, but it means being intelligent in terms of taking the value from the person around us," he explained. The philosophy emphasizes a culture of continuous learning—rejecting the idea of being the one who “knows everything” in favor of the one who “learns everything.”
"Gentle Society" refers to the brand philosophy by Trussardi, which promotes kindness and meaning in everyday life. The Trussardi concept is showcased in its FW25 campaign and is an open collective of creatives.
By focusing on humility, rapid growth, and recognizing the intelligence and value of every collaborator, this Italian fashion executive is demonstrating that a supportive, talent-obsessed culture can be the most powerful driver for enduring global success in the modern, impatient marketplace.
