Melagence
Feel-Good Factor
Four Questions for Mela Bauer of Melagence: on brands with potential, trust as a foundation, and the courage to take a stand.
The Order Days in Munich are coming up. How are you feeling as you head there?
Mela Bauer, founder of Melagence: A very good one. Munich is always a special event for us—it’s almost like our “feel-good” destination.
Which brands should buyers pay special attention to?
Barena Venezia is performing exceptionally well for us in both the women’s and men’s segments. Zenggi has also been growing steadily for several seasons and continues to attract new fans. I’m particularly excited about Fiorucci: for once, we’re adding this brand to our portfolio in the middle of the season. To me, its signature style captures the spirit of the times: Italian, modern, and with a strong identity. At the same time, it appeals both to a generation that remembers the brand from back in the day and to young customers who are just discovering it now. We see great potential here.
The theme of our last issue was “The Economics of Trust.” What role does trust play in your business?
A key one. For us, trust is the foundation of every partnership—with our brands as well as with our retail partners. Contracts are important, but they are no substitute for a trusting working relationship. Our brands must be able to trust that we provide honest feedback from the market and support them over the long term. Conversely, our customers must know that we keep our promises and find solutions even when things don’t go according to plan. It is precisely during economically challenging times that the value of resilient relationships becomes apparent. Trust is therefore not only a personal value but also a key factor in business success.
What are you hoping for right now?
Be more bold in developing your own unique style. I traveled around Italy a lot this summer and saw stores there that really impressed me—because they had made a clear selection. For me, that’s exactly where the strength of brick-and-mortar retail lies. It’s not about carrying as much as possible, but about carrying the right things. Those who curate with conviction and showcase their identity create a shopping experience that can neither be copied nor replaced by digital alternatives.
