These Italian Brands Actually Honor the 'Made in Italy' Legacy
Amid Loro Piana’s investigation, explore these smaller brands that genuinely embody Italian craftsmanship and design.
In light of the latest accusations and investigation into the “Made in Italy” luxury fashion brand Loro Piana (part of the LVMH group), I can’t help but wonder: what will finally be the straw that breaks the camel’s back and exposes more of what really goes on behind the scenes at these so-called “high-end” fashion powerhouses?
If you haven’t heard, basically Loro Piana has been under investigation for the past year by the city of Milan’s prosecutors for “poorly monitoring” their supply chains. According to La Repubblica, workers were found making jackets that were sold to the fashion giant for around €100, even though those jackets retail for more than €3,000. And the working conditions? Horrific. Employees reportedly worked 16+ hour days for as little as €4 an hour. Many comments on this news shared a common theme: luxury is an illusion.
Of course, none of us can be a “perfect” consumer—I’m still guilty of shopping for my son at Zara Kids every now and then, and I do love t-shirts from COS. But since moving to Italy, I’ve become such a more conscious consumer.
Part of that is practical. But more than anything, living here and being a lifelong style enthusiast has introduced me to incredible designers, brands, and artisans—people who are truly creating products worth investing in and supporting. These smaller, holistic brands are the real “Made in Italy,” not just another high-end luxury label run by male board members chasing maximum profits.
Below, I’m sharing a few of my favorite brands that actually embody what it means to be ‘Made in Italy’.
Eugenia Penta, former creative designer at Fendi, and Francesca Filipo, who worked in creation and production for brands like Blazè Milano, are the faces behind Vernisse.
They source only the finest recycled, vintage, and unused materials throughout all of Italy and Europe, and the products are 100% Made in Italy, as Penta and Filipo made it their mission to not only prioritize quality over quantity, but also create partnerships with historical workshops that only produce their garments.
Their items are feminine, colorful, and a celebration of the Mediterranean, while mixing both vintage and Italy’s sartorial techniques.
Living in Naples, I have been so lucky to come across the brand Tramontano, after passing its beautifully merchandised window in the cool and luxe Chiaia district four years ago. The brand has been around since 1865 — a simple case of Neapolitan craftsmanship!
Tramontano’s bags are carefully woven and hand-stitched with buttery leather, and the colors and designs get better with each collection.
If you love Loro Piana’s cashmere, Lake Como lifestyle vibe, but are looking for a brand with a better footprint, I was introduced to Artknit Studios by a dear friend of mine who has incredible taste!
The Italian brand creates 100% knitwear pieces, working with the finest materials like linen, organic cotton, cashmere, and more. The best part is, you can follow the journey of each piece—from raw material to finished product—that the brand provides on .COM!
Designed in Rome & crafted in Naples, if you’re looking to splurge, shop Giuliva Heritage. Creative couple Margherita Cardelli and Gerardo Cavaliere saw a gap in the market for the first sartorial prêt-à-porter womenswear—like what Gerardo grew up around thanks to his childhood in Salerno—but for women!
I’m such a fan of Artknit studios, and constantly wear the pieces I have from them! Interested to check out the other brands you mention.
I love your Italian insider tips!! These brands were all new to me, but I've already added seven pieces to my wishlist, haha!