5 Italian Brands to Discover If You Love 'The Row'

The Row vibes, but with more heritage and the Made in Italy craftsmanship.

After reading two fantastic pieces this past week about the brand The Row, I was inspired to put this one into fruition and hit publish. The first was Open letter to The Row - we need to break up by Neelam Ahooja and the second, It Costs A Lot To Look This Poor by Totally Recommend. Give them both a read!

If you have no idea what I’m talking about or have never heard of The Row, it’s Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s brand. Vogue has described it as “synonymous with effortless, wearable luxury” and “rooted in the sartorial experience.” I browsed a few articles and even a Reddit thread where consumers noted that they didn’t know what high quality meant until they bought something from the brand. My first question: what are these so-called high-quality pieces being compared to? My second question: is the ‘high quality’ justifiable for such a premium markup? In 2023, the brand relocated its factories from the U.S. to Italy, because of “increasing costs,” which I interpret as “cheaper labor/materials in Italy.” But are they actually producing 100% of their products in Italy?

Ironically, a brilliant artisan in Rome that I have gotten to know and work with, posted this to Instagram last night. He is my case in point. Note: He has been in the business since he was 14 and is now in his 70s.

Translation: Many Italian artisans have been abandoned by large, multinational luxury brands to produce in other countries, then selling said pieces at enormous prices in stores under the Made in Italy label. Those abandoned master craftsmen now work with smaller businesses to create exclusive, high-quality items for them at fair prices. Each piece can be customized to make it truly unique. Keep that in mind…

One visit to the shop of Pasquale mentioned above.

After a quick browse on the website this morning, I can say there a pieces that are chic, sharp, minimal for the on-the-go woman. Still, would I pay $1,000 for a pair of rubber flip-flops? I couldn’t. The Row fans might clap-back and say, “You’ve never had flip flops until you put these on your feet.” And you know, maybe they’re right.

However, I can understand the vibe that this The Row consumer is trying to achieve. It gives you the option of being a “cool girl,” “off-duty,” or “I just rolled out of bed and slid into a fabulous pair of trousers.” But what’s more meaningful? Saying you’re wearing The Row with a very high price tag, or supporting more niche Italian artisans who don’t skimp on quality or craftsmanship, and offer prices that make you say, “I can certainly work and justify this?”

These smaller brands are the sturdy, strong, beautifully eloquent, and talented backbone of the Made in Italy phenomenon. They’re the ones I am supporting and standing behind, as they really ignited something in me to show those who love design, craftsmanship, and heritage that there is more out there on the market if you take a second look.

Below are a few Italian, small-scale brands that you can connect with, sharing a similar aesthetic to The Row but with a bit more story and meaning, infused with the Italian spirit, and at a more affordable price. Happy discovery!

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The perfectly polished shoe? A di Gaeta

Not only did I fall head over heels for A di GAETA’s designs, but I absolutely connected with the brand’s mission: bridging style and functionality to the voice of modern femininity without betraying her identity. WOW. And you feel this in the shoes. Sleek, clean, sharp, with a subtle detail in each pair that makes you want to run with the splurge. I love the tailor-made concept. Not to mention, they are 100% made and designed in Italy, partnering with historic shoemaking families.

The everyday pieces that make you feel off-duty? Artknit Studios

I have mentioned Artknit Studios previously, and once again, the brand seems extremely fitting here (and they deserve it, as they have great quality pieces for prices that actually reflect the quality). The Italian brand creates 100% knitwear pieces, as well as trousers, great polo shirts, jackets, and more. The brand is extremely transparent about its production process, allowing you to track the journey of each item online. They also have a store in Milan and Rome.

The buttery soft, minimalist bag with no labels? Studio Sarta

Studio Sarta is based in Palermo and was founded less than ten years ago by former architect Giorgia Gaeta. Designed and crafted in two local, family-run workshops in her hometown, Giorgia aims to continue the Italian tradition while creating products with a modern style that are minimalist and timeless.

That perfectly cut, tailored, and buttoned blazer? Aramù

After studying and working with top retail brands in Paris, the founder of Aramù, Elisa, moved back to Italy to launch her brand. She began working with high-quality fabrics sourced from the surplus stocks of prestigious Italian textile mills. Today, her blazers are produced in very limited quantities, reflecting the slow pace of the business she is committed to. The brand also does trousers and button-downs exceptionally well.

The basics in cotton and cashmere that are superior? Rifò Lab

Cashmere socks, the perfect knitted tank, or a white t-shirt? No need to pay three figures. Founded in 2017 in the Prato textile district, a short ride outside Florence, Rifò Lab is a sustainable Italian clothing brand that creates everything from sweaters and t-shirts to undergarments and socks, focusing on the use of 100% recycled materials, fibers, and natural or biodegradable materials such as wool, cashmere, and cotton. In Florence and looking for a day-trip? Visit the production facilities in person and browse their shop at the end!

P.S. If you’re headed to Italy and are looking for an in-person sartoria experience, message me! I can give you a few recommendations.

Ciao!

Gabriela