Italy dominates the textile and luxury goods industry thanks to a rare balance between craftsmanship and cutting-edge industrial production. Specialized districts such as Biella for wool, Naples for sartoria, and Veneto for leather have built a reputation based on excellence and the transmission of know-how. Here, tailors, weavers, and leatherworkers perpetuate techniques that have been mastered for centuries, while integrating innovations to meet new market demands.
Certain brands perfectly embody this modernized tradition. Corneliani and Boglioli are reinventing tailoring, Etro is playing on its textile heritage, while Fratelli Rossetti and Serapian are perpetuating the art of leather. Behind these names lies a shared commitment: to create timeless pieces by focusing on quality rather than mass production. Discover our selection of seven essential Italian artisan brands.
Corneliani
Founded in 1930 by Alfredo Corneliani, this fashion house is one of the jewels of Italian men's luxury fashion. Initially specializing in raincoats, the company became a benchmark in the artisanal manufacture of suits and formal wear in the 1950s. Today, each Corneliani jacket still requires five hours of work, perpetuating a tradition of craftsmanship passed down from generation to generation. Its su misura service offers personalized suits with more than 540 hand-finished details. With its Circle line, the brand combines recycled materials and artisanal finishes, affirming its commitment to responsible luxury.
Etro
Renowned for its iconic paisley patterns, Etro is a fashion house founded in 1968 by Gimmo Etro. Originally specializing in high-end fabrics, it quickly expanded its range to include leather goods, ready-to-wear clothing, and even perfumes. Its work with jacquards and natural materials has made it a benchmark for Italian luxury. Still a family-owned business, Etro retains its independence and continues to explore new ways of reinterpreting the paisley pattern that made it famous.
Massimo Alba
The story of Massimo Alba begins with an act of love: one day, the designer decided to create a mini wardrobe for his wife, featuring a blue peacoat, a camel coat, and cashmere sweaters. This project evolved into a brand renowned for its artisanal clothing and timeless aesthetic. From its showroom in Milan, the brand develops collections made exclusively in Italy, featuring naturally dyed fabrics and clean silhouettes. Far from fleeting trends, Massimo Alba advocates sustainable and emotional fashion.
Boglioli
Renowned for its contemporary approach to tailoring, Boglioli modernizes Italian sartorial art by combining casualness and sophistication. Based in Gambara, in the province of Brescia, the brand is famous for its unlined, washed, and unstructured jackets, offering unparalleled freedom of movement. Its secret lies in garment-dyed fabrics, which give the clothes a unique patina, as if they had always belonged to their owner. Boglioli thus perpetuates a tradition of craftsmanship by adapting it to the demands of the contemporary male wardrobe.
Rossetti Brothers
An iconic Italian shoe brand, Fratelli Rossetti was founded in 1953 in Parabiago, near Milan. Its creations are entirely handmade, requiring no fewer than 150 manual operations. The company is notably responsible for the Toledo technique, which involves applying color to the leather with a pad, layer after layer, before brushing it with wax to achieve an inimitable shine. Among its iconic models, the Brera moccasins, adorned with tassels, have become a timeless signature of the brand.
Serapian
Founded in Milan in 1928, Serapian embodies the finest leather craftsmanship. The house is notably behind Mosaico, a pattern hand-woven from thin strips of nappa lambskin leather. Since its acquisition by Richemont in 2017, Serapian has continued to innovate by launching a line of eco-friendly leather bags made from Italian grape waste. Its bespoke service allows customers to order unique pieces, handcrafted in the historic Milan workshop.
Fabio Quaranta
An independent designer and discreet figure in Italian fashion, Fabio Quaranta has been offering a minimalist and functional wardrobe for over ten years. His collections feature precise cuts and fine materials, ranging from raw wool to thick cotton. His Motelsalieri space in Milan combines a boutique, art gallery, and design studio, reflecting his artisanal and conceptual approach to fashion. Each piece is designed as an essential item in a man's wardrobe, with a timeless and radical aesthetic.
These seven houses illustrate the excellence of Italian luxury, each in its own way, combining traditional craftsmanship and innovation. A heritage that continues to captivate the world, driven by passionate artisans and a constant attention to detail.