Interview Directory 

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FASHION

Name: Gitta Banko

Occupation: Entrepreneur, designer

Name: Liliana Cacopardo

Occupation: Founder Copardo, shoe producer, designer

"We both have ideas and we decide together."

Ms Banko, how did you two meet?

Gitta Banko: It was a funny coincidence. As I was studying marketing, I was asked by a friend if I could give my opinion on a project or contribute something. A lunch meeting developed into a friendship, and at the second meeting we decided to design a collection together. 

Where will the COPARDO x GITTA BANKO collection be available?

We already have some German retailers who have ordered the shoes. As we are still in the middle of the sales process, we cannot give any concrete details at the moment. The COPARDO x GITTA BANKO collection was developed for women who prefer a classic, minimalist yet fashionable style. She also attaches great importance to durability. She wants to wear her shoes not just for one season, but for years to come.

Who decides what in your team?

We both have ideas and we decide together. Lili is of course the shoe expert. I leave technical things like linings and heels to her. For me, it's important that we use high-quality, soft materials and that the quality of our production is right.

How many and which shoes does a woman need in her wardrobe?

In order to always be able to combine well, I generally recommend two to three pairs of pumps in black, beige and a highlight colour. You should also have two to three pairs of cool boots, comfortable trainers and casual sandals with high and flat heels for the summer.

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Ms Cacopardo, what does it take to successfully launch a new shoe brand?

Liliana Cacopardo: You need a unique design, high quality, targeted marketing and a strong online presence. Customer satisfaction and a clear brand identity are also important.

What experiences from your time at Dolce & Gabbana and Peter Kaiser are important to you?

I will tell you step-by-step. After my studies, I went to Italy to learn Italian. There I did an internship with Carol Christian Poell, the Austrian avant-garde designer. He let me design and realise shoes. I found this technically much more complicated than making clothes. Coincidentally, the manufacturer of these shoes was the shoe factory where Prada and Premiata also produced. That's how I got my second job, where I learnt everything about shoes. For example, I learnt how to draw on the lasts, how to develop models and much more. Things you don't learn in a fashion design degree programme.

“At Dolce & Gabbana, I learnt what luxury actually means.“

During my internship, I worked with the Prada and Premiata factory. The boss asked me if I would like to start there and of course I didn't say no. I actually wanted to go to Italy for three months and ended up staying there for ten years. I then learnt merchandising and production at Bally. I then moved to Dolce & Gabbana as Head of Design for shoes. The founders are super nice, they are like a family; at the fashion shows I met stars like Jude Law, Kylie Minogue, Madonna, Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell, with whom we partied backstage. At Dolce & Gabbana, I learnt what luxury actually means and how much value you have to place on brand presentation. This experience shaped my view of creative processes and the global influence of fashion brands.

During my time at Dolce & Gabbana, I also had two children and needed something quieter after the noisy world of fashion. I went to Germany to work for Peter Kaiser. My experience at the brand taught me how markets work and the importance of working closely with customers. The particular challenge was to strongly link the technical aspects with the design in a traditional shoe factory. This experience also broadened my focus in terms of business management, as I had to deal intensively with figures, prices and production costs. It was an important phase that deepened my knowledge in various areas.

So you are perfectly prepared?

You think you are, and then there's always something you didn't know.

What does the future hold for the brand?

We will open a shop in Landau on 23 March 2024. We now sell in small fashion shops that also sell our shoes as accessories. And we are looking forward to growing with the cooperation with Gitta Banko.