A new manufacturing site, training that delivers, and growth projected for 2025—everything seems to be going right for Kiton, the Arzano-based company near Naples founded in 1968 by Ciro Paone. The potential for expansion remains vast, from new markets to further product categories. Many significant details point towards one clear conclusion: Kiton appears immune to the crisis.
Kiton, immune to the crisis
Kiton closed 2024 with revenues of EUR 225 million. Speaking to us at the last edition of Pitti Uomo in June, CEO Antonio De Matteis (pictured left, Imagoeconomica) revealed that sales in the first quarter of 2025 had risen by 11 per cent in retail stores—a figure confirmed over the following three months. These results lead him to predict that the year will close “with single-digit revenue growth overall, but double-digit growth if we look specifically at the retail channel”. De Matteis told Il Sole 24 Ore that China is a highly promising market, while in the United States tariffs have not slowed the brand’s momentum.
A new manufacturing site
Another growth driver is travel retail, with Kiton set to debut by opening a boutique at Hong Kong airport. But most significant is the rise in womenswear sales, now accounting for around a quarter of total revenues. “We are investing heavily in womenswear and believe it can reach the same weight as menswear. In fact, we are designing a factory in Arzano dedicated exclusively to women’s collections”, De Matteis explained. A project undaunted by the need for new staff—thanks to the tailoring school founded in 2000 by Ciro Paone.
Education of Excellence
It is precisely for this training school that Kiton received the Education of Excellence award from Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana. “This recognition belongs first and foremost to our uncle Ciro, who 25 years ago had the vision and courage to create a truly authentic training school”, commented De Matteis. “Today we accept it as a family, but our greatest thanks go to the students—those who entered with hope and left with passion, skill and dignity. They have taught us how right and necessary it is to place our trust in the new generations” (source: Fashion Network).
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