Lifetime Achievement Award

Vanni Volpi, Gucci

Our first ever winner has been Gucci’s Chief Intellectual Property Officer for many years. Vann has overseen the worldwide strategy for Gucci’s trademarks, design rights, counterfeits, licensing, domain names, and brand-protection enforcement. His experience has also spanned across some of the most exceptional luxury houses in the world.

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Luxury In House Team of the Year

Prada

The winners of this award showed legal excellence during its current acquisition of Versace, a landmark transaction in the sector, involving complex cross-border legal, regulatory and compliance work. The deal consolidates two iconic Italian luxury brands under a historic family-led group.

Luxury General Counsel of the Year

Sara Citterio, Trussardi

Sara has had an exceptional year fulfilling the dual role of business facilitator and guardian of her company’s brand. She has been described as a ‘brilliant lateral thinker who is driven with a long experience of exceptional capacity of negotiation.’ Her deep industry knowledge she has successfully combined high level expertise with strategic vision.

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Fashion Counsel of the Year

Luca Ciccocioppo, Valentino

Luca stands out for his exceptional ability to combine deep legal expertise with strategic vision in one of the world’s most dynamic luxury fashion houses. As a trusted legal leader at Valentino, he has navigated the complex intersection of fashion, intellectual property, brand protection and global commercial growth, ensuring that creativity is safeguarded while enabling bold innovation.

Sustainability Lawyer of the Year

Giuseppe Labbozzetta, Ferretti Group

Giuseppe has been instrumental in embedding sustainability into Ferretti Group’s strategy, from guiding its first sustainability report to supporting innovations like the fully electric Riva El-Iseo. His leadership extends beyond environmental impact, driving initiatives such as a Marine Engineering Master’s Degree with the University of Bologna and the Scuola dei Mestieri to preserve craftsmanship and promote youth employment. By aligning legal expertise with innovation and social responsibility, he has made sustainability a core driver of Ferretti’s long-term growth and industry leadership.

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IP Counsel of the Year

Roberta Obinu, Golden Goose

Roberta continues to demonstrate the ability to effectively combat counterfeiting, whilst always remaining alert to new battlefields opening up in new markets for the brand. Her efforts directly protect revenue, brand equity, customer trust for a very distinguishable brand of footwear.

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Rising Star of the Year

Valentina Bordignon, L’Oreal

Valentina has a background in consultancy and recently transitioned to the role of Data Protection Officer of L’Oréal italia. She quickly stood out for her ability to synthesise complex information and her skill in efficiently engaging with all levels of the organisation, becoming an essential support for the business

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