Niccolò Cipriani, born in 1987, graduated in international economics from Bocconi, founded in 2017 in Prato Rifò, a company that produces regenerated cashmere and wool garments.
(Q) Niccolò how did the idea of opening this company come about?
(A) I am born in Prato. I didn't go to Buzzi, but I can't deny that “textiles” are part of us. I think it is true for many people from Prato. I did not have such deep and direct knowledge except some experience during the summer holidays in my uncle's dry cleaners.
Rifò, however, was born in a very ironic way when I was away from home.
After many experiences abroad between China and Vietnam, I realize and decide, perhaps a bit like a kamikaze, that I want to return to Prato and I want to open a company in this sector.
The sector was in crisis and I felt it on my skin because my father was on layoffs during my second year of university...
Despite this, you decided "like a kamikaze" to try the same...
Exactly. I thought I could be different, that I could somehow make my small contribution to innovation.
What were the assets on which you have focused as a company in order to be "different and innovative"?
Key word "sustainability". It is a concept that has always interested me during my studies and my professional experiences and therefore I tried to put together 3 pillars: 1 knowledge of this city, 2) internationalization, 3) sustainable development. These are the 3 fundamental aspects for me. From which I started and on which I want to continue to focus.