Interview with Rachele Benvenuti (Hermitage Bespoke)
“Bespoke”: an English term with an unassuming sound. However, for those involved in luxury goods, it represents the pinnacle of exclusivity. It is the extreme customization of a high-end object, tailored to perfection regardless of the item. Rachele Benvenuti, MBA 2008 with a focus on luxury, and consultant for Hermitage Bespoke, specializes in hospitality gifts and high-end jewelry. Within the inner circles of royal households and sultanates, Rachele scouts the finest examples of Italian and European craftsmanship, always aiming for the next milestone. We Wealth caught up with her.
The Demands of Italy’s Top-tier Clients in High-end Luxury
“First and foremost, I have observed a gradual yet continuous shift from high-end luxury to purely bespoke, which is precisely my domain. At this level, the customer is uninterested in owning a specific brand, one recognized worldwide. The focus shifts towards artisanal products of the utmost quality, not known in the realms of fashion or design. The aim for the customer is to possess something that sets them apart in exclusive environments such as sultanates and royal households. The demand that comes to professionals in the ‘made-to-measure’ industry is to visit their homes and then reproduce the requested details in the commissioned object. The clientele seeks the uniqueness of Made in Italy.”
Examples of Bespoke Creations
“I think of particular furniture details or works of art to be reproduced on tableware and table linens, bedroom linens, and yacht furnishings. Once, a customer had us write on the back of the plates ‘Made by Hermitage Bespoke exclusively for Nome Yacht,’ with the date, name, and signature of the person who designed the edge of the plate. In the Sultanate of Brunei, they asked us to create bags, partially made of leather, adorned with their precious fabric that reproduces the features of the Simpor, the national flower of the country. These were gifts given to visiting Heads of State. For the opening of the Opera House in Oman, we had watches made to give to the guests: instead of the timepiece brand, the name of the donor was engraved. In 2012, Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman turned to us to make a gift for Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th reign anniversary: a scaled-down (but not too much) replica of her coronation coach, the carriage that carried her to her Commonwealth coronation on June 2, 1953. To this day, it remains one of the most appreciated pieces of art at Buckingham Palace, destined to be passed down for generations.”
The Role of Rachele Benvenuti
“I oversee the supplier network and scout for new artisans, even for items not within our main line of business. Over the years, I have assembled a team that can be understood at a glance. Our clients love craftsmanship in every aspect, and for each request, I actively search for small realities capable of fulfilling bespoke dreams. As someone who loves writing, I create booklets that often accompany our items, filled with stories and narratives that fully enrich the luxury experience. One might assume that my work is very feminine, but not at all. I constantly interact with male counterparts and cultures far from ours, where it would be typical to see a man instead of me discussing certain matters.”
A Commitment to Territorial Excellence and Sustainability
“Yes, we provide a lot of high-quality work—a calling card in the world.”
Are all of Hermitage Bespoke’s Suppliers Italian?
“Not all: the production of fine bone china is in Derby (Hermitage Bespoke originated as a porcelain manufacturer). Watchmaking is done in Switzerland by independent companies. The rest is in Italy, mainly in Veneto and Lombardy for silver craftsmanship. In any case, we never go outside Europe.”
The Future of Ultra-Luxury Goods
“When I think of luxury, I don’t see a pyramid, but a staircase with a semi-open door at the top. The limit is the sky. And let’s not forget that the higher we go, the more culturally and economically relevant opportunities we offer to talented young people who want to specialize in high-end craftsmanship. It’s also an excellent way to preserve those skills that are at risk of disappearing.”
