An interesting comparison from Pitti

[itsstillmatt]

Here are the heads of two well known Italian brands in the US. It is interesting to see the difference between how the two are dressed. Cucinelli is very relaxed and epitomizes the sort of relaxed/Anglophile/Italian look that you see a lot and Borrelli epitomizes the more Italian/Italian look that is also common. I think that both are very valid styles when done well. I have to say that our friend Soph is as close to FB as I can imagine in style.

 

[A Y]

I've been really enjoying the Satorialist's Pitti Uomo blog, and I think it goes to show that there's a very wide variety of valid, authentic Italian style out there. It kind of makes you think twice about trying to capture that style by just wearing certain brands, which seems kind of impossible since a large part of it is so personal.

--Andre

P.S. Here's the blog site:

http://men.style.com/fashion/blogs/sartorialist

 

[horton]

Excellent post! I was just today thinking about something analogous, namely mixing and matching among Italian brands especially for business casual (i.e., up to sportsjackets and ties).

For example, with Borrelli I find it hard to match Borrelli pieces with other brands and have them look nearly as good when paired with other Borrelli pieces -- in fact I've stopped trying and find myself having Borrelli-days like today when I'm wearing Borrelli shirt, trousers and sweater (and Mantellassi loafers which essentially are Borrelli shoes too). Obviously a lot has to deal with the fit, e.g., being trimmer cut, but I think it goes deeper than that, e.g., into the variety of textures and color palettes (sp?). I don't quite have my finger on it.

Also, I like a lot of Italian brands, but find I have to be the most cautious with Borrelli because some pieces look great in the store but then when tried on are just too Italian (on me, perhaps not for others)!

On the other hand, I find other brands to be the exact opposite. For example with Luciano Barbera I find their sweaters and slacks to be very versatile and easy to coordinate. Their shirts sometimes are uninspiring when viewed in isolation (e.g., looking too busy) but when paired with trousers or sweater look much, much better.

Great thread

 

[chorse123]

Yikes. Something about that first picture bothers me, perhaps the heavy stitching in the quarters. It makes me think of a pharmacists coat.

 

[zjpj83]

The second guy's outfit just looks uncomfortable to my eye. A close-up could probably be used to determine whether he was circumcised. I hope that this obsession with slim pants and tight everything tones down a bit sometime soon.

 

[horton]

Originally Posted by zjpj83

The second guy's outfit just looks uncomfortable to my eye. A close-up could probably be used to determine whether he was circumcised. I hope that this obsession with slim pants and tight everything tones down a bit sometime soon.


+1

I tried on a pair of Borrelli pants one time (or attempted such) that were so tight at the ankle opening I could barely get my foot through them. That pair of pants was an example of what I meant by too Italian. Likewise while I don't mind slightly higher pants when there's a trim leg (indeed I think it's essential) the second guys pants are just too high.

 

[itsstillmatt]

Originally Posted by horton

+1

I tried on a pair of Borrelli pants one time (or attempted such) that were so tight at the ankle opening I could barely get my foot through them. That pair of pants was an example of what I meant by too Italian. Likewise while I don't mind slightly higher pants when there's a trim leg (indeed I think it's essential) the second guys pants are just too high.
Well, I think that it all depends on how it is done. My suit pants are about 16.5 at the bottom, and my odd trousers are around 15.5, but they never have the appearance of some of these very thigh peged trousers. I don't really know why that is. I have tried on some of the Borrelli's that measure larger but fit tighter. Anyway, I think that both guys look good.

 

[NoVaguy]

really hate those pants on the second picture. they look like tights to me.