High, the premium women’s ready-to-wear label, has recently been acquired by the new company, Strava. This acquisition was made by three Italian investors who are part of the Strava team: Giuseppe Stefanel, Giulio Corno, and Alberto Vacchi. Although the exact amount of the acquisition remains undisclosed, this new chapter for High is expected to accelerate the brand’s development, particularly on an international scale.
High was initially launched in 2007 by Interfashion, a former subsidiary of the Stefanel group. Prior to this, Interfashion had been managing licenses for the Stefanel group but decided to focus on its own brand, High. The brand quickly gained recognition for its timeless style that blends sophistication and informality.
With Strava’s acquisition, High’s development is expected to be boosted, especially in international markets. Currently, 90% of High’s sales come from abroad. The brand has successfully established itself internationally over the years and has gained a reputation for its quality craftsmanship, finishes, and attention to detail.
Interfashion, which has been operating since 1992, has also been involved in the development of other brands such as Closed, GGigli, I’M Isola Marras, and Marithé + François Girbaud. However, High became Interfashion’s main focus, with Scottish designer Claire Campbell leading the brand’s identity as “everyday couture” until 2019. Since Campbell’s departure, the in-house style team and external consultants have continued to uphold the brand’s vision.
Strava srl, the company behind the acquisition, was established in late 2022 and consists of three Italian investors: Giuseppe Stefanel, Giulio Corno, and Alberto Vacchi. Giuseppe Stefanel is an entrepreneur, Giulio Corno is the founder and CEO of Triboo Digitale (High’s digital partner since 2012), and Alberto Vacchi is the head of financial company Alva and the IMA group, specializing in packaging.
This acquisition comes after the financial difficulties faced by Stefanel, which led to its sale to the OVS Group in 2021. Despite these challenges, High has remained active and profitable. The management team of High has been preserved with the acquisition, and the brand’s showroom and offices in Milan have been renewed and maintained.
High, based in Rimini, currently employs 110 people. The brand forecasts sales in 2023 to be in line with the €26 million achieved in 2022 and plans to increase investments to strengthen its international presence. Its goal is to expand its retail operations in major European cities and revitalize its customer base through communication strategies and special projects.
At present, High is distributed through approximately 500 retailers worldwide and has twenty boutiques, mainly in France, Germany, and Poland. The brand also has a presence in China, Australia, and the United States. About two-thirds of sales come from the wholesale channel, one-third from retail and online, with online sales accounting for 18% of the total. Forty percent of production is made in Italy, with the remainder manufactured in countries such as China, India, Portugal, and Morocco.
High offers three lines: High, the main line positioned in the upmarket segment; High Use, which focuses on workwear made from natural materials; and High Tech, which offers sportswear made from high-performance fabrics. The brand also includes a selection of gender-neutral styles. Its offerings include trousers, dresses, accessories, bags, and shoes, providing a total look for its customers.
With its acquisition by Strava, High gains stability and the opportunity for further development and investment in international operations. The brand is known for its contemporary casual-chic style, unique design, high-quality craftsmanship, and innovative use of fabrics and treatments. With great potential for growth, High will continue to offer its customers a distinctive feminine and romantic touch.
Overall, the acquisition of High by Strava marks an exciting new chapter for the brand and positions it for continued success and expansion in the global fashion market.
Useful links:
– [High’s official website](https://www.high-everyday-couture.com/)
– [Triboo Digitale](https://www.triboo.it/)
