MNE Fashion
"We're happy when the customer is happy!"
Ten Years of MNE Fashion: Owner Mark Etzold explains how the agency became a full-service distributor and why customer satisfaction matters more than the company’s own interests.
Interview: Nicoletta Schaper. Photos: Marken
You're looking back on ten years of MNE. How have you evolved?
Mark Etzold, co-owner of MNE Fashion: It all started with Samantha Sung, a product specialist for elegant dresses. That collection laid the foundation for everything that followed. Some of it was planned; other parts came from a gut feeling—that’s how we evolved from a sales agency to a distributor and became fully responsible for the Lu Li Lina, Mouleta, and White T, providing support in design, social media, and end-to-end operations. Today, in our 350-square-meter showroom in Düsseldorf, we showcase eight collections; we have a network of over 500 retailers in the D-A-CH region; and we collaborate with international agencies to build our brands.
Service is important to you. What matters most?
That we are, first and foremost, partners. Sometimes we put our own business interests on the back burner, grant payment extensions, and exchange parts—and sometimes even entire collections. This isn’t an immediate benefit for us, but it keeps the customer satisfied, which pays off in the long run. We drive 80,000 kilometers a year and visit our customers in person every season. This close interaction is at the heart of our work.
What's new with you guys?
The WOC "feel-good" collection features jerseys and sweatshirts from southern Italy—minimalist yet emotionally appealing. Produced locally, with fast delivery and a three-part pricing structure.
And which labels are the most successful?
Lu Li Lina, with her own unique prints and colors that put you in a good mood; Mouleta, with luxurious cashmere scarves; and SoSue, with a casual head-to-toe look that’s easy to wear.
Brands: Lu Li Lina, Lamarque, Mouleta Cashmere, Samantha Sung, Shaft, SoSue, White T, WOC
