Brugnoli Moving Forward in Style

In July 2016, you were recognized by the industry in Lyons.
MD: As part of the Paris Capitale de la Création initiative, we were elected 2016’s Designer of the Year in the Swimwear category by the Interfilière trade show, which took place in Lyons, France. The award came at a key moment for us, at a time when we are updating our product, structure, communications strategy, and much more. It is a nice recognition for all the work our team has done.
You are known for your colors and jacquards. What innovations have you introduced in these areas?
RD: Blends, Stripes, Jacquards. In terms of color, we are trying new, bold combinations and experimenting with style; our Mexico offer changes color and effect with movement.  The same with yarns: our Blend line is a tri-blend for activewear, intimates, and swimwear, and is offered in over 100 variants, the latest being a jacquard version. We have been jacquard specialists for forty years; we kept the faith even when the market tacked towards basics, but now color and design are once again in demand. We offer a wide-ranging and lavish collection. For swimwear, new offers include patterned fishnets, as well as patchwork, tribal and batik combinations. We have been constantly updating our jacquard machinery with next-generation looms ever since 2010.
We visited your in-house dying facility, BL Color. Can you summarize its main advantages?
LD: BL Color was founded in 2001, thanks to the long-term vision of our uncle, Luigi, and the management of our father, Achille. The dying process is fully integrated to guarantee the highest results in terms of color stability, consistency and hold, even for the most intense shades. We also have a unit and team dedicated to creating new color formulas that perfectly encapsulate a client’s desired mood. Our cutting-edge Full Shades Service creates whatever color or tone a customer requires, with custom solutions and exclusives. We keep an impressive color archive of all our customers’ orders, with different formulas for the various types of yarn. With our uniquely developed finishings, BL Color also helps create that hallmark feel of a Brugnoli fabric: soft, agile, warm, crisp, enveloping…
What products will be introduced at upcoming trade shows?
RD: For lingerie, our bestselling Oxygen and Azoto lines will be joined by newcomer, Soyeux, featuring an ultra-soft handle, as well as a shaping function that never feels restrictive. For sports, we are focusing on the athleisure trend, with the launch of two new items and interesting developments in our Blend line.
Brugnoli’s R&D blends history with the future. Tell us about your Explosive range.
MD: Within our double jersey production, Explosive is our signature product and innovation; it is the result of technological developments started in 2008, and perfected over the years through research and experimentation on our looms. A specific knit of nylon and elastane for resistant, opaque fabrics that fit like a second skin giving lightweight and freedom of movement. Even more important than product, technology is at the center of our message; originally used for shapewear, it is now important for swim and is the root of a family of over 30 fabrics in various weights and composition – up to 50% elastane, in our Strong line.
How will you capitalize on your innovative Br4 bio-based fabric?
MD and LD: In 2015, Brugnoli was the first company to create a collection of bio-based fabrics made with Fulgar’s new 100% biological EVO fibre. Br4’s dedicated production process cuts down on CO2 emissions, as well as water and energy consumption. Br4 has become a true and complete range for swimwear, lingerie and sport, available in new weights and styles: piquet, fishnet, jacquard, and jersey, including the Explosive line. Raw materials and production are eco and sustainable; Br4 is so strategic for us, that we have applied for a Europe-wide patent.
The environment has always been a priority for Brugnoli.
LD: We use materials, dyes and finishings that have a low impact on the environment. We use heat exchangers and inverters for high energy efficiency and water saving. Photovoltaic systems cover our energy needs, while reducing CO2 emissions by over 200 tons per year.
You are also revamping your corporate image.
MD: The company’s core values and products are closely connected to nature. Our rebranding is feminine and sophisticated, where a fabric’s softness blends with the body like a second skin. Our identity is also strongly linked to our Br4 fabrics, which are like having nature directly in contact with your skin. Our new website is already online, which places great emphasis on color and textiles.
What are your goals in terms of growth?
MD: We have strengthened our sales team in Italy and abroad. Today, we are present in Europe, America and Asia, with a particular focus on the American market.