fit for a king

I must confess: I am absolutely obsessed with all things Italiano.  In a perfect world, everything would be fatto a mano in Italia (made by hand in Italy), of la moda italiana (Italian Design), with tessuti italiani (Italian fabrics).  I'm not just talking about automobili italiane like Ferrari and Maserati, or even Italian food giants like Barilla and Mutti.  My new obsession is focused on smaller, lesser known brands, concepts, and designers who are bringing an old world elegance to tomorrow's ranges.

It's no secret I am in love with Peter Nappi.  The Nashville-based studio presents the most incredible footwear, small leather goods, and pocket collections of surprises that are all fatto a mano in Firenze.  My love affair doesn't stop there. 

I don't think I"ve actually felt even a swatch of fabric, let alone tried on any garments from President's - but I have stocked their website for the last several days and I simply cannot get enough.  Come se dice "droga" in italiano? 

Nelle loro parole:

"President’s is proud to belong to the great tradition of Tuscan manufacture of leather and textiles. A long history of technique and style of which the brand President’s, registered in 1957, considers itself a natural heir."

PRESIDENT’S concept is simple: we walk the line of fashion and function. We like to offer functional clothing that has subtle fashion sensibilities. It is our opinion that most fashion designers/brands will offer design which makes for clothing that is more costumey. On the other hand functional clothing is boring and uninspiring.

PRESIDENT’S mixes both worlds by combining innovation with sartorial tradition.

PRESIDENT’S is an Italian brand designed by Guido Biondi, the third generation of an important fashion family, 60 years of successful heritage in fashion. He designs his collections for the contemporary gentleman, using the most exquisite fabrics and materials, producing his label entirely in Florence, Tuscany, with the best Italian craftsmanship tradition.

PRESIDENT’S is a combination of worker style for an urban and modern dandy, presenting a yearly capsule collection that integrates some of the most famous and contemporary young designers to bring a touch of modern globalization to the Italian style.

 

From snowboards to toiletry bags and the most incredible wears for an everyday elegance, President's is definitely going to be in my 2016.  Buon Anno Nuovo, with stile + classe.  No detail too small; no tradition too frivolous; no expense in production spared.  The best of the best for their best.

Some other Italian goodies I'm loving:

TAMI' -  the coolest wine, gifts, accessories, home goods, and kitchen tools.  All Italian.  All the time.  

Sferra - exquisite linens for bed, bath, and table.

Persol - incredible eye wear, for sun and seeing.  

Santa Maria Novella - simply beyond.  Officina Profumo – Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is one of the world's oldest pharmacies. First founded in 1221 in Florence by the Dominican Friars who started making herbal remedies and potions to use in the monastery. Their reputation became world renowned and the pharmacy, sponsored by the Grand Duke of Tuscany, opened to the public in 1612.  Santa Maria Novella products are made on site at their own factory in Florence. Local ingredients are used whenever possible and the products are never tested on animals. Each batch is hand made and supervised according to age old recipes and artisanal methods. All batches are rigorously controlled using strict guidelines to ensure consistency of product and maximum safety for the consumer. 

Acqua di Parma's prestige collection: opulence to the nth degree.   I'm loving the luxury set ingredient collection.  The Set contains: 180ml Colonia Oud, 180ml Colonia Leather, 180ml Colonia Ambra. A highly sophisticated item fully lined with carefully selected, superior quality brown calfskin. The logo is hot-stamped on the top. The case is locked by a key on which Acqua di Parma’s logo is serigraphed, it is the ideal jewel case for treasuring your most precious, items after removing the tray of Colonias. Lining: brown velvet removable tray. 

Post Script: I understand not all of these companies are exactly piccolo (small) or sconosciuto (unknown).  I'd be remiss not to include some of the more well known / established brands on the above short list.  Regardless of company size or heritage, each brand has that privately owned boutique feel, focusing on quality goods and services and an incredible relationship with their customers. 

What brands, trends, and styles are you loving?