The beauty of craftsmanship
Here is the story of KLK, a brand that has traveled from one hemisphere of the planet to the other, driven by a single passion: artisanal beauty.
1981
The beginning
Our story begins in Brazil, more precisely on the streets of Rio de Janeiro. In the early 80s, Janine Ribeiro is a young twenty-year-old from a humble family who sells her creations on a stall.
1982
The meeting
At the same time, Carlos De Seta, son of two Italian emigrants, arrives from Argentina.
Also twenty years old and without many expectations for the future or money in his pocket, Carlos had decided to spend a short period in Brazil in search of opportunities, before returning to Argentina to start university, as he had promised his mother.
However, shortly before leaving, he meets Janine; from that moment, he decides to stay.
1985
Italy
The two began working together in Brazil and later decided to leave for Italy, where they would meet Carlos' distant relatives.
“From the very beginning, it was about enhancing craftsmanship and this philosophy, in more than thirty years, has never changed. With this goal in mind, Janine and I crossed Asia and South America, in search of handcrafted authenticity.
1986
The new beginning
Arriving in the Old Continent, the young South American couple finds themselves with little money but with many hopes and dreams. They begin to produce their own products by hand, selling them at fairs, squares and markets throughout Europe . Thus begins their long search for materials and inspirations around the world, from the most remote corners of Asia to the distant countries of South America.
1987
The Iris Arch
After many vicissitudes, finally a great achievement: the first company, Arco Iris. From that moment, the evolution and growth have been exponential, and Arco Iris has immediately become a point of reference in wholesale . Carlos and Janine begin to participate in structured and international fashion fairs, in Milan, Paris, Madrid and many other cities.
1992
The shops
We arrive in the 90s, with the opening of the first store in the historic center of Rome. After years of selling in unconventional places, their efforts finally paid off, allowing them to open next to one of the most beautiful places in the world: the Pantheon . Everyone thought they had reached the peak of success, but over the course of the decade they opened a total of 8 stores in Rome and 5, where it all began, in Rio de Janeiro.
The new generation
Today
KLK is the result of a wonderful fight between two young South Americans. Today it is the reflection of their efforts combined with the energy and dynamism of the new generation that still drives the company in the same way; always in search of artisanal beauty.
KLK has stores in Italy and Brazil and thousands of retailers around the world, but his own history and influence extends far beyond geographical borders.
From fairs and markets, KLK has come to be a point of reference in the historic center of Rome.
Because we exist
There is a reason why we do what we do. Come and find out more about us!