Fashion retailer Roberto Pierucci has announced he will disband his Australian retail network, following the shut-down of his eponymous womenswear line.
Pierucci, who co-founded the apparel label with his former wife, confirmed he has ceased production of his womenswear range ahead of plans to restructure the business.
“The business was started 28 years ago and we went from a CMT factory to developing the Pierucci brand and retail network of stores. But I just spent a month in Tuscany and realised what I’ve been missing out on the last 25 years, so I want to reduce the amount of time I spend working,” he said.
“Apart from that I think you’re better off in this business being based outside of Australia at this point in time and retail rents here are out of sync with the market. As a result, I have sold my Perth headquarters and flagship store in Perth and decided other stores will not be renewed upon lease expiry.”
However, Pierucci said he will continue manufacturing menswear in a wholesale capacity following the retail closures and will also look to boost the collection.
“We will be continuing with our menswear line and adding some extra bits to it, including some Italian men's brands in the casual wear section and more footwear,” he said.
“All womenswear was manufactured by us in Australia and requires the greatest amount of input both mentally, creatively and physically, but all our menswear is made off shore – in Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, and Thailand – so we hope to re-launch this sometime next year.
“We also have some exciting prospects which we have been working on in LA for some time, so there may be something happening there – watch this space.”
