Calzedonia

Calzedonia is an Italian fashion brand specializing in hosiery, beachwear, and swimwear, founded in 1986 by Sandro Veronesi in Verona, Italy.^[1][2] As the oldest brand within the Oniverse group—formerly known as the Calzedonia Group—it embodies the company's heritage of combining quality craftsmanship, innovative trends, and affordable pricing to offer stylish legwear such as tights, socks, and leggings, alongside seasonal beach collections.^[2][3] The brand has grown into a global retail powerhouse, operating 2,233 mono-brand stores across 57 countries as of December 2024, with 565 locations in Italy, and supporting e-commerce shipping to 40 countries.^[2][4] This extensive network reflects Calzedonia's strategy of direct retail presence, emphasizing fresh store designs that cater to diverse consumer needs worldwide.^[5] Since its inception, the company has prioritized vertical integration, establishing production facilities as early as 1998 to ensure control over supply chains and product quality.^[6] Calzedonia has gained prominence through high-profile marketing campaigns, including collaborations with celebrities such as Julia Roberts in 2014–2015 and Gisele Bündchen for beachwear promotions, alongside digital partnerships with influencers like Chiara Ferragni to enhance its modern appeal.^[2] As part of Oniverse, which encompassed 5,732 stores globally under multiple brands like Intimissimi and Tezenis as of December 2024, Calzedonia continues to drive the group's evolution from a hosiery specialist into an international fashion entity; the group reported sales of €3.2 billion in 2024, a 13.5% increase, with plans to open 300 new stores in 2025.^[1][3][4][7]

History

Founding and Initial Growth

Calzedonia was founded in 1986 by Sandro Veronesi in Vallese di Oppeano, a locality near Verona, Italy, initially as a company focused on hosiery production and distribution.^[8] Veronesi, an engineer at the time, established the venture with a vision to create a new approach to selling legwear, starting with the connection of circular knitting machines to produce affordable products for a broad audience.^[9] The company's early operations emphasized vertical integration, handling design, production, and sales through dedicated channels.^[1] The Calzedonia brand was officially launched in 1987, marking the opening of its first stores and introducing trendy, accessible legwear and beachwear to the Italian market.^[10] These initial outlets were designed as boutique-style shops targeting young consumers with stylish hosiery items at competitive prices, differentiating from traditional department store sales.^[11] The brand quickly gained traction by combining Italian craftsmanship with seasonal trends, appealing to everyday fashion needs.^[2] From the outset, Calzedonia adopted a franchise model to facilitate rapid domestic expansion, opening multiple stores across Italy in the late 1980s and early 1990s.^[10] This approach involved standardized store designs, trained personnel, and a consistent product range centered on quality hosiery and emerging beachwear lines, enabling scalable growth while maintaining brand control.^[11] By prioritizing accessible pricing alongside reliable workmanship, the company built a loyal customer base in northern Italy during this phase.^[2] In the early 1990s, Calzedonia relocated its headquarters to Dossobuono in Villafranca di Verona, supporting further operational consolidation and production advancements.^[12] This move aligned with the company's initial growth trajectory, which laid the groundwork for broader market presence in Italy before venturing internationally.^[1]

International Expansion and Milestones

Calzedonia initiated its international expansion in the early 2000s through a franchise-based model that enabled swift market penetration in Europe. In the early 2000s, the Calzedonia Group expanded internationally through franchises, opening stores in European markets including Spain, Portugal, and Greece. This strategy focused on key European markets initially, leveraging the popularity of its hosiery and legwear products to build a presence in urban retail locations. By 2010, Calzedonia operated around 1,400 stores in 23 countries worldwide, reflecting accelerated growth driven by demand for affordable, trendy apparel.^[13][9][14] Financial milestones underscored the company's scaling during this period. Revenue surpassed €1 billion by 2009, positioning Calzedonia among a select group of Italian firms achieving this threshold amid economic challenges. The group continued its upward trajectory, reaching €2.128 billion in revenue by 2016. In 2017, turnover increased to €2.314 billion, accompanied by an EBITDA of €489 million, highlighting operational efficiency and market gains. By 2018, revenue stood at €2.303 billion with an EBITDA of €478 million, despite a slight dip, as international sales contributed significantly to overall performance.^[15][16] To support this expansion, Calzedonia established production facilities outside Italy starting in the late 1990s, with initial sites in Eastern Europe and Asia. By the early 2000s, plants in Croatia (opened in 2003) and Sri Lanka bolstered manufacturing capacity, enabling faster response to international demand and cost efficiencies. These developments complemented the launch of new brands under the group, including Tezenis in 2003, which targeted younger consumers with casual intimate apparel, building on the foundation laid by Intimissimi in the 1990s. This diversification strengthened Calzedonia's portfolio and facilitated deeper penetration into global markets.^[17][9] In December 2023, the Calzedonia Group rebranded as Oniverse to reflect its broader portfolio beyond hosiery. As of 2024, the group achieved revenue of €3.5 billion.^[18]

Brands

Fashion and Apparel Brands

The Calzedonia Group, now operating under the Oniverse umbrella, encompasses a portfolio of fashion and apparel brands specializing in intimate apparel, legwear, swimwear, and premium knitwear, each tailored to distinct demographics and lifestyles. These brands emphasize Italian craftsmanship, trend-driven designs, and accessible pricing, collectively serving a global audience through physical stores and e-commerce platforms.^[1] The flagship Calzedonia brand, established in 1986, focuses on hosiery, swimwear, leggings, and beachwear for women, men, and children, featuring trendy, seasonal collections that blend innovation with affordability. Known for its vibrant patterns and versatile pieces, Calzedonia caters to fashion-conscious consumers seeking everyday essentials with a stylish edge, distributed across more than 2,200 stores in 57 countries.^[2] Intimissimi, launched in 1996, specializes in women's lingerie, underwear, knitwear, and nightwear, offering elegant and comfortable designs that prioritize romantic sophistication and quality materials. Targeting millennial women worldwide, the brand combines basic essentials with on-trend fashion pieces, available in 1,737 stores across 54 countries and supported by high-profile campaigns featuring celebrities like Irina Shayk.^[19] As the men's counterpart, Intimissimi Uomo (also known as IUMAN), introduced in 2014, provides underwear, loungewear, knitwear, socks, and swimwear crafted for modern masculinity with an emphasis on comfort, premium fabrics, and contemporary prints. Aimed at male consumers seeking stylish yet practical intimates, it operates 466 stores in 38 countries, including sponsorships like the Giro d’Italia cycling event to enhance brand visibility.^[20] Tezenis, founded in 2003, targets teens and young adults with playful, affordable casual underwear, sleepwear, beachwear, hosiery, and easywear for men, women, and children, refreshing collections every four months to align with youth trends. The brand's vibrant, chameleon-like aesthetic appeals to a dynamic demographic through digital engagement and partnerships with music festivals like Coachella, with 909 stores in 39 countries.^[21] For upscale offerings, Falconeri, acquired by the group in 2009, delivers premium knitwear for men and women, specializing in high-quality cashmere, wool, and other natural fibers sourced directly from regions like Mongolia. Emphasizing timeless, durable pieces with Italian artisan techniques at competitive prices, it serves discerning customers via 206 stores in 22 countries and e-commerce in 25 markets.^[22] Atelier Emé, originating from the 1961-founded Atelier Aimée and integrated into the group in 2015, excels in bridal and evening wear, crafting luxurious gowns from lace, silk, and refined fabrics for sophisticated occasions. Geared toward women seeking elegant, versatile designs that celebrate personal style, the brand maintains 55 stores in Italy alongside global online sales, focusing on sartorial excellence and contemporary femininity.^[23]

Diversified Ventures

In the 2010s, the Calzedonia Group began strategically diversifying beyond its traditional fashion roots into lifestyle and premium sectors, aiming to leverage Italian craftsmanship across diverse industries and build a broader ecosystem of brands. This expansion reflects a vision to invest in areas of cultural and economic excellence, such as food and wine and luxury manufacturing, while maintaining a focus on quality and innovation. The approach gained momentum with key acquisitions and launches, contributing to the group's evolution and its 2023 rebranding to Oniverse to encompass this multifaceted portfolio. These ventures have bolstered overall revenue, helping propel the group to 3.527 billion euros in 2024.^[16] A prominent example is Signorvino, a wine retail chain founded in 2012 by group president Sandro Veronesi to promote exceptional Italian wines, with an emphasis on lesser-known varieties and regional producers. The brand operates 42 enotecas across Italy as of April 2025, with plans to reach 50 by the end of the year, offering immersive tasting experiences, educational events, and a curated selection of wines paired with gourmet foods, alongside an e-commerce platform for broader accessibility. Signorvino has extended internationally, opening its first store abroad in Paris in 2023, enhancing the group's presence in the fine food and beverage market.^[24] The group also entered the high-end fashion domain through its 2022 acquisition of an 80% stake in Antonio Marras, a Sardinian design house established in 1996 renowned for its artistic couture and ready-to-wear collections that blend theatrical elements, intricate embroidery, and cultural narratives. Under Calzedonia's ownership, the brand has expanded its retail footprint, including flagship stores in Milan and Rome, and its first store outside Italy in New York in 2025, while preserving the creative vision of designer Antonio Marras. This investment targets the luxury segment, fostering synergies in premium apparel and accessories distinct from the group's mass-market lines.^[25][26] Marking a bold shift into the nautical industry, the Calzedonia Group acquired Cantiere del Pardo in August 2023 from Wise Equity, a historic Italian shipyard founded in 1973 and celebrated for crafting high-performance sailing and motor yachts. The yard produces luxury vessels under brands such as Grand Soleil for competitive sailing yachts and Pardo for innovative walkaround motorboats, emphasizing advanced design, sustainability, and customization for global clientele. This venture positions the group in the elite maritime sector, aligning with its diversification goals by tapping into the growing demand for premium leisure products.^[27]

Operations

Retail Presence

As of December 31, 2024, the Oniverse group operates 5,732 mono-brand stores worldwide across its portfolio of brands, including Calzedonia (2,233 stores as of 2025), Intimissimi, and others.^[7][2] The company's retail network supports its global distribution strategy, with a focus on physical storefronts that emphasize accessibility and brand immersion for customers seeking legwear, swimwear, and intimates. This extensive presence enables Calzedonia to maintain close proximity to consumer markets while leveraging economies of scale in inventory management and localized merchandising. Calzedonia maintains a strong foothold in Europe, particularly in core markets such as Italy—its home base with the highest concentration of stores—alongside Spain, France, and Germany, where it has cultivated loyal customer bases through flagship locations and high-street placements.^[28] In North America, the company is accelerating expansion, exemplified by the opening of a new Calzedonia and Intimissimi store at Miracle Mile Shops in Las Vegas in October 2025, signaling deeper penetration into the U.S. market.^[29] Emerging regions in Asia, including China with dedicated regional support, and Latin America, notably Brazil, represent growth opportunities, where Calzedonia adapts collections to local preferences and cultural trends. Overall, the group employs approximately 45,895 people globally as of 2024, many in retail roles that underpin this store network.^[30] To facilitate efficient distribution to its stores, Calzedonia relies on a network of centralized and regional logistics hubs. Key facilities include the Vallese di Oppeano and Castagnaro centers in Italy for core European operations, the Varaždin center in Croatia managed by partner Ducal, and the São Paulo center in Brazil for Latin American markets.^[31] These sites handle daily restocking, inventory optimization, and order fulfillment, integrating advanced IT systems to ensure timely delivery across geographies. Calzedonia enhances its retail visibility through strategic marketing collaborations with high-profile celebrities, who feature in campaigns to embody the brand's focus on elegance and sensuality. Notable partnerships include Julia Roberts, who starred in multiple fashion tights campaigns starting in 2014, emphasizing timeless style.^[32] Brazilian supermodel Adriana Lima served as a brand ambassador, appearing in swimwear and legwear promotions that highlighted global appeal.^[33] Similarly, Gisele Bündchen has represented Calzedonia in past collections, aligning with the brand's emphasis on natural beauty and international allure.^[34]

Supply Chain and Production

Calzedonia Group maintains a vertically integrated supply chain, with approximately 82% of its products manufactured in-house across its owned facilities to ensure quality control and efficiency in producing hosiery, apparel, and related items.^[35] Core manufacturing occurs in Italy, where multiple plants in locations such as Avio, Brentino Belluno, Castagnaro, Vallese di Oppeano, Castiglione delle Stiviere, and Castel Goffredo handle design, prototyping, and high-volume production of specialized items like tights and swimwear.^[35] To achieve cost efficiency, the group operates additional facilities in international sites including Sri Lanka (e.g., Alpha and Omega Line plants), Croatia (Varaždin), Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia, and Ethiopia (Itaca plant), enabling vertical integration through direct ownership and management of these operations since the late 1990s.^[36][6] In September 2025, Calzedonia launched the "Re-Tights" project in partnership with Golden Lady and logistics firms to recycle tights across Europe, advancing sustainable production practices.^[37] The emphasis on in-house production allows for stringent quality controls, including procedural audits and compliance with European regulations to minimize waste and maintain product standards in hosiery and apparel categories.^[35] As of December 31, 2024, the group employs around 45,000 people worldwide, with 59% dedicated to manufacturing roles across these facilities, supporting the end-to-end production process from raw materials to finished goods.^[38] Logistically, production outputs converge at key distribution centers, such as Vallese di Oppeano and Castagnaro in Italy, Varaždin in Croatia, and regional hubs in Brazil, China, Poland, and the United States, facilitating just-in-time delivery to stores through weekly shipments of new collections and daily restocking where required.^[31] Integrated IT systems optimize order processing and inventory management, ensuring efficient global distribution.^[31] The group upholds ethical labor practices in its international sites through its Code of Ethics, which mandates compliance with health, safety, human rights, and environmental standards, including fair wages and optimal working conditions.^[36] Suppliers and facilities undergo risk-based audits, such as SMETA and SA8000 certifications, with goals to evaluate 30% of the supply chain by 2025 and conduct physical audits on 50% by 2027, addressing non-conformities to foster community development and sustainable operations.^[39][6]

Corporate Social Responsibility

Philanthropic Initiatives

Calzedonia Group supports philanthropic efforts primarily through the San Zeno Foundation, which it funds to promote education and vocational training initiatives for underprivileged communities worldwide.^[40] Established in 1999 by Calzedonia founder Sandro Veronesi, the foundation operates as a grant-making entity that allocates resources to organizations undertaking projects in schooling, skill development, and employment opportunities.^[41] Since its inception, Calzedonia has provided ongoing financial backing, enabling the foundation to support over 1,500 projects aimed at enhancing access to education and professional training for vulnerable populations.^[42] The foundation's initiatives span Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, focusing on programs such as school construction and vocational skill-building to address educational disparities. For instance, in Côte d'Ivoire, it has funded the "Building an Education Village" project, which improves inclusive education and schooling skills for students in public primary schools across the Denguélé district, benefiting thousands of children through infrastructure development and teacher training.^[43] Similar efforts include mobile library programs in Ivory Coast, reaching over 30,000 people in 50 schools to foster literacy and learning skills among youth.^[44] These activities underscore Calzedonia's commitment to long-term community empowerment through targeted educational investments dating back to the early 2000s.^[41] In 2024, Calzedonia donated €500,000 via the San Zeno Foundation to aid refugees in Lebanon, the country hosting the highest number of refugees per capita globally, supporting humanitarian efforts amid ongoing crises.^[45] This contribution aligns with the foundation's broader mission of addressing immediate social needs while building sustainable educational pathways for affected communities.^[41]

Sustainability Efforts

Calzedonia, as part of the Oniverse Group, has integrated sustainability into its core operations through the C-Evolution project, launched in 2019 to map and advance the company's environmental strategy, emphasizing traceability, transparency, and reduced ecological impact across its supply chain and retail activities.^[46] This initiative expanded in 2022 to include greater adoption of renewable energy in stores, achieving 86% of global electricity from renewable sources by 2023 and rising to 98% in 2024, with a target of 100% by 2025 through efficiency measures and photovoltaic installations that avoided 101,686 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions in 2024.^[47][45] The company supports recycling programs focused on garment collection and material reuse, collecting over 200,000 items in stores during 2022 for conversion into recycled yarns such as cotton, polyester, and polyamide.^[48] A key development is the Life Re-Tights initiative, launched in 2025 in collaboration with partners like Golden Lady and funded by the European LIFE program, which enables in-store collection and industrial recycling of tights to recover 100% polyamide yarn, with scalability targeted for 2026 and machines capable of processing up to 1.6 million pairs annually.^[49] These efforts contributed to 50% of total waste being recycled or reused in 2024, alongside a 15% reduction in overall waste from the previous year.^[45] Calzedonia maintains a zero deforestation commitment, aiming to eliminate deforestation in its supply chains by 2025 through sustainable forest management and certified sourcing, with 78% of paper and cardboard derived from certified chains in 2023 and 79% in 2024, including 97% FSC-certified materials.^[50][47][45] Supporting this, the company offsets emissions via reforestation projects, such as planting over 25,907 hectares in India and 21,000 hectares in Uruguay, which sequestered 78,100 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent in 2024.^[45] The 2023 and 2024 Sustainability Reports highlight progress in carbon emissions reduction and ethical sourcing, with total Scope 1 and 2 emissions dropping to 54,745 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent in 2023 (fully offset for carbon neutrality) and further to 45,080 tonnes in 2024, an 18% decrease, driven by renewable energy adoption and efficiency investments totaling €6.8 million in 2024.^[47][45] Ethical sourcing advanced through ESG assessments of 82-85% of suppliers by turnover in 2024, including five on-site audits and use of certifications like GRS and Bluesign, ensuring compliance with environmental standards.^[45] Broader goals encompass protecting natural resources and sustainable production practices, with 25% of garments and 29% of fabrics incorporating low-impact materials like recycled nylon Q-NOVA in 2024, exceeding the Fashion Pact's 2025 target.^[45] Water consumption decreased by 8% to 2,140 megaliters in 2024 via efficient fibers and recovery systems, while 77% of production remains in-house across 30 plants to minimize waste and ensure oversight of eco-friendly processes.^[47][45]

Ownership and Management

Leadership Team

Sandro Veronesi founded Calzedonia in 1986 and continues to serve as Chairman and majority stakeholder, where he oversees the company's strategic direction as President and Managing Director of Oniverse Holding spa, the parent entity of the group.^[51] Under his leadership, the company has expanded into a global retail powerhouse focused on hosiery, lingerie, and swimwear brands.^[52] Family involvement is central to the leadership structure, with Veronesi's sons holding key positions on the board and in operations. Marcello Veronesi, his son, serves as a board member (Consigliere) and CEO of Cantiere del Pardo, driving diversification into yacht manufacturing.^[51][53] Matteo Veronesi and Federico Veronesi, the other sons, contribute to management as board members (Consiglieri), with Matteo leading Asia-Pacific initiatives and Federico serving as CEO of Oniwines.^[51][54][55] Marco Carletto serves as Chief Executive Officer, supporting operational execution across the group.^[51] The leadership has evolved from Veronesi's sole proprietorship to a family-led model during the 2010s, as his sons progressively assumed executive roles to support global growth and diversification.^[51] This transition emphasizes continuity while incorporating younger perspectives on innovation and international markets.^[56]

Ownership Structure

Calzedonia, operating under Oniverse Holding SpA, is a privately held company with majority ownership controlled by Sandro Veronesi through his sole proprietorship, De la Costa S.r.l., which serves as the primary shareholder.^[51] The Veronesi family maintains significant influence, with family members including Veronesi's sons—Marcello, Matteo, and Federico—serving on the board of directors, ensuring aligned strategic oversight in this family-dominated private entity.^[51] In early 2024, the company underwent a rebranding from Calzedonia Holding SpA to Oniverse Holding SpA, a change that underscores its evolution into a diversified portfolio encompassing fashion, retail, and other ventures beyond its core hosiery and lingerie origins.^[47] This transition highlights the group's expansion into areas such as luxury acquisitions and hospitality, while retaining Veronesi's foundational control.^[57] Financially, Oniverse reported revenue of €3.527 billion in 2024, marking a 13.5% increase from the previous year and reflecting robust growth across its operations.^[16] Sandro Veronesi's personal net worth, tied closely to the company's success, stood at $2.0 billion as of 2024, according to Forbes rankings.^[52] The governance model adheres to a traditional private company framework under Italian law, featuring a board led by Veronesi as president and managing director, alongside internal auditors and an independent supervisory body to ensure compliance and ethical standards.^[51] This structure emphasizes family-led decision-making with professional oversight, including external auditing by EY SpA, supporting the group's operational stability without public market pressures.^[51]