In Conversation: Davide Barreri
The Turin Architect Behind the New Luca Faloni Store Concept
Davide Barreri the Turin based Italian architect who practiced at Motoelastico in Seoul to Hopkins Architects in London. Plateau Collaboratif was founded in 2011 in collaboration with with architect Andrea Alessio and Ilaria Ariolfo. PlaC discovers contemporary approach to living through architecture, urbanism and design and the creatives behind the new Luca Faloni store concept.
When did you start your Architects practice? And why Turin?
PlaC was officially established as a registered practice in 2014, but we’ve actually been working together since we were at university; my partners Andrea Alessio and Ilaria Ariolfo studied with me and we’ve been friends for ages, and so we made the decision together to start our business. After various stints spent working abroad - in Seoul, London, Berlin and Madrid - we decided to return to our roots in Turin, the city where each of us grew up and studied architecture.
What inspired you when it came to the design of the Luca Faloni store?
The idea was to create a basic structure that was extremely flexible and able to adapt to future changes, so that it could easily be used in different configurations, but which at the same time draws inspiration by the copper roofing of the old buildings and by the Marienplatz clocktower, Milan is a homage to Piero Portaluppi (who designed the building), whereas for Miami our starting point was art deco, an architectural style that's common in the city, and which is charactaerised by very particular colour pairing and strong geometric symmetry.
How important is made in Italy to you?
In terms of production, our country has one of the most stringent systems of quality control in the world, put in place in order to maintain our high standards. Over the last few decades, the term Made in Italy has become one of the most famous brands in the world, and without a doubt, for an Italian designer, it’s almost a professional calling to safeguard these high standards. However, I feel that there is a certain lack of awareness of our own strengths in Italy: I’ve often found there’s a greater respect for Made in Italy abroad than there is in Italy.
Sometimes, a leather belt can enliven your style like nothing else: a garment that will enhance the quality of any outfit and that you'll love wearing for years to come.
Leather belts of the highest quality ensure durability and uniqueness for your everyday wardrobe. They hold their shape nicely and adapt easily, becoming more comfortable over time and providing a stylish look even after countless uses.
They’re also highly versatile garments that fit perfectly with both casual and formal attires. You won’t need a plethora of belts, as long as you own a few in neutral colours to put on that will work on any occasion.
Today we’ll look into what makes our handcrafted leather belts unique and why they’re the ultimate choice to enhance all kinds of styles.
Is there any style signifier you are known for? Do you have any particular styling rules?
We always really try to work with the space and with the flexibility of the fittings; at the same time the decorative aspects (the choice of material and colour) seek connections with the place and bring together all the parts of the design.
What are you up to right now? Particular projects, launches etc
Our studio has grown considerably in recent years, and we’re moving from small-scale projects to more substantial and important ones; we’re working on hotels, renovations of buildings of historical significance and also taking part in numerous international competitions. In 2016 we won a big international competition for the redevelopment of an ex-industrial building of 4500sqm in Parma, which will be used as a hub for creative businesses alongside multifunctional spaces, and which will open this year.
Why is Italy so important to you and why?
I’ve come to understand how important Italy is to me thanks to my wife Hyemin, a Korean designer; she was the one who made me realise how lucky we are to live in a country that is distinguished by so much beauty. From Turin’s baroque architecture to the entryways of Milan, designed by great masters from the 1930’s to the 1970’s, from Venetian Gothic to Florence’s renaissance churches, from the sinuous hills of the Langhe wine growing region to the Amalfi Coast, Italy has a huge concentration of beauty that’s freely available every day, and yet many of us, perhaps because it’s right under our noses, don’t even realise it.
What is your favourite tool?
The pencil. It might seem like an obvious answer to come from an architect, but thanks to the professional experiences I’ve had since graduation I understand just how important drawing is, as an instrument of direct expression to span the gap between an idea and its translation into visual form. Over the last few years, I’ve had to chance to return to the Politecnico (university) as a teaching assistant and also to teach at the IED (European Institute of Design), and I’ve noticed how new techniques of digital representation have changed not only the way we draw but also the way we design.
What object would you never part with?
An ashtray designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1976 for Stelton (Revolving Ashtray); I have one that I bought at a flea market in Copenhagen and I think it encapsulates perfectly the symbiosis between function and aesthetics. At home we often swap around our ornaments, adding new objects found during our travels, but this one never gets removed.
Sometimes, a leather belt can enliven your style like nothing else: a garment that will enhance the quality of any outfit and that you'll love wearing for years to come.
Leather belts of the highest quality ensure durability and uniqueness for your everyday wardrobe. They hold their shape nicely and adapt easily, becoming more comfortable over time and providing a stylish look even after countless uses.
They’re also highly versatile garments that fit perfectly with both casual and formal attires. You won’t need a plethora of belts, as long as you own a few in neutral colours to put on that will work on any occasion.
Today we’ll look into what makes our handcrafted leather belts unique and why they’re the ultimate choice to enhance all kinds of styles.
Turin contains multitudes: a city that’s both industrial and artistic, ancient and modern, an amazing place of history and beauty where you can experience the authentic Italian lifestyle at its absolute best.
Torino is the northernmost major city in Italy, facing the majestic Alps and constantly caressed by its breeze. Yet, the city feels Mediterranean, with an atmosphere reminiscent of a southern flair that couldn't be more different from the hectic, metropolitan style of nearby Milan.
Nestled between the Po River and the Alps, Turin was a major national and European political centre for centuries. It was the first capital of unified Italy (the Kingdom of Italy), and the then-governing House of Savoy built majestic palaces and a modern infrastructure to celebrate the city’s importance.
Like most Italian cities, Turin went through a series of significant historical changes that determined its architecture and aura. It was one of the country's first and most industrialised cities between the end of the 19th century and the early 20th century; together with Milan, Turin and its industry laid the foundations for the post-war Italian miracolo industriale: it is, to this day, a crucial crossroad for industry, commerce, and trade.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your next trip to Turin, here's what you can do in 24 hours in one of the most beautiful Italian cities.
Our calf leather belts are the embodiment of timeless charm: built from full-grain vegetable tanned leather from Santa Croce. They will only get better with age and will last a lifetime, enriching your wardrobe and heightening the elegance of your formal outfits, but will also enhance your jeans and everyday style. The nubuck leather at the back of the belt adds a touch of understated luxury that won’t go unnoticed.
The calf leather offers the best durability and quality that will stand the test of time. Our reversible calf leather belts are essentially two belts in one, becoming the ideal choice for travellers also thanks to the luxury dust bag to store it.
Which is the most beautiful architecture in the world? And why?
For many years the most beautiful piece of architecture on earth has for me been the thermal baths in Vals, Switzerland, designed by Peter Zumthor. I’ve visited them three times and each time I discover new aspects, interesting details and different sensations. I see in that project the perfect balance between natural and artificial, and between landscape and architecture. The quality of the details, the skillful use of the materials and the awareness of how they will change appearance over time, all combine to make this place one of the most interesting on earth.
Which is the architectural era that intrigues you the most?
There are many architectural periods that fascinate me, but if I had to choose one I’d say the 1950’s in California. The period of the Case Study Houses was one of the most interesting and revolutionary in terms of architecture: the innovative ability of architects like Pierre Konig, the Eames, Craig Ellwood and Richard Neutra to create wonderful architecture out of prefabricated components drawn from catalogues has always attracted me.
Which is the moment that changed everything for you?
My time working in London for Michael Hopkins, where I was able to work in a team on large architectural projects, gaining a deep understanding of the importance of the organisation of a studio of that size and the contributions of the various professional figures involved.
When do you need to feel inspired what do you do or where do you go?
Usually, when I look for inspiration I work at night, alone, listening to music; the total isolation lets me concentrate better on my ideas and feel free of constraints. In recent years I’ve come to realise just how much working at night helps me to come up with the best ideas.
Our products are exclusively available online and in the following Luca Faloni Stores
Elegant, slim-fit, wrinkle-resistant, and timeless: for decades, chino pants have been an integral part of a man’s wardrobe thanks to their unique versatility and durability. This year, Luca Faloni reinterpreted chinos by adding a modern touch to a classic design, enriched by the traditional approach and attention to details typical of the Italian craftsmanship our garments radiate. The result is our new cotton twill winter chino: Cortina.
Cortina features a medium thickness, cotton twill gabardine, ideal for the colder seasons and giving a unique silky, luxurious feel on your skin. We decided to name our latest chinos Cortina to celebrate the iconic history and lifestyle of Italy’s most charming alpine town, famous for it’s apres ski.
This article will look into the history of this fascinating fabric and how our Cortina chinos are made.
Sometimes, a leather belt can enliven your style like nothing else: a garment that will enhance the quality of any outfit and that you'll love wearing for years to come.
Leather belts of the highest quality ensure durability and uniqueness for your everyday wardrobe. They hold their shape nicely and adapt easily, becoming more comfortable over time and providing a stylish look even after countless uses.
They’re also highly versatile garments that fit perfectly with both casual and formal attires. You won’t need a plethora of belts, as long as you own a few in neutral colours to put on that will work on any occasion.
Today we’ll look into what makes our handcrafted leather belts unique and why they’re the ultimate choice to enhance all kinds of styles.
The gabardine fabric our Cortina chinos are made of is a tightly woven warp-faced twill weave fabric. A firm and durable material, gabardine was created in the late 1800s by Thomas Burberry, the founder of Burberry, who wanted to create a new, versatile blend for his creations.
At first, gabardine became popular because it can hold its shape and does not wrinkle easily. When it started being waterproofed with lanolin, it also became a must-have for travellers and explorers worldwide. Today gabardine is a versatile and exceptional fabric for suits and casualwear and is often used to make chinos or pants that can stand the test of time.
Our gabardine fabric is crafted in Northern Italy from high-quality cotton twill and blended with 3% elastane to improve the garment’s comfort and durability. They’ll seamlessly adapt to your shape, and thanks to the thoughtful details and luxurious feel on your skin, they may well become your go-to chinos in any smart-casual situation.
How we make the Cortina chinos
Italian Design
In our Italian laboratories, we have reimagined this timeless classic by adding a modern touch and subtle details to bring exquisite garments to life. Thanks to skills that have been passed down through generations, seasoned artisans provide a final touch to all our creations, adding invisible stitching to keep the design clean and ensuring the pants’ quality and size measurements. With Cortina, this traditional process results in a contemporary garment with a practical and versatile design that will fit most autumn to spring outfits.
Sometimes, a leather belt can enliven your style like nothing else: a garment that will enhance the quality of any outfit and that you'll love wearing for years to come.
Leather belts of the highest quality ensure durability and uniqueness for your everyday wardrobe. They hold their shape nicely and adapt easily, becoming more comfortable over time and providing a stylish look even after countless uses.
They’re also highly versatile garments that fit perfectly with both casual and formal attires. You won’t need a plethora of belts, as long as you own a few in neutral colours to put on that will work on any occasion.
Today we’ll look into what makes our handcrafted leather belts unique and why they’re the ultimate choice to enhance all kinds of styles.
Sometimes, a leather belt can enliven your style like nothing else: a garment that will enhance the quality of any outfit and that you'll love wearing for years to come.
Leather belts of the highest quality ensure durability and uniqueness for your everyday wardrobe. They hold their shape nicely and adapt easily, becoming more comfortable over time and providing a stylish look even after countless uses.
They’re also highly versatile garments that fit perfectly with both casual and formal attires. You won’t need a plethora of belts, as long as you own a few in neutral colours to put on that will work on any occasion.
Today we’ll look into what makes our handcrafted leather belts unique and why they’re the ultimate choice to enhance all kinds of styles.
Turin contains multitudes: a city that’s both industrial and artistic, ancient and modern, an amazing place of history and beauty where you can experience the authentic Italian lifestyle at its absolute best.
Torino is the northernmost major city in Italy, facing the majestic Alps and constantly caressed by its breeze. Yet, the city feels Mediterranean, with an atmosphere reminiscent of a southern flair that couldn't be more different from the hectic, metropolitan style of nearby Milan.
Nestled between the Po River and the Alps, Turin was a major national and European political centre for centuries. It was the first capital of unified Italy (the Kingdom of Italy), and the then-governing House of Savoy built majestic palaces and a modern infrastructure to celebrate the city’s importance.
Like most Italian cities, Turin went through a series of significant historical changes that determined its architecture and aura. It was one of the country's first and most industrialised cities between the end of the 19th century and the early 20th century; together with Milan, Turin and its industry laid the foundations for the post-war Italian miracolo industriale: it is, to this day, a crucial crossroad for industry, commerce, and trade.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your next trip to Turin, here's what you can do in 24 hours in one of the most beautiful Italian cities.
Cutting and Tailoring
Cloth cutting is made with machines to obtain the highest level of precision. After cutting the cloth, the Italian laboratories move on to tailoring, where the attention to details, fabric quality and traditional craftsmanship really come into play.
Cortina features internal double seams to ensure outstanding durability over time. The inner belt has embossed stitching, which will maintain the shirt tucked in more easily. The reinforcement in the bar tacks is visible on all pockets, giving further strength to a garment that's both elegant and highly sturdy.
The Cortina design keeps secure with a triple horn button closure and the inside button is hand stitched by artisans to ensure greater durability.
Our calf leather belts are the embodiment of timeless charm: built from full-grain vegetable tanned leather from Santa Croce. They will only get better with age and will last a lifetime, enriching your wardrobe and heightening the elegance of your formal outfits, but will also enhance your jeans and everyday style. The nubuck leather at the back of the belt adds a touch of understated luxury that won’t go unnoticed.
The calf leather offers the best durability and quality that will stand the test of time. Our reversible calf leather belts are essentially two belts in one, becoming the ideal choice for travellers also thanks to the luxury dust bag to store it.
Dyeing & Quality Check
The pants are then dyed using a 'Tinto Capo' process resulting in a natural harmonious colour throughout. Additionally, dying the garment at the end ensures that the trousers won't shrink after the first wash.
The final stage to bring the Cortina chinos to life involves ironing the pants, first using machinery and then by hands. As it's the tradition in the oldest Italian mills, each garment is meticulously checked by expert artisans in all its details, from size to stitching, ensuring the quality and durability of the Cortina pants are in line with the excellent quality our garments always display.
Our calf leather belts are the embodiment of timeless charm: built from full-grain vegetable tanned leather from Santa Croce. They will only get better with age and will last a lifetime, enriching your wardrobe and heightening the elegance of your formal outfits, but will also enhance your jeans and everyday style. The nubuck leather at the back of the belt adds a touch of understated luxury that won’t go unnoticed.
The calf leather offers the best durability and quality that will stand the test of time. Our reversible calf leather belts are essentially two belts in one, becoming the ideal choice for travellers also thanks to the luxury dust bag to store it.
The Cortina Chinos Collection
Davide Barreri the Turin based Italian architect who practiced at Motoelastico in Seoul to Hopkins Architects in London. Plateau Collaboratif was founded in 2011 in collaboration with with architect Andrea Alessio and Ilaria Ariolfo. PlaC discovers contemporary approach to living through architecture, urbanism and design and the creatives behind the new Luca Faloni store concept.
Sometimes, a leather belt can enliven your style like nothing else: a garment that will enhance the quality of any outfit and that you'll love wearing for years to come.
Leather belts of the highest quality ensure durability and uniqueness for your everyday wardrobe. They hold their shape nicely and adapt easily, becoming more comfortable over time and providing a stylish look even after countless uses.
They’re also highly versatile garments that fit perfectly with both casual and formal attires. You won’t need a plethora of belts, as long as you own a few in neutral colours to put on that will work on any occasion.
Today we’ll look into what makes our handcrafted leather belts unique and why they’re the ultimate choice to enhance all kinds of styles.
When did you start your Architects practice? And why Turin?
PlaC was officially established as a registered practice in 2014, but we’ve actually been working together since we were at university; my partners Andrea Alessio and Ilaria Ariolfo studied with me and we’ve been friends for ages, and so we made the decision together to start our business. After various stints spent working abroad - in Seoul, London, Berlin and Madrid - we decided to return to our roots in Turin, the city where each of us grew up and studied architecture.
What inspired you when it came to the design of the Luca Faloni store?
The idea was to create a basic structure that was extremely flexible and able to adapt to future changes, so that it could easily be used in different configurations, but which at the same time draws inspiration by the copper roofing of the old buildings and by the Marienplatz clocktower, Milan is a homage to Piero Portaluppi (who designed the building), whereas for Miami our starting point was art deco, an architectural style that's common in the city, and which is charactaerised by very particular colour pairing and strong geometric symmetry.
How important is made in Italy to you?
In terms of production, our country has one of the most stringent systems of quality control in the world, put in place in order to maintain our high standards. Over the last few decades, the term Made in Italy has become one of the most famous brands in the world, and without a doubt, for an Italian designer, it’s almost a professional calling to safeguard these high standards. However, I feel that there is a certain lack of awareness of our own strengths in Italy: I’ve often found there’s a greater respect for Made in Italy abroad than there is in Italy.
Sometimes, a leather belt can enliven your style like nothing else: a garment that will enhance the quality of any outfit and that you'll love wearing for years to come.
Leather belts of the highest quality ensure durability and uniqueness for your everyday wardrobe. They hold their shape nicely and adapt easily, becoming more comfortable over time and providing a stylish look even after countless uses.
They’re also highly versatile garments that fit perfectly with both casual and formal attires. You won’t need a plethora of belts, as long as you own a few in neutral colours to put on that will work on any occasion.
Today we’ll look into what makes our handcrafted leather belts unique and why they’re the ultimate choice to enhance all kinds of styles.
Turin contains multitudes: a city that’s both industrial and artistic, ancient and modern, an amazing place of history and beauty where you can experience the authentic Italian lifestyle at its absolute best.
Torino is the northernmost major city in Italy, facing the majestic Alps and constantly caressed by its breeze. Yet, the city feels Mediterranean, with an atmosphere reminiscent of a southern flair that couldn't be more different from the hectic, metropolitan style of nearby Milan.
Nestled between the Po River and the Alps, Turin was a major national and European political centre for centuries. It was the first capital of unified Italy (the Kingdom of Italy), and the then-governing House of Savoy built majestic palaces and a modern infrastructure to celebrate the city’s importance.
Like most Italian cities, Turin went through a series of significant historical changes that determined its architecture and aura. It was one of the country's first and most industrialised cities between the end of the 19th century and the early 20th century; together with Milan, Turin and its industry laid the foundations for the post-war Italian miracolo industriale: it is, to this day, a crucial crossroad for industry, commerce, and trade.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your next trip to Turin, here's what you can do in 24 hours in one of the most beautiful Italian cities.
Our calf leather belts are the embodiment of timeless charm: built from full-grain vegetable tanned leather from Santa Croce. They will only get better with age and will last a lifetime, enriching your wardrobe and heightening the elegance of your formal outfits, but will also enhance your jeans and everyday style. The nubuck leather at the back of the belt adds a touch of understated luxury that won’t go unnoticed.
The calf leather offers the best durability and quality that will stand the test of time. Our reversible calf leather belts are essentially two belts in one, becoming the ideal choice for travellers also thanks to the luxury dust bag to store it.
Is there any style signifier you are known for? Do you have any particular styling rules?
We always really try to work with the space and with the flexibility of the fittings; at the same time the decorative aspects (the choice of material and colour) seek connections with the place and bring together all the parts of the design.
What are you up to right now? Particular projects, launches etc
Our studio has grown considerably in recent years, and we’re moving from small-scale projects to more substantial and important ones; we’re working on hotels, renovations of buildings of historical significance and also taking part in numerous international competitions. In 2016 we won a big international competition for the redevelopment of an ex-industrial building of 4500sqm in Parma, which will be used as a hub for creative businesses alongside multifunctional spaces, and which will open this year.
Why is Italy so important to you and why?
I’ve come to understand how important Italy is to me thanks to my wife Hyemin, a Korean designer; she was the one who made me realise how lucky we are to live in a country that is distinguished by so much beauty. From Turin’s baroque architecture to the entryways of Milan, designed by great masters from the 1930’s to the 1970’s, from Venetian Gothic to Florence’s renaissance churches, from the sinuous hills of the Langhe wine growing region to the Amalfi Coast, Italy has a huge concentration of beauty that’s freely available every day, and yet many of us, perhaps because it’s right under our noses, don’t even realise it.
What is your favourite tool?
The pencil. It might seem like an obvious answer to come from an architect, but thanks to the professional experiences I’ve had since graduation I understand just how important drawing is, as an instrument of direct expression to span the gap between an idea and its translation into visual form. Over the last few years, I’ve had to chance to return to the Politecnico (university) as a teaching assistant and also to teach at the IED (European Institute of Design), and I’ve noticed how new techniques of digital representation have changed not only the way we draw but also the way we design.
What object would you never part with?
An ashtray designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1976 for Stelton (Revolving Ashtray); I have one that I bought at a flea market in Copenhagen and I think it encapsulates perfectly the symbiosis between function and aesthetics. At home we often swap around our ornaments, adding new objects found during our travels, but this one never gets removed.
Which is the most beautiful architecture in the world? And why?
For many years the most beautiful piece of architecture on earth has for me been the thermal baths in Vals, Switzerland, designed by Peter Zumthor. I’ve visited them three times and each time I discover new aspects, interesting details and different sensations. I see in that project the perfect balance between natural and artificial, and between landscape and architecture. The quality of the details, the skillful use of the materials and the awareness of how they will change appearance over time, all combine to make this place one of the most interesting on earth.
Which is the architectural era that intrigues you the most?
There are many architectural periods that fascinate me, but if I had to choose one I’d say the 1950’s in California. The period of the Case Study Houses was one of the most interesting and revolutionary in terms of architecture: the innovative ability of architects like Pierre Konig, the Eames, Craig Ellwood and Richard Neutra to create wonderful architecture out of prefabricated components drawn from catalogues has always attracted me.
Which is the moment that changed everything for you?
My time working in London for Michael Hopkins, where I was able to work in a team on large architectural projects, gaining a deep understanding of the importance of the organisation of a studio of that size and the contributions of the various professional figures involved.
When do you need to feel inspired what do you do or where do you go?
Usually, when I look for inspiration I work at night, alone, listening to music; the total isolation lets me concentrate better on my ideas and feel free of constraints. In recent years I’ve come to realise just how much working at night helps me to come up with the best ideas.
Our products are exclusively available online and in the following Luca Faloni Stores
Davide Barreri the Turin based Italian architect who practiced at Motoelastico in Seoul to Hopkins Architects in London. Plateau Collaboratif was founded in 2011 in collaboration with architects Andrea Alessio and Ilaria Ariolfo. PlaC discovers a contemporary appraoch to living through architecture, urbansim and design.
When did you start your Architects practice? And why Turin?
PlaC was officially established as a registered practice in 2014, but we've actually been working together since we were at university; my partners Andrea Alessio and Ilaria Ariolfo studied with me and we've been friends for ages, and so we made the decision toegther to start our business. After various stints spent working abroad - in Seol, London, Berlin and Madrid - we decided to return to our roots in Turin, the city where each of us grew up and studied archicture.
The gabardine fabric our Cortina chinos are made of is a tightly woven warp-faced twill weave fabric. A firm and durable material, gabardine was created in the late 1800s by Thomas Burberry, the founder of Burberry, who wanted to create a new, versatile blend for his creations.
At first, gabardine became popular because it can hold its shape and does not wrinkle easily. When it started being waterproofed with lanolin, it also became a must-have for travellers and explorers worldwide. Today gabardine is a versatile and exceptional fabric for suits and casualwear and is often used to make chinos or pants that can stand the test of time.
Our gabardine fabric is crafted in Northern Italy from high-quality cotton twill and blended with 3% elastane to improve the garment’s comfort and durability. They’ll seamlessly adapt to your shape, and thanks to the thoughtful details and luxurious feel on your skin, they may well become your go-to chinos in any smart-casual situation.
What inspired you when it came to the design of the Luca Faloni store?
The idea was to create a basic structure that was extremely flexible and able to adapt to future changes, so that it could easily be used in different configurations, but which at the same time draws inspiration by the copper roofing of the old buildings and by the Marienplatz clocktower, Milan is a homage to Piero Portaluppi (who designed the building), whereas for Miami our starting point was art deco, an archictural style that's common in the city, and which is charactaerised by very particular colour pairing and strong geometric symmetry.
Which is the archictural era that intrigues you the most?
There are many architectural periods that fascinate me, but if I had to choose one I'd say the 1950's in California. The period of the Case Study Houses was one of the most interesting and revolutionary in terms of archicture: the innovate ability of architects like Pierre Konig, the Eames, Craig Ellwood and Richard Neutra to create wonderful archicture out of prefabricated components drawn from catalogues has always attracted me.
In our Italian laboratories, we have reimagined this timeless classic by adding a modern touch and subtle details to bring exquisite garments to life. Thanks to skills that have been passed down through generations, seasoned artisans provide a final touch to all our creations, adding invisible stitching to keep the design clean and ensuring the pants’ quality and size measurements. With Cortina, this traditional process results in a contemporary garment with a practical and versatile design that will fit most autumn to spring outfits.
How import is made in Italy to you?
In terms of production, our contry has one of the most stringent systems of quality control in the world, put in place in order to maintain our high standards. Over the last few decades, the term Made in Italy has become one of the most famous brands in the word, and without a doubt, for an Italian designer, it's almost a profressional calling to safeguard these high standards. However, I feel that there is a certain lack of awareness of our own strengths in Italy: I've often found there's a great respect for Made in Italy abroad than there is in Italy.
Sometimes, a leather belt can enliven your style like nothing else: a garment that will enhance the quality of any outfit and that you'll love wearing for years to come.
Leather belts of the highest quality ensure durability and uniqueness for your everyday wardrobe. They hold their shape nicely and adapt easily, becoming more comfortable over time and providing a stylish look even after countless uses.
They’re also highly versatile garments that fit perfectly with both casual and formal attires. You won’t need a plethora of belts, as long as you own a few in neutral colours to put on that will work on any occasion.
Today we’ll look into what makes our handcrafted leather belts unique and why they’re the ultimate choice to enhance all kinds of styles.
Turin contains multitudes: a city that’s both industrial and artistic, ancient and modern, an amazing place of history and beauty where you can experience the authentic Italian lifestyle at its absolute best.
Torino is the northernmost major city in Italy, facing the majestic Alps and constantly caressed by its breeze. Yet, the city feels Mediterranean, with an atmosphere reminiscent of a southern flair that couldn't be more different from the hectic, metropolitan style of nearby Milan.
Nestled between the Po River and the Alps, Turin was a major national and European political centre for centuries. It was the first capital of unified Italy (the Kingdom of Italy), and the then-governing House of Savoy built majestic palaces and a modern infrastructure to celebrate the city’s importance.
Like most Italian cities, Turin went through a series of significant historical changes that determined its architecture and aura. It was one of the country's first and most industrialised cities between the end of the 19th century and the early 20th century; together with Milan, Turin and its industry laid the foundations for the post-war Italian miracolo industriale: it is, to this day, a crucial crossroad for industry, commerce, and trade.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your next trip to Turin, here's what you can do in 24 hours in one of the most beautiful Italian cities.
Is there any style signifier you are known for? Do you have any particular styling rules?
We always really try to work with the space and with the flexibility of the fittings; at the same time the decorative aspecs (the choice of material and colour) seek connections with the place and bring together all the parts of the design.
The pants are then dyed using a 'Tinto Capo' process resulting in a natural harmonious colour throughout. Additionally, dying the garment at the end ensures that the trousers won't shrink after the first wash.
The final stage to bring the Cortina chinos to life involves ironing the pants, first using machinery and then by hands. As it's the tradition in the oldest Italian mills, each garment is meticulously checked by expert artisans in all its details, from size to stitching, ensuring the quality and durability of the Cortina pants are in line with the excellent quality our garments always display.
What are you up to right now? Particular projects, launches etc.
Our studio has grown considerably in recent years, and we're moving from small scale projects to more substantial and important ones; we're working on hotels, renovations of buildings of historial significance and also taking part in numerous international competitions. In 2016, we won a big international competition for the redevelopment of an ex-industrial building of 4500sqm in parma, which will be used as a hub for creative business alongside multifunctional spaces, and which will open this year.
When do you need to feel inspired? What do you do or where do you go?
Usually, when I look for inspiration I work at night, alone, listening to music; the total isolation lets me concetrate better on my ideas and to feel free of constraints. In recent years I've come to realise just how much working at night helps me to come up with the best ideas.
What is your favourite tool?
The pencil. It might seem like an obvious answer to come from an architect, but thanks to the professional experiences I've had since graduation I understand just how important drawing is, as an instrument of direct expression to span the gap between an idea and it's translation into visual form. Over the last few years I've had to chance to return ot ht ePolitecnico (university) as a teaching assistant and also to teach at the IED (European Institude of Design), and I've noticed how new techniques of digital representation have changed not only the way we draw, but also the way we design.