Stefano Canali on Legacy, Luxury, and the Brand's Connection with India

Canali's President and CEO, Stefano Canali, was in India recently to celebrate Italian art and craftsmanship.

We caught up with him for a quick conversation on carrying forward Canali's legacy, India's growing presence on the global luxury map, and his vision as the brand moves toward its 100-year milestone.

RR: What is it like taking forward the legacy of a brand like Canali?

SC: It is a privilege. It is an honour. It’s a very difficult task as we have to look after the values that have run the company over the past 91 years. It is a very important opportunity considering the legacy and history of the company and its focus on the future.

RR: What do you think about Canali’s connection with India and the Indian customer?

SC: We actually find ourselves very much in sync because we do share many core values, family and companionship, very much like the Latin culture. To the extent that Indians are more Latin than many European countries.

RR: Where do you see India on the global luxury map today?

SC: It’s an emerging country. It definitely has more potential to become more important; it is very much about the evolution of the infrastructure. The more luxury locations one has, the more important it will become. I believe it is very much a matter of time. It will take some time, but considering India has the passion, the culture, and the luxury goods, the ambition, it will surely move forward steadily. Despite having only six stores in India, it is worth dealing with the customers who show a strong interest in the brand.

RR: What excites you the most about the Indian market?

SC: The passion for the luxury and the tradition. The era of Maharajas has played a key role in infusing the idea of luxury and the details, in quite a number of people in India. So, it is the ease with which we create the connection with the customers over here. I had the chance over the past 15 years to meet and greet many consumers, they are all so passionate about the product and the quality.

RR:  Globally, what do you think of the luxury customer and how has that definition evolved over the year?

SC: The luxury customer has become more knowledgeable. They know what they need, and they know what price they are ready to pay. At Canali, we pay close attention to the idea, which implies that whatever we propose is properly priced.

RR: What trend do you think will take over in 2026?

SC: Back to normalcy as far as money is concerned. Consumers seek newness and novelty, and they do not take quality for granted. They want the things that are offered to them to be high in quality and rightly priced. Style is, anyway, an uncharted territory, and you will also experiment and keep an eye out for changing means in quiet luxury, which is a component that allows a brand to stay in touch with the evolution of the native consumers out there.

RR: What does luxury mean to you?

SC: Luxury to me means something that stands out that has an important human component. Something that can emphasise your whole personality without being overwhelming. Luxury does mean that whatever you buy is exclusive. I’d rather consider the exclusivity component of the luxury medium.

RR: Canali will turn 100 in the next 10 years; how do you envision that?

SC: I would say every single year will lead us to 2034. We look forward to celebrating our 100th anniversary. In consistent with the approach, big heritage, we look forward to celebrating ourselves and being able to tell a wonderful story. We have a strategy that we will implement in the coming years, and we hope that we celebrate as far as execution is concerned.