Luxury brands often uniquely appeal to those who appreciate the quality and craftsmanship behind each piece they produce. For entrepreneur Imelda Menguito-Sciandra, this deep appreciation for such high-quality goods is not solely rooted in their aesthetic value but also in the passion that led to their creation.
Having lived in Italy for more than two decades, Menguito-Sciandra has witnessed the impressive creations of Italian brands and their assurance of high caliber, inspiring her to share them with others.
This inspiration eventually led to the opening of her store, Corso Como 88, in 2022, which became an official and exclusive distributor of luxury brands from Europe. As president and CEO, Menguito-Sciandra was eager to bring these high-quality brands to the Philippines. Since then, she has continued to introduce more, with the latest additions being Italy’s Acqua dell’Elba and Buti Pelleterie.
In an interview with Manila Standard Life, Menguito-Sciandra shared that the two brands were well-made and crafted with passion, which motivated her to introduce them to Filipinos.
“Everything made in Italy is very well-made, but when I see things that are made with passion, like Acqua dell’Elba and Buti, I want to bring them to the Philippines because I want Filipinos to appreciate what I see in those products,” said Menguito-Sciandra.
“When you say it’s made in Italy, there’s a guarantee of quality,” she added.
For luxury fragrance brand Acqua dell’Elba, some of the scents exclusively available at Corso Como 88 include Essenza di un’Isola Acqua, Classica, Arcipelago, and Sport. Menguito-Sciandra explained that the brand caught her attention not only for its scents, made from endemic plants on the island of Elba, but also for its advocacy of environmental preservation.
“Businesses that give back to their communities or to where they are from inspire me,” said Menguito-Sciandra.
Regarding the heritage brand Buti Pelleterie, Menguito-Sciandra expressed her admiration for their leather goods, which are meticulously crafted from the production of the leather to the mostly handmade creation of the bags.
“Their techniques are environmentally friendly and very curated,” she noted.
Bags from Buti Pelleterie currently available at Corso Como 88 include the Cassiopea, Man Briefcase in Palmellato Leather, Fannie Extra Large Calf, and Orbita Vitello Liscio.
Menguito-Sciandra is also excited about introducing a perfume atelier to Corso Como 88.
“I’m learning how to do that. We’ll have tables where you can mix your own perfume, and we’ll put it under your name in a database. Later, if you want to order it or gift your friends, we can produce it for you in the quantities you want,” she said.
Corso Como 88 is located at Level 3 of One Ayala Mall in Makati and on the Ground Floor of Ayala 30th in Pasig. For more information, visit www.corsocomo88.com.
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