Staff International Celebrates 50 Years: Craftsmanship and Fashion in the Spotlight

In Noventa Vicentina, Italy, Staff International, known for its production and logistics, celebrated its 50th anniversary with a retrospective exhibition showcasing 50 iconic designs. The company, described as the "jewel in the crown" by Renzo Rosso, founder of OTB, also inaugurated a six-month professional training program at its School of Craftsmanship. The presence of important figures such as Adolfo Urso, Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, and Carlo Capasa, head of the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, underscores the company's relevance in the industry. The school, which started five years ago, has trained more than 50 young talents, with over 85% hired by OTB companies.

Renzo Rosso highlighted the importance of investing in these professions, which represent more than 80% of global luxury production. He emphasized the need to educate new generations, valuing craftsmanship and technology to achieve sustainability goals. The school, which in 2026 will have two annual editions, focuses on the development of strategic skills for the sector. The CEO of OTB Group and Staff International, Ubaldo Minelli, emphasized the importance of training for the future of 'Made in Italy', preserving an invaluable legacy of knowledge and passion. Rosso, who saved Staff International from bankruptcy in 2000, always dreamed of prêt-à-porter fashion.

Staff International's School of Craftsmanship plays a crucial role in training future fashion professionals. Since its launch, the school has trained more than 50 young talents, with over 85% hired by OTB companies. Ubaldo Minelli, CEO of OTB Group and Staff International, highlights the importance of the school for the future of 'Made in Italy', emphasizing the need to support young creatives and preserve unique skills. The school is open to students with diplomas from technical institutes, higher technical academies and specialized courses, as well as graduates of fashion degree programs from all over Italy. During the first three months, trainees focus on tailoring and garment construction, and then specialize in product development, patternmaking and tailoring.

The school focuses on the development of strategic skills for the sector. In 2026, the school will have two annual editions. At the school, four generations of professionals work side by side, which helps protect an invaluable heritage of knowledge, experience and passion, which is passed on to young talents every day. Minelli highlighted the growing interest of younger generations and pledged to continue supporting the school to ensure continuity and fuel the system.

Staff International, in addition to producing for Diesel, Jil Sander, Maison Margiela, Marni, Viktor & Rolf and Brave Kid, has worked with renowned designers such as Marc Jacobs, Just Cavalli and Vivienne Westwood, among others, and still manufactures and distributes Dsquared2 collections. Renzo Rosso recalled the designers with whom Staff International has collaborated throughout its history, from Martin Margiela and Karl Lagerfeld, to Westwood, Galliano, Matthieu Blazy, Glenn Martens and Demna, to name a few.

Rosso emphasized that the company transmits its 'know-how' to students, in addition to its technology and innovative techniques. The company also highlighted the Marni hourglass floral dress by Francesco Risso, worn by Simona Tabasco at the Emmy Awards in 2004, and the experimental pieces by Galliano for Maison Margiela. The company is described as a 'diamond' for Rosso, who saved it from bankruptcy in 2000. Urso highlighted that the OTB School of Craftsmanship embodies the Italian manufacturing tradition, inherited from Renaissance workshops. Rosso noted that the company is protected until 2027, showing its solidity, despite the current economic challenges.