CONTENTS | VIA LA MODA 05

CONTENTS

History 06.Where We’ve Come from

.Where We’re Going to

Materials & Guiding Principles 08In Harmony With Nature

Showroom Concept 10The Point of Reference

The Family 12Brands We’re Proud to Host

.Via La Moda

.Dissona

.Gianni Chiarini

.Ciak Roncato

Contact 20Discover Via La Moda

HISTORYWhere We’ve Come From

The house of Via La Moda was founded in 1989. The city of Johannesburg was selected for the pool of talent that would be molded into artisans of distinction. Even then the cosmopolitan district was a springboard into Africa and easily accessible by visitors worldwide.

From the outset, Master Craftsman Hanspeter Winklmayr originated the company’s ideas and principles. HP as his students affectionately know him refers to himself simply as a “handbag maker”. A modest description for the genius behind over a thousand luxury creations.

The Winklmayr dynasty claims 300 years of saddling prowess and partly explains the instinctive appreciation for the craft at Via La Moda. The family heritage in combination with Africa’s soul is reflected in each of the accessories produced.

After an intensive 2 years of testing base materials and refining the quality of techniques. The firm began supplying international clients

seeking distinctive exotic leather accessories outside of the expensive production capitals of Europe. In Via La Moda they found exacting standards and traditional methods with the flexibility of adapting styles to suit their markets.

From the eastern markets of Japan and Australia Via La Moda products appeared in the top retail locations elsewhere around the world either bearing the marque or that of their client.

Over time the product assortment has evolved to include materials as diverse as Nile Crocodile, Ostrich, Lizard and other exotic leathers. The product offerings have been shaped through meeting international trends and in coordination with the available natural materials.

Articles on offer too have evolved to now not only include the pinnacle Via La Moda brand but also some of the best independent fashion brands that resonate with the passions, creativity and values at Via La Moda and the expectations and aspirations of Via La Moda patrons. New additions to core ranges are sourced in this manner and proudly presented to clients in Southern Africa.

HISTORY | VIA LA MODA 07

Where We’re Going To

At Via La Moda we strive to achieve excellence in product design and offering value to satisfy our clients. We are thus remaining rooted in a base of excellence whilst continuously thinking ahead of trends.

Today Via La Moda offers an assortment of product linked by the same philosophies. Tomorrow some things will never change. Rest assured our clients will always find an ensemble of the finest accessories the world has to offer backed by the approval of South Africa’s premier leather goods house.

MATERIALS | VIA LA MODA 08

MATERIALS AND GUIDING PRINCIPLESIn Harmony With Nature

Beginning with a respect for the exotic Ostrich and Crocodile leathers transformed at Via La Moda, the craftsman must work in harmony with what nature provides. Skins are only sourced from only the most reputable and ethical suppliers. These are common to only the top international fashion houses with which Via La Moda is proud to share a stage.

HP Winklmayr carefully considers the aesthetic appeal of the creation and tempers this with the natural availability of the required patterns found in the skins. In order to maintain what nature has provided, only the finest tanning processes

by the firm. These make their appearance both in embossed leather designs as well as tactile finishes such as the legendary “nabuk” and unique patterns developed in-house.

Artisans wanting to form part of the team undergo rigorous training over years to refine their craft. Himself a firm student of the traditional method of crafting, HP believes each artisan should own his tools.

Ultimately those who pass the training are awarded this honor. HP demands from his followers a high standard in the different specialist areas, an acceptance of traditions and passion for what they do.

The same guiding philosophy permeates the thirst for analogous accessories from around the world.

are employed resulting in an organic leather resplendent in colour uncoated and without unnecessary treatments.

Due consideration is always given to the end use of the material and each material has a final destination consistent with its properties, softer materials suiting soft totes, lizard skins suited to structured accessories and structured materials found in elegantly constructed classics.

Nothing is wasted. The privilege of working with such luxurious material calls for all parts of the skin to be used and these find their way into the articles assisting in the creation of bags that carry the soul of the artisans and the sympathy of their touch.

Additions to the exotic leather ranges include calf and cowhide leather bags crafted at Via La Moda and other brands exclusively stocked

GUIDING PRINCIPLES | VIA LA MODA 09

SHOWROOM CONCEPT | VIA LA MODA 10

The Point of Reference

passing these assessments are hosted more consistently.

Never cheap, the beliefs supporting the original Via La Moda brand are applied to the products sourced. Today the Showroom proudly hosts a variety of articles catering to a refined clientele who desire the satisfaction of their senses.

THE SHOWROOM CONCEPTThe Point of Reference

The Via La Moda showroom was established in 1991. The reason for its existence was the appropriate display of the luxury handbags and accessories produced. The thinking behind this was to share with the world not only how the products were made but how they should be stored, merchandised and presented for purchase.

In the decades following the Showroom’s establishment additional complementary product ranges have found their way to the Via La Moda shelves. Brands are evaluated on the basis of the philosophy, workmanship and design inherent in the handbags and accessories produced. Those

SHOWROOM CONCEPT | VIA LA MODA 11

THE FAMILY | VIA LA MODA 12

VIA LA MODA DISSONA GIANNI CHIARINI CIAK RONCATO

Exotic Leather Hanbagsand Accessories

THE FAMILYBrands We’re Proud to Host

Via La Moda is constantly scouting the latest in contemporary and classic styles. Our current offering of our inhouse brand: Via La Moda and imported brands: Dissona, Gianni Chiarini and Ciak Roncato ensure that there is a stylish accessory available to you for any occassion.

Stylish ImportedLeather Handbags

Contemporary ItalianImported Handbags

Hardshell ImportedLuggage

world.

Variety in colour and texture is preferred in the Via La Moda designs concept. The result is an array of style choices ranging from classic understated elegance to edgy ambition.

The Via La Moda brand is synonymous with a certain progressive sportiness embodied in the styles put out each season.

Innovative designs crafted to very high standards using genuine exotic leathers that are native to South Africa this is the spirit of Via La Moda, the “avenue of fashion”.

Hanspeter Winklmayr, Master Craftsman and founder still works today using traditional European methods that are increasingly lost in the modern world. Thus are created the line of accessories offered by Via La Moda. Aimed at well-traveled chic individuals, the brand’s image is conceived in continental Europe and its products created from its South African platform.

The finest genuine Crocodile and Ostrich skins are used in combination with the imported fittings from prestigious designers in Italy and elsewhere around the

THE FAMILY | VIA LA MODA 13

Your Partner in Style.

Over time DISSONA has become a brand representing the look of the successful woman.

Established in the autumn of 1968 at the leather workshop of Italian cobbler Paulo Madeo, DISSONA branched out all over the world becoming synonymous with design, quality and value. Today it retains its original spirit.

Each leather handbag has undergone a transformation from carefully selected skins passing through the hands of skilled artisans and resulting in a practical, elegant accessory. Carrying a DISSONA is the way to display the modern woman’s sense of elegance.

THE FAMILY | DISSONA 14

Your Style Partner.

THE FAMILY | DISSONA 15

One can see distinguish this in the creative use of the material, the soft appearance and touch of the leathers and innovative styling.

Simple European elegance. Simplicity, made in Italy.

SEMPLICITÀ MADE IN ITALY

Gianni Chiarini is an exciting Italian brand named after its founder and established in 2000 after his thirty years of experience creating leather accessories.

The creations are driven by the company’s unique passion for trendsetting, good taste and a feel for practical yet fashionable design.

Three defining features support this Fashion House: - Quality of materials- Research & Development- Cutting edge design

THE FAMILY | GIANNI CHIARINI 16

SEMPLICITÀ MADE IN ITALY

THE FAMILY | GIANNI CHIARINI 17

Baulificio fondato 1956

As one of Italy’s finest luggage houses, the family Roncato has been producing luggage from 1956. Initially founded to serve an increasingly mobile Italian population. Their luggage products were soon also snapped up by large public enterprises making them their official suppliers.

The signature aluminum cases with rubber corners became an overnight success and made their appearance in most privileged Italian households.

As one of the first luggage brands to introduce heat molded ABS suitcases, they are still recommended today for travel and professional purposes.

Some of the great names that have adopted CIAK for their travel needs include Aprilia; Piaggio; Campari; Bosch; Toshiba; Barilla; L’Oreal; Superga; Panasonic and others. Today this exceptional range of hard shell luggage is made available in South Africa.

THE FAMILY | CIAK RONCATO 18

THE FAMILY | CIAK RONCATO 19

Baulificio fondato 1956

Via La Moda reserves the right to alter specifications and other product information without prior notice. Products are subject to limited availability due to material, style and colour changes. Errors and omissions excepted.

© Via La Moda, 2012Images and other information in this publication are copyright Via La Moda.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without prior permission in writing from Via La Moda.

Via La Moda Comfort Creations House19 Banfield Road, Industria NorthJohannesburg, South Africa

Edition 05/2012, Printed in South Africa

CONTACT US

Visit our Showroom at

3rd FloorComfort Creations House19 Banfield Road. Industria NorthJohannesburg, South Africa

Contact us on

+27 11 477 8008+27 11 477 5012info@vialamoda.com

Visit our websites

www.vialamoda.comwww.vlmevent.co.zawww.dissona.co.zawww.giannichiarini.co.za