Stores
In Conversation:
Ryan Barrett, Ceramics Artist
London based ceramics artist, Ryan Barrett is working with new technologies allowing him to push the medium of clay to new boundaries, Ipswich born creative Ryan answers some inspirational questions.
What is your approach to a new project?
I normally start with a sketch which sometimes gets inputted into AI to modify and evolve my drawing for inspiration, I then input this into my computer to draw in VR from the inspirational images.
What are you up to right now? Particular project, launch, etc
I currently have a large Solo exhibition in Mayfair, London at Asprey Studio Gallery covering 43 new VR drawn sculptures made from porcelain.
How is your dressing style defined? Is there any style signifier you are known for? Do you have any particular styling rules?
I would like to define my style as modern with a pop of colour, whether that’s a brightly coloured sock or accessory a subtle hint of colour makes it more playful.
What is a piece of clothing that you will always cherish?
One of my favourite items currently is a ‘Workmans’ over jacket made from a solid robust material which I tend to slip over most daily looks, trying to not dirty it with clay.
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.
Which view from your past or present always inspires you?
Some of my most inspirational artists would be Barbara Hepworth along with the classic Henry Moore, they both understand sculptural forms from scale and material leaving a huge impact on myself.
What particular moment changed everything for you?
One of my big life changes was moving to London to study fine art at Goldsmiths, moving from a small town really opened up my doors to so many inspirational art exhibitions and exploring new adventures.
What object would you never part with?
One of my current tools I use on a daily basis working with clay would be my handcrafted wooden rib tools, used for shaping forms on the wheel. It's a very old tool but very common on the potter's wheel.
Where is your favourite place to travel to?
Japan is one of my top favourites currently, having so many cultural differences to the western world you really feel you have stepped into another planet. They also share my love of ceramics in a very refined way.
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 destinations are on your bucket list and why?
One of my bucket lists which I'm about to currently tick off is a Safari in the Serengeti of Tanzania filled with a huge variety of animals and nature making it a real inspirational trip for my work.
Why is Italy so important to you and why?
I really enjoy working in Italy, firstly the food is amazing but Italy is truly the fashion capital of luxury fashion, the craftsmanship produced is outstanding and I am fully excited every time I visit.
What's the best type of food to eat at this time of year?
I am a huge fan of potato dishes generally, but I always like to start early with a matured Tartiflette, which I love to make and host around this time of the year.
What object would you never part with?
One of my current tools I use on a daily basis working with clay would be my handcrafted wooden rib tools, used for shaping forms on the wheel. It's a very old tool but very common on the potter's wheel.
What is something that you've discovered recently?
One of my most recent discoveries that I have infused into my practice would be working with AI and using its powerful capabilities for producing inspiration.
Which music era intrigues you the most?
I love to jump between lots of different music era’s depending on my mood and what I'm doing. I go from Nina Simone, Acoustic African Jazz to RnB and Hiphop.
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
London based ceramics artist, Ryan Barrett is working with new technologies allowing him to push the medium of clay to new boundaries, Ipswich born creative Ryan answers some inspirational questions.
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.
What is your approach to a new project?
I normally start with a sketch which sometimes gets inputted into AI to modify and evolve my drawing for inspiration, I then input this into my computer to draw in VR from the inspirational images.
What are you up to right now? Particular project, launch, etc
I currently have a large Solo exhibition in Mayfair, London at Asprey Studio Gallery covering 43 new VR drawn sculptures made from porcelain.
How is your dressing style defined? Is there any style signifier you are known for? Do you have any particular styling rules?
I would like to define my style as modern with a pop of colour, whether that’s a brightly coloured sock or accessory a subtle hint of colour makes it more playful.
What is a piece of clothing that you will always cherish?
One of my favourite items currently is a ‘Workmans’ over jacket made from a solid robust material which I tend to slip over most daily looks, trying to not dirty it with clay.
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 view from your past or present always inspires you?
Some of my most inspirational artists would be Barbara Hepworth along with the classic Henry Moore, they both understand sculptural forms from scale and material leaving a huge impact on myself.
What particular moment changed everything for you?
One of my big life changes was moving to London to study fine art at Goldsmiths, moving from a small town really opened up my doors to so many inspirational art exhibitions and exploring new adventures.
What object would you never part with?
One of my current tools I use on a daily basis working with clay would be my handcrafted wooden rib tools, used for shaping forms on the wheel. It's a very old tool but very common on the potter's wheel.
Where is your favourite place to travel to?
Japan is one of my top favourites currently, having so many cultural differences to the western world you really feel you have stepped into another planet. They also share my love of ceramics in a very refined way.
Which destinations are on your bucket list and why?
One of my bucket lists which I'm about to currently tick off is a Safari in the Serengeti of Tanzania filled with a huge variety of animals and nature making it a real inspirational trip for my work.
Why is Italy so important to you and why?
I really enjoy working in Italy, firstly the food is amazing but Italy is truly the fashion capital of luxury fashion, the craftsmanship produced is outstanding and I am fully excited every time I visit.
What's the best type of food to eat at this time of year?
I am a huge fan of potato dishes generally, but I always like to start early with a matured Tartiflette, which I love to make and host around this time of the year.
What object would you never part with?
One of my current tools I use on a daily basis working with clay would be my handcrafted wooden rib tools, used for shaping forms on the wheel. It's a very old tool but very common on the potter's wheel.
What is something that you've discovered recently?
One of my most recent discoveries that I have infused into my practice would be working with AI and using its powerful capabilities for producing inspiration.
Which music era intrigues you the most?
I love to jump between lots of different music era’s depending on my mood and what I'm doing. I go from Nina Simone, Acoustic African Jazz to RnB and Hiphop.
London based ceramics artist, Ryan Barrett is working with new technologies allowing him to push the medium of clay to new boundaries, Ipswich born creative Ryan answers some inspirational questions.
What is your approach to a new project?
I normally start with a sketch which sometimes gets inputted into AI to modify and evolve my drawing for inspiration, I then input this into my computer to draw in VR from the inspirational images.
How is your dressing style defined? Is there any style signifier you are known for? Do you have any particular styling rules?
I would like to define my style as modern with a pop of colour, whether that’s a brightly coloured sock or accessory a subtle hint of colour makes it more playful.
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 is a piece of clothing that you will always cherish?
One of my favourite items currently is a ‘Workmans’ over jacket made from a solid robust material which I tend to slip over most daily looks, trying to not dirty it with clay.
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.
Which view from your past or present always inspires you?
Some of my most inspirational artists would be Barbara Hepworth along with the classic Henry Moore, they both understand sculptural forms from scale and material leaving a huge impact on myself.
Where is your favourite place to travel to?
Japan is one of my top favourites currently, having so many cultural differences to the western world you really feel you have stepped into another planet. They also share my love of ceramics in a very refined way.
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.
Which destinations are on your bucket list and why?
One of my bucket lists which I'm about to currently tick off is a Safari in the Serengeti of Tanzania filled with a huge variety of animals and nature making it a real inspirational trip for my work.
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 project, launch, etc
I currently have a large Solo exhibition in Mayfair, London at Asprey Studio Gallery covering 43 new VR drawn sculptures made from porcelain.
Why is Italy so important to you and why?
I really enjoy working in Italy, firstly the food is amazing but Italy is truly the fashion capital of luxury fashion, the craftsmanship produced is outstanding and I am fully excited every time I visit.
What's the best type of food to eat at this time of year?
I am a huge fan of potato dishes generally, but I always like to start early with a matured Tartiflette, which I love to make and host around this time of the year.
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.
What object would you never part with?
One of my current tools I use on a daily basis working with clay would be my handcrafted wooden rib tools, used for shaping forms on the wheel. It's a very old tool but very common on the potter's wheel.
What is something that you've discovered recently?
One of my most recent discoveries that I have infused into my practice would be working with AI and using its powerful capabilities for producing inspiration.
Which music era intrigues you the most?
I love to jump between lots of different music era’s depending on my mood and what I'm doing. I go from Nina Simone, Acoustic African Jazz to RnB and Hiphop.
What particular moment changed everything for you?
One of my big life changes was moving to London to study fine art at Goldsmiths, moving from a small town really opened up my doors to so many inspirational art exhibitions and exploring new adventures.