This Blue Blooded Q&A series is a collaboration with Long John. The series is sponsored by Bluezone, the independent show for denim and sportswear by Munich Fabric Start. Register for the next show here!
Name:
Alice Tonello
Location:
I live in Italy, in the Veneto region.
Profession:
I’m the Marketing and R&D Director at Tonello, our family-owned business. We produce technologies for garment treatment.
Instagram:
Alice’s path into the denim business
Thomas: How did you get into (the world of) denim?
Alice: When my uncle, Osvaldo Tonello, built the first washing machine in 1975, he would never have imagined that it would be the beginning of a long story. These were the years of the denim revolution. Shortly thereafter, he passed the baton to my father who has continued this adventure.
Related: The History of Pre-Washed Jeans (Told by 3 Pioneers Who Made It)
I remember my visits to the factory when I still didn’t know the difference between a nail and a bolt, the impossible working hours, the pizzas eaten between the washing machines, and the smell of iron: that’s how I got involved in the world of denim.
T: What was your first pair of jeans?
A: What I define my first pair of jeans was a wonderful pair of Roy Roger’s from the 70s, borrowed from my mother.
T: When did you know you were ‘hooked’ on denim?
A: That same pair of Roy Roger’s, which also made me curious about washing.
T: What is your favourite thing about denim?
A: Its unique ability to fade, changing look with time and adapting to the stories of each and every person. It’s an evergreen.
Alice’s views on the denim business
T: What‘s been the greatest challenge you’ve faced so far, and what did you learn from it?
A: Telling it like it is in the industry. I’ve learned that being yourself and being concrete pays for itself in the long run.
T: Which denim brands inspire you? And why?
A: 1) Kapital for the genius in inventing a new garments and the attention to detail.
2) Blue of a kind, Atelier & Repairs for their ability in re-designing and up-cycling clothing that already exists.
3) Story mfg. for the organic dyeing applications.
Alice defines her denim style
T: What do you never leave home without? And why?
A: An Hermes foulard. Iconic.
T: List 3 of your favourite garments or accessories and (try to) explain how they define your style
A: 3×1 jeans, comfortable and always perfect; a white t-shirt, that goes well with everything, even under a jacket and a pair of jeans; and … an Hermes foulard. That’s it!
Ready for More Q&As?
Want to learn more about Alice? This Blue Blooded Q&A is a collaboration with Long John. Read her answers to the 10 ‘what’s your favourite’ questions at long-john.nl.
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