FOPE at The Exchange TRX
From Vicenza, the heart of the gold production district in Italy, to the dynamic urban landscape of Kuala Lumpur, FOPE, an epitome of Italian craftsmanship and the essence of everyday luxury, has debuted its first standalone flagship store in Malaysia at Seibu, The Exchange TRX.
Graciously introduced to the Malaysian audience for over a decade through SUEN, a luxury fine jewellery boutique, FOPE unveils an exquisite array of fine jewellery collections, combining the brand’s rich heritage with contemporary design. The bracelets, earrings, rings, and necklaces, adorned with innovative gold designs and modern Italian flair, unequivocally capture the attention, rendering a truly distinctive and memorable aesthetic.
“With flagship stores already gracing six significant destinations worldwide, including Kuala Lumpur, this expansion marks a thrilling milestone for FOPE. It’s not just about opening another store; it’s about igniting the passion for Italian luxury in the hearts of Malaysians and beyond,” says Umberto Cazzola, the President of FOPE.
Emerging from the longstanding goldsmithing traditions of Italy, deeply rooted in the historical and manufacturing factory of Vicenza, the Maison has etched an illustrious journey. Accompanying his father Odino since childhood, Cazzola reflects on his early ambitions, unveiling the transformative journey of FOPE. “I knew the path I wanted to pursue from a young age. FOPE initially began crafting fine Italian jewellery in a modest workshop in Vicenza, with around 20 skilled artisans. The post-World War II economic surge then propelled it into a state-of-the-art factory.”
If FOPE jewellery is known the world over, it is because of the mesh design made flexible by a patented system of tiny 18-carat gold springs. As the visionary behind the Flex’It mesh, now a distinctive feature of FOPE’s offerings, Cazzola asserts: “We perceived the importance of the classical closure we provided to women. Flex’It emerged as an innovative solution to address these concerns.”
Fundamentally, the Flex’It technology plays a pivotal role in harmonising FOPE’s heritage, anchored in the tradition of watch wristbands, with the introduction of contemporary design elements across all recently introduced collections.
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A prime illustration of this is evident in the Luna collection, which highlights the exquisite Luna Pavé and Luna Pavé Bicolour designs. This particular collection launches the inaugural Flex’It necklace, distinguished by its evenly secured closure, and is enhanced with additional full diamond pavé details to amplify its opulence. Exclusive to Seibu, these distinctive pieces were intentionally launched for the opening of this store, emphasising their global exclusivity.
The Maison is intrinsic in upholding its unwavering commitment to achieving the highest quality. “We have been a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) since 2013, achieving certified status in 2014,” Cazzola notes. This membership not only serves as an endorsement of the quality of FOPE jewellery but also underscores the ethical considerations inherent in the brand’s production processes.
With great enthusiasm, Cazzola eagerly unveils the upcoming developments that lie ahead. “We have identified the Malaysian market as a strategic focal point, recognising its potential as an enthusiastic audience for our offerings. The synergy between our designs and the discerning tastes of Malaysian buyers promises an exciting trajectory for our brand in the near future.”
