Premium accessories brand Furla has selected five agents to handle sales of its exclusive inflight collection globally – while on the ground the Italian company has unveiled a new concept store, with shiny brass a prominent theme in the design.

 

The chosen companies for inflight are DFASS’s US and Asia divisions; Germany’s Gebr. Heinemann and Hanse Distribution, both based in Hamburg; Inflight Sales Group in Hong Kong; and St Doras Enterprises in Taiwan.

 

“We decided to work with a number of specialist inflight agencies and concessionaires rather than working directly,” explains Furla Head of Travel Retail, Gerry Munday. “They are the experts in this category and I have absolute faith in their ability to do a great job.”

 

Through the new set-up Furla has already confirmed a number of listings including Alitalia for it woman’s purse (black) and cherry scarf (through Hanse Distribution), China Airlines for the same purse (St. Doras Enterprises), Philippine Airlines for its folding bag (ISG) and Delta Airlines for a black unisex travel wallet (DFASS USA). “This is a great start,” says Munday, “and we will be confirming further airline listings very shortly.”

 

The Furla inflight collection was on display yesterday and today at the Airline Retail Conference in London on Hanse Distribution’s stand. The collection, first shown at this year’s TFWA Asia Pacific show in May, comprises seven items for women, men and unisex.

 

Last year, Furla produced a +14% increase in profits from turnover of €179 million (US$219 million) and says it plans the same growth for 2012.

 

PREVIEW IN ASIA

 

Furla’s new concept store, created by UK design consultancy HMKM, draws inspiration from the architectural details of Furla’s headquarters in Bologna, a restored 18th century villa, which fuses traditional and contemporary design.

 

Furla’s new-look store in Hong Kong’s Harbour City

 

The palette of colours turns on natural tones together with pastels and a shiny finish with materials ranging from Italian travertine marble for the floor, rosewood furnishings and metals used for the finishing of the walls and for the frames.

 

The concept – which includes finely sculptured graphic details inspired by the work of Donald Judd – is launching in preview at openings of stores in Beijing, Dubai, Hong Kong, Macau, Mumbai and Paris… and soon arriving in Milan.

 

A mirrored LED wall screen showcases the brand’s latest advertising campaigns and videos of its international events as well as artistic videos realised with the support of Fondazione Furla.