The Retro Return of Ellesse
It appears that those behind Ellesse have vowed to make a return…
The Retro Return of Ellesse
In the 1950’s, the Italian fashion brand, Ellesse, launched in the United States only to reach its peak from the 1980’s - 1990’s. Unfortunately, this slow climb appeared more like a sudden disappearance from the U.S. market overnight. However, it appears that those behind the company have vowed to make a return.
The first collection in the U.S. debuted in November and was sold only in boutique shops (including Extra Butter, Concepts and Nice Kicks) but is taking a drastic new turn in December sourcing to a much wider and accessible array of retailers such as Urban Outfitters, Foot Locker and DTLR.
The initial collections were based heavily in retro-inspired design, including chunky outsoles on footwear and apparel with oversized graphic logos with bold branding, contrasting stripes and color blocking. The brand expects to have a presence in both footwear and apparel, tapping into its extensive archive and classic styles to pay homage to the brand’s past and will also maintain a tennis performance collection that will be available only in select pro shops (which have yet to be announced).
Photo: Ellesse
Robert Dundon, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Pentland USA, brand manager for over 35 years has stated that “We will always pay homage to our roots in some capacity when it feels appropriate, but this is a new era for Ellesse…Our platform will be forward thinking, but we’ll never abandon our roots.”
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about The Retro Return of Ellesse! What are your thoughts on the styles being revived by this former fashion heavyweight? Join the conversation below!
Valuing Versace
U.S. based fashion giant Michael Kors will gain a massive acquisition of the Italy's famous fashion house, Versace, for $2.1 billion later this year…
Valuing Versace
U.S.-based fashion giant, Michael Kors, will gain a massive acquisition of the Italy's famous fashion house, Versace, for $2.1 billion later this year.
For those new to the world of high-fashion, Versace, is an Italian luxury fashion company that was founded by Gianni Versace in 1978. The main collection of the brand is Versace, which produces upmarket Italian-made ready-to-wear and leather accessories.
Interestingly enough, The Versace logo is the head of Medusa, a Greek mythological figure. The logo came from the floor of ruins in Rome that the Versace siblings played in as children, and Gianni Versace chose Medusa as the logo because she made people fall in love with her and they had no way back, thus hoping his company would have the same effect on people.
Michael Kors has made no secret of its ambition to grow its portfolio of high-end brands after acquiring the UK-based shoe brand, Jimmy Choo, for $1.2 billion last year. As part of the deal, however, the Versace family will keep a role in certain aspects of the company.
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about how Michael Kors has gained a massive asset by Valuing Versace! What are your thoughts on the merge of these two fashion giants? Join the conversation below
Blanketted Fashion
From the release of the “Dapper Dan” collection to the hiking-inspired Flashtrek sneaker, the company’s initiative to reach out to those in the high-end “everyday effortless” market is apparent…
Blanketted Fashion
In recent years, the famous Italian fashion brand, Gucci, has gone under quite a few changes. Once one of the pillars of high fashion, it has now become extremely popular as a “streetwear” brand. From the release of the “Dapper Dan” collection to the hiking-inspired Flashtrek sneaker, the company’s initiative to reach out to those in the high-end “everyday effortless” market is apparent.
The latest Gucci piece is sure to cater to those who wish to spend more time indoors than out with their release of a fully graphic blanket crafted from woven wool. It features the undeniable Gucci logo pattern with fringed ends which pair perfectly with the new home collection.
Photo: UpscaleHype
The all-over logo print has proved supremely popular this season. However, if you’re worried that a $1,750 Gucci blanket won’t get the exposure it absolutely needs, fall is right around the corner. Be sure to take a tip from world-renowned rapper, A$AP Rocky, and use it as a shawl.
With the addition of the new Gucci line, you're sure to embody the latest in Italian style. Wishing to embody the language as well? Check out our Group Italian Classes and Private Italian Lessons and sign up today!
Istituto Marangoni Takes Miami
Italy’s renowned fashion institution, Istituto Marangoni has opened its 10th location, its first in the United States, this past January.
Istituto Marangoni Takes Miami
Italy’s renowned fashion institution, Istituto Marangoni, has opened its 10th location (its first in the United States) this past January.
Photo: www.istitutomarangoni.com
Founded in Milan in 1935, the fashion, art and design school has trained some of the most famous fashion icons including: Domenico Dolce, Franco Moschino and Paula Cademartori.
The prestigious institute currently enrolls 4,000 students per year from 107 countries at its Paris, London, Shanghai, and Mumbai locations. However, the most exciting news for U.S. based students is that the institute will be offering $1 million worth of scholarships to new students at the Miami campus.
Why take Miami? Istituto Marangoni searched for a destination that not only was a cultural hub for the arts, but also was easily accessible from other fashion-centric countries, especially those in Latin America.
The company has stated:
“Bringing Istituto Marangoni to the Americas satisfies a long-term vision to support and develop youth interested in fashion and design from all over the world,” said group managing director Roberto Riccio. “We are thrilled by the opportunity to give emerging talent in the Americas a platform to hone their skills and realize their true potential in the industry.”
As Istituto Marangoni takes Miami, it is apparent that "The Future is Foreign" and that includes Italian language & culture.
At JP Linguistics, we can put you on the road to Italian fluency sooner than you may have ever thought possible. Our immersive Group Classes and Private Lessons ensure that you are not only able to speak with ease, but also be exposed to the culture from which the language stems.
3 Italian Menswear Brands You Should Know
Boost up the sophistication of your wardrobe with these three Italian fashion brands - for casual & formal attire.
3 Italian Menswear Brands You Should Know
Italian fashion has been at the forefront of emerging talent and trends since the beginning. The luxury house staples still firmly hold their place, while other brands ranging from athletic-inspired to tailored-cut all play an important part in a man's wardrobe. Some brands focus on the staples, while others play up the trends to stay ahead. Here are 3 Italian Menswear Brands You Should Know right now to help boost up the sophistication of your wardrobe. We hope you enjoy!
MISSONI
This brand embodies the spirit of the sixties having been founded by Ottavio and Rosita (business & life partners) who started Missoni in 1953. Based in Varese, 55 kilometers north of Milan, the classic zig zag knitwear is globally recognized and is now a forever trend staple. The family-run company keeps up its success by adding more channels, i.e. Missoni Home, as well as adapting to what the customer wants. The big focus for their menswear is the statement shirt; whether that be classic T style or a patchwork button down. A favorite touch to any outfit is the secret of the socks, and you can be assured they don't slack on accessories either.
Learn more and see new arrivals on their website www.missoni.com.
(All images credits: www.missoni.com)
Diesel
Yes, you did read this correctly, Diesel is not that laid back California brand you though you knew. Headquartered in Breganze, Italy, Diesel's Founder, Ross Rozzo, originally started working for a manufacturer called Moltex. After two short years at the company, Rozzo bought 40% of their stock which eventually changed its brand name to Diesel. In 1985, Rozz purchased the remaining portions of stock to become the sole owner of the brand. His vision for this worldwide fashion house has been to embody the laid back California lifestyle through their creative department since 1978. Denim and casual-wear are their strong-suits, fit for the modern man. While jeans come to mind first, this brand excels in wardrobe pieces fit for all occasions; casual, night out and even work wear.
Learn more and see new arrivals on their website www.diesel.com.
(All images credits: www.diesel.com)
Lubiam
This company cares fondly about tradition which can be seen in the craftsmanship and design of all their garments. Founder, Luigi Bianchi Mantova, set up Primaria Sartoria Luigi Bianchi in 1911 with the aim of designing premium menswear suits and women's dresses. He was the first to start a global brand that would eventually pass through four generations. In 1920, the company abandoned womenswear to focus solely on tailoring mens goods. This passion lead to a scale of over 400 employees in 1936. The name LUBIAM was created as an acronym of the founders full name Luigi Bianchi Mantova. Their keen eye for details and tradition doesn't just lie in the cut of their fabric, it runs through their family-friendly ethics. They gladly provide flexible work hours and part-time options for their employees and have even opened up nursery for workers with families.
“We truly believe in family values,” states Edgardo Bianchi, Managing Director of LUBIAM, “this is why we want togive our employees substantial support in their everyday lives. We believe in solidarity and we hope to be an example to other firms similar to ours.”
Learn more and see new arrivals on their website www.lubiam.it.
(All images credits: www.lubiam.it)
Did you like what you read? Let us know! Comment below with your favorite Italian brand and share the post on social media. These 3 Italian Menswear Brands You Should Know are at the top of our shopping lists and, looking the part, is one step closer to embodying the Italian lifestyle. Why not add more and embody the language as well? Check out our Group Italian Classes and Private Italian Lessons and sign up today. Grazie!