Zoe Halfon of Papa
08-10-2007
Zoe Halfon of “Papa-Razzi†tells all…{mosimage}
When was Papa-Razzi established?
Zoe: Papà Razzi is a newbie…..we launched the brand approx 6 months ago, but our main fashion company has been around for over 30 years but on another side of the industry, in T shirts and jersey.
How/Why did you come up with the name Papa-Razzi?
Zoe: We launched the fashionista collection first so I wanted a brand name that tied in with the glitzy glossy world of magazines and the press, Papà Razzi was perfect and also gave me the opportunity to name the brand after my biggest inspiration of all, my dad!
Who are your customers?
Zoe: We believe our clutches truly have universal appeal, they are fun and quirky whilst at the same time being sophisticated and very up to the minute….they really are a must have item!
What would you consider to be your highlights at LFW?
Zoe: Being such a new brand on the market exhibiting at LFW was a highlight in itself!
Who/What inspires you in terms of your designs?
Zoe: Anything and everything, I work with co-designer in London Zen, a graphic design unit and also an Italian design team, so we are all inspired by one another! I think being half Italian and working so closely with Italy in the design and development of the clutches I would have to say that I am always inspired by Italian women and their ability to be effortlessly chic whilst at the same time being “spiritoso” fun/sassy! I would say our clutches have both of these elements too.
Where are Papa-Razzi handbags currently stocked?
Zoe: Fenwicks, TopShop, Bentalls, Brown Thomas, Gruppo Clark (Italy) Rossana Nicolai (Italy), Galle (Greece), Joyce (Hong Kong) amongst others! Our clutches will also be available shortly on our website: www.papa-razzi.co.uk
What advice can you give to other aspiring hand bag designers?
Zoe: I would say the key in this competitive industry is to be consistent and persistent….never take no for an answer and never let anyone tell you, you can’t do something!
Do you think that it is vital to come from a fashion background in order to start a label such as Papa-Razzi?
Zoe: It’s tricky for me to answer that as I come from a little fashion dynasty, my dad has been in the industry all his life, and my grandfather was also in the business in Italy….so it’s a little bit of a legacy!
What plans do you have for the future?
Zoe: Our vision for the brand is to make it Visible, through promotion and making sure it is stocked in all the right places, Accessible, we pride ourselves in offering a competitively priced accessible product which is of optimum quality and lastly Up To The Minute we constantly update our range to ensure we react to the latest trends while also making sure we give our customers more of what they like and have bought into!
Thank you for your time Zoe
For more information on Papa-Razzi visit www.papa-razzi.co.uk
Interview by Yolande Letshou
