Three Under-the-Radar Italian Brands You Need to Know in 2020
If Italian fashion suffers from anything, it's an overabundance. On the not-so-great end of the spectrum, we're talking too-flashy logos, and too-tight trousers—the sort of design decisions that seem like they might have been fueled by too much espresso (or, perhaps, Barolo).
But we're not talking about the not-so-great stuff right now. Instead, we're talking about the very great stuff, of which there is a lot. So much, in fact, that some of it may have slipped past you without you even knowing you missed it. That just won't stand! The people need to know what's out there. That's why we scoured the—also very abundant—lineup of brands at Pitti Uomo in Florence and picked three (just three!) essential labels that you absolutely need on your radar right now. Here they are.
Herno
Herno is what happens when an absolute obsession with the best manufacturing, materials, and processes come together under one umbrella. The brand is dedicated to super-high-quality sportswear—the wildly warm, ultra lightweight down outerwear is a standout—that sits outside of the trend cycle and fits perfectly. If you're in the market for more traditional fabrics with full-on technical capabilities, check out the Laminar collection. And for especially eco-conscious stuff, look to Herno Globe, which encompasses all the earth-friendly projects from the labels main line.
Lardini x Yosuke Aizawa
You might have seen Lardini's signature lapel flower before. Maybe on an effortless-looking unstructured blazer, or an exquisitely tailored overcoat. Now, that signature design detail is coming (in entirely new ways) to high-tech outerwear and sneakers, courtesy of White Mountaineering founder Yosuke Aizawa. The Japanese designer, who has officially declared his singular devotion to "creating innovative products," pulled together a capsule collection of eight coats and three sneakers for Lardini. The pieces are seamed-sealed, waterproof, multi-layered—truly technical stuff, but not intimidatingly so. It all drops this fall, so keep an eye out.
Altea
There are a few different ways you could think of Milanese label Altea. You might, if you're so inclined, see it as an accessories brand. That's fair: the scarves, especially, are exceptional, and that was the big worldwide push from its fourth-generation owners in the '70s. You might also think of it as a knitwear brand, owing to the very good sweaters it produces, which combine rich color combos and pattern work and cost a lot less than you'd expect. Or you could think of it as a tailoring brand, an outerwear offering... the list goes on. And the truth is, it's all of these things—and certainly worthy of a second look. Oh, and probably a place in your closet, too.
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