We Don’t Run Before We Can Walk

Ottod’Ame

“We Don’t Run Before We Can Walk”

Fashionable femininity made in Italy is an essential feature of Ottod’Ame. The label with a strong self-identity is internationally oriented and is therefore not only successful in markets such as the US and Asia, but also in France and in the German-speaking countries. In this interview, owner Silvia Mazzoli explains what it takes to succeed. Text: Nicoletta Schaper. Photo: Ottod’Ame

What makes Ottod’Ame different to other brands?

We travel a lot in order to understand the respective market conditions and needs accurately and consequently respond to them in a sensitive manner. Accordingly, our collection is not niche-oriented, but deliberately varied. This also applies to the range of sizes we offer. This policy allows us to serve different customers in different markets. At the same time, we never lose sight of the strong identity of the Ottod’Ame woman. We have made it our mission to create high-quality fashion that is never banal. We want our fashion to trigger emotions and don’t follow mass trends.

What else is important?

For example, the right balance of quality and price is important. It is also paramount that we, as a company, aspire to retain a certain level of modesty and humility. Our guiding principle is that we don’t run before we can walk. This means that we prefer to develop new ideas step by step and as carefully as possible before we unleash them on the market.

Success requires investment. In which areas?

We want to be visible as a brand, which is why we invested in advertising. We have focused on our home market Italy in particular, but have also invested in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK. Furthermore, we now have flagship stores in Florence, Milan, and Tokyo; we plan to open more in other capitals worldwide. We’ve also expanded our communication network in order to strengthen our customer service. Similarly, we are working on our distribution network. In addition, we constantly strive to be a reliable partner in terms of service and delivery. Our stability not only allows us to satisfy existing customers, but also enables us to convince new customers quickly. As for the collection, we are in the process of structuring our range of accessories. There is certainly potential in this sector.

What skills does it take to be a good entrepreneur?

I believe it takes humanity and humility, determination, spirit of discovery, curiosity, and the ability to look ahead.

Silvia Mazzoli, the owner of Ottod’Ame, believes that responding to current market conditions sensitively is a prerequisite for any global collection.

Ottod’Ame refuses to focus on a niche market quite deliberately. The brand is diverse both in fashion styles and size spectrum.