The Evolution of Retail

From the emotional experience of in-store purchases, to sales on digital platforms, social commerce, premium services, e-tailers. Opportunities and criticalities. The case of China


A moment of conversation that focuses on the evolution of the retail world, discusses a new hybridization model between physical retail and new digital platforms and presents an ecosystem of services available to a high-spending consumer, through exclusive payment systems. This talk talks about the first digital destination dedicated to luxury brands that want to reach Chinese consumers, both classic and new comers. We then talk about the excellence of Made in Italy design and how much, despite the radical change in the approach to consumption, no high-end brand is willing to compromise, remaining a leader and never a follower. We discussed this topic with: Christina Fontana, Head of Fashion and Luxury at Tmall Luxury Division, Europe and US, Alibaba Group; Isabella Traglio, Deputy General Manager Vhernier; Tony Gherardelli, Head of Customer Lifestyle Services Intesa Sanpaolo.

Panelist Bio:

Christina Fontana: Graduating at Berkeley University in California, she joined Alibaba when the group opened its Milan office in 2015 and is now Head of Fashion and Luxury for Tmall Luxury Division in Europe and the United States. With more than 20 years’ experience in the digital, telecommunications and intelligent payment sectors, she helps companies to create a suitable strategy for their digital transition towards a new business model.

Isabella Traglio: With a degree in Letters and Philosophy and a Master at Bocconi University, she is certainly a multi-talented gemmologist. She began working at Vhernier at the age of 19 while she was studying. After experiences at Christie’s and Loro Piana, Isabella returned to Vhernier where she spent her time in the workshops and assisting the founder in production. After having furthered her career in Corporate Image, Retail and Human Resources, she is now the Deputy General Manager with responsibilities also in the creative and production department.

Tony Gherardelli: MBA and journalist, started dealing with digital since 1995 in Saritel-Telecom Italia. He was marketing director of I.Net from 1997 to 1999. He becomes marketing and communication director of Kataweb, the Internet Company of the L ‘Espresso Group and then joins the Inferentia DNM Group, now Fullsix, with the same position. Advisor of Fashion Technology Accelerator, he held the position of Head of Innovation Promotion in Intesa Sanpaolo from 2015 to 2020. He currently holds the position of Head of Lifestyle Services, a new area created in the Marketing Department of the Banking Division of the territories of Intesa Sanpaolo.


  • Christina Fontana, Tony Gherardelli, Isabella Traglio e Federica Frosini Photo by Arianna Angelini

    Christina Fontana, Tony Gherardelli, Isabella Traglio e Federica Frosini Photo by Arianna Angelini

  • Tony Gherardelli e Isabella Traglio Photo by Arianna Angelini

    Tony Gherardelli e Isabella Traglio Photo by Arianna Angelini

  • Christina Fontana, Tony Gherardelli, Isabella Traglio e Federica Frosini Photo by Arianna Angelini

    Christina Fontana, Tony Gherardelli, Isabella Traglio e Federica Frosini Photo by Arianna Angelini

  •  Isabella Traglio Photo by Arianna Angelini

    Isabella Traglio Photo by Arianna Angelini

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