The Italian Gentleman: The Master Tailors of Italian Men's Fashion

by Hugo Jacomet, Lyle Roblin (Photographer)

In the world of fashion, Italy is the Mount Everest of men's style. London
may have Savile Row, Paris its luxury industries, and New York Madison
Avenue, but none possesses the true essence of Italian elegance. Beyond
its global fashion brands, the soul of Italian style is found in the
workshops and boutiques of the established masters and artisans who for
generations have created the finest menswear on the planet.
 
Industry insider and respected sartorialist Hugo Jacomet is one of
Europe's most knowledgeable commentators on men's fashion. This lavish
guide is the result of over two years spent traveling the length and
breadth of Italy, from the foothills of the Alps to the islands of Sicily,
documenting the craftsmanship behind Italy's most elegant gentlemen. From
Renaissance fabric mills to the world-famous sartorias, from international
brands to family-run businesses, over fifty houses from across the country
are celebrated for their unique style and commitment to upholding timeless
Italian traditions. Exquisite photographs by Lyle Roblin, commissioned
specially for this book, reveal the passion and zeal of the country's finest fabric 
merchants, tailors, producers and boutique-owners.
 
This richly illustrated journey uncovers the rarely seen producers of true
Italian style, essential reading for the modern gentleman and all those
who appreciate the beauty of a bespoke suit, the quality of a hand-welted
shoe, the luxury of hand-made gloves, or the flamboyant panache of a
seven-fold silk tie.

Genres: Fashion, Art, Nonfiction

304 pages, Hardcover

Published November 7, 2017

Reviews

[Jonas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A worthy and invaluable contribution to the fascinating world of Italian traditional tailoring and craftsmanship enriched by spectacular photography and heartwarming stories of many people and places.

The main message of this book is indeed very positive and it is part of the contra culture against fast fashion, consumerism towards cheaply made clothes and accessories.

I cannot express the feeling I had reading this book with my mother, talking about tailoring, about the time where my grandmother brought her to the local village tailor to make a dress in the early 60’, when I read that many passionate artisans and tailors had to close their activities in the 70’s when cheaply made ready to wear clothes began to be readily available. Nevertheless I’m happy to read about the slow but consistent surge in interest in traditional tailoring and craftsmanship, when I read about how those artisans put decades of experience and hard work to maintain a family run business, when I read about a Neapolitan tie maker refusing an offer from Donald Trump to sell his ties in the trump tower because he wanted only to sell in Naples.

A quintessential book if you are passionate about tailoring and/or classic men style. Never forget that behind every product there are people.

[Noah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was written for overweight Goldman-Sachs bankers. Carry on.

[Karl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great fashion designer photo book.

[Caesar N.W · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great tour of Italian workmanship and it’s unique take on menswear.

[Raul Mehta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love how Hugo weaves in the family history of each atelier along with their accomplishments in the world of menswear.

[Thomas Kittock · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, particularly with his YouTube channel "Sartorial Talks", Hugo does a marvelous job of expressing both his admiration and devotion to the subject of Italian craftsmanship and menswear in general.

A wonderful read with stunning images to accompany the brief yet impactful stories passed on from the owners of these rich-historied businesses.

Thank you Hugo, Sonya, and Lyle! Your efforts in documenting these incredible brands is greatly appreciated.