modebranchen.NU NU International no. 1 January 2020 Fashion Part | Page 21

The Danish fashion brand Costamani was
founded in 2015 and has quickly establis-
hed itself both in its home market and in
five export countries.
Sales in Norway, Sweden, Germany, Belgi-
um, and the Netherlands already make up
about half of Costamani's revenue.
In autumn 2019, Merete Wang brought in
another partner to ensure its continued
growth.
- Our home market is important to us, and
we still want to grow in Denmark. But I can't
drive expansions by myself both in Den-
mark and internationally, which is why Su-
sanne will take over in Denmark, while I will
focus specifically on increasing exports. I'm
incredibly proud that we've had such a good
start internationally, and we'll be expanding
our relationships with existing agents and
distributors. At the same time, we're look-
ing for agents in the European markets that
we haven't yet expanded to. Our goal is to
be present in every country in Europe, said
managing director Merete Wang when NU
visited Cotamani’s showroom in Odense.
She adds that Costamani is also geared for
growth when it comes to IT:
- We're using the Spy system, which is de-
signed specifically for the textile business.
It keeps track of all procedures relating to
customers, sales, purchases, and stock-
keeping.
Susanne Rosenkrantz
OUR COMMERCIAL PRICES ARE KEPT
AT THE SAME LEVEL, EVEN THOUGH
THE PRODUCTS WILL NOW LOOK MORE
EXPENSIVE “THE COSTAMANI WAY" //
FOUNDER AND MAJORITY OWNER MERETE WANG
SUSANNE ROSENKRANTZ ON MERETE WANG:
“Merete is impulsive and quick to take action. I suppose you could
say she dances to a wilder tune than me. She is dynamic, and she
has a good spirit and an amazing energy.”
MERETE WANG ON SUSANNE ROSENKRANTZ:
“There is no doubt that Susanne is more calm, focused, and structu-
red than me. She likes to consider and reconsider things. She’s great
both at seeing the broader picture and at zooming in on the little
details. Susanne is a proper fashion nerd in exactly the right way.”
several different materials with exciting
new structures and incredibly beautiful pat-
terns with delicate stripes and check pat-
terns in amazing colour combinations, says
Susanne Rosenkrantz excitedly and her
sales ability becomes obvious when she
speaks warmly of Costamani’s news.
LUXURY LOOK AT A FAIR PRICE
Merete Wang, who also has a way with
words, adds:
- We have high expectations for the new
autumn collection, which now has a wider
range, both in terms of fabrics and types
of clothing. We will for instance be introdu-
cing a very attractive long fake fur coat with
snake print. Style-wise, we are maintaining
the recognizable Costamani DNA but giving
it a slightly cleaner and more exclusive look.
We are still focusing on fit and comfort with
for instance lots of super-stretch fabrics. A
large part of the collection is made from su-
stainable materials, and we only use BSCI
certified manufacturers, says the majority
owner. She adds that all Costamani pack-
aging is recycled.
- Our commercial prices are kept at the
same level, even though the products will
now look more expensive “the Costamani
way”, explains Merete Wang.
- Costamani’s designs can easily be dres-
sed up or down with shoes and jewellery,
and everything can be mixed and matched
across the five drops of the season, adds
the new partner Susanne Rosenkrantz as a
conclusion.
A
A COMPLETE COLLECTION
Costamani's new partner Susanne Rosen-
krantz has a broad background in the fashion
industry. She has had her own fashion store
for 13 years and has worked in sales and
with collection development at the well-
known Danish brand Gustav.
- Rikke Hørsted will continue as sales di-
rector for Zealand, and I will primarily be
responsible for sales in Jutland and on Fu-
nen. I love sales, so I’m looking forward to
visiting new and existing customers, says
Susanne Rosenkrantz who is also excited
to take part in collection development.
- We’re already in the process of turning
Costamani into a full-line supplier with a
complete collection of both suits, knitwear
and jersey, and all item categories. We will
of course also launch a new capsule of Co-
stamani’s popular viscose shirts with beau-
tiful prints. For Autumn 2020, we’ll have
Merete Wang
BY HELLE MATHIESEN