We had the good fortune of connecting with Federico Uribe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Federico, what do you attribute your success to?
Everyone I speak to that gets asked this question generally mentions several factors that have led them to success, however everyone shares one factor that is the same for everyone that has had success- Hard work/dedication. That is the foundation for success in any field. After that you can take many different paths to reach your goals. Personally I have valued primarily choosing to focus systematically on the quality of the products my label makes. Additionally we have dedicated a lot of time to make our products as ingenious and unique as possible as well as using creative communications strategies and an impeccable customer journey. You see- you can’t take shortcuts to make an extraordinary product and it is an extraordinary product that is ultimately your greatest marketing asset.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am most proud of being able to say that the we pioneered the idea of the “Beach Blazer”- the Terry toweling jacket 6 years ago. Something that now even fashion houses like Prada and Armani have taken up. That idea was driven by us back when there was a market gap for this segment of the market.

Its exciting to see now how wildly the concept of Terry cloth fashion has grown and how people truly seem to love it. Our collections every year are always an exciting time for us and our clients. I got to where I am today by working my ass of, literally. Its a matter of perseverance and understanding that you are going to be knocked down time after time, overcoming this creates not just resilience but educates you on mistakes you have made.

It has certainly not been easy. Overcoming challenges has been mainly about having faith in that what you are doing is eventually going to pay off, that is the ultimate form of motivation, especially when you start seeing even the smallest results. Piano piano, as they say in Italian.

The world should know that 209 Mare is not just a concept of a product, it is brining to life fashion and garments in the most unique way possible, inspiring ourselves in the golden era of the French Riviera, when understated elegance was a language in it of its own and Bridgette Bardot and Steve McQueen (the king of cool), used to roam this region and making it fashionable.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Monaco and the French Riviera are generally known for its elegant and exclusive beach clubs and restaurants as well little villages filled with artists ateliers. So initially I would take them to one of the iconic hotels (Hotel du Cap Eden Roc or hotel de Paris), to enjoy these iconic locations that have been the subject of photographers like Slim Aarons. If it is the right time of the year, of course you would view the Formula 1 Grand Prix, ideally from a boat by the track. Maybe take a weekend visit to Saint Tropez to visit places like Club 55 or Indie Beach, which are not only amazing culinary experiences by the water, but also great day parties where the rosè never stops. Visiting villages, where Picasso and Dali used to have their workshops, in a vintage convertible would also be a must. I reckon that pretty much sums up the French Riviera. Heaven.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Pretty cliche answer here- but my family has been instrumental in helping me achieve my dreams by supporting me. So if that was the vehicle that allowed me to get to where I am, the fuel was my curiosity and drive to learn as much as I could in as little time as possible. Together they have taken the company to where it is today.

Website: www.209Mare.com

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Image Credits
Philippe Dumas Sarah Stefani Loic Thebault Federico Uribe

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