Allow me to (re)introduce you to Antonio Ciongoli. Now, I only met the gentleman five months ago, albeit I’ve known him virtually for over two years, and I already feel that my words here are not going to be enough.

Known as the godfather among the virtual set here, he’s a great combination of passion, conviction, humility and creativity. Rooted strongly in an appreciation for tradition and famiglia, the man is a true gentleman and a great friend. 

Coiner of the term Anglo-Italian Stile, Antonio’s curated aesthetic is what pervades through the internet and a lot of our debates on it today. A bona fide innovator, Signor Antonio has a long way to go and is certainly one to look out for.

Here’s to good times ahead my friend…

Allow me to introduce you to Signore Tonino Castiello. In one line, Tonino has been with ISAIA for longer than most of us have been on this planet.

The man is another true example of an ISAIA and Neapolitan man. Sincere, grounded, family and football loving gentleman who can appreciate clothing and discuss with you all things art and artisanal. 

It has been less than a week and I can’t wait to go to Napoli and explore all the things he has told me about. He has promised me a complete Sartoria Tour of Naples and I am truly stoked.

Ok, now about what he’s wearing today.

You know, when they say about wearing a jacket till it moulds to your body? This is a true example. I am sure even if someone his exact size wore his jacket, he would feel uncomfortable because that jacket is truly his!

Also in the lapel hole is an actual coral from II mare di Napoli carved specially as a gift for him by Ascione in Napoli.

Signore Tonino, “Io ho niente ma rispetto per voi”.

Grazie Mille!

Sometimes, an awesome knot is all you need to make your day…

“Aim for the big things in life and appreciate every little one.”

I know you’ve heard this many times before, but the Italians just do it better. 

I usually ditch my socks (for the no show version) at the smallest hint of summer. I don’t like smelly feet but I do love a little breeze on my ankle. 

On the other hand, my dear friend Angelo Lorusso does not let the summer sock the fun out of his life. I’ve always known about his impressive sock collection but yesterday he just smacked it out of the park with these linen striped Gallo socks.

The stripes were in the most beautiful tones and the socks looked really light and airy. The weave is slightly loose to allow for ventilation and from what Angelo says, one certainly feel the breeze when wearing one those.

I am sold. 

All right. It’s another day out with Leo and things only get better. He loves the weather and pulls out another one of his favorite pieces. Naples blue washed Twill, peak lapel, double breasted, double beasom with flap, ticket pocket and double vents.

And an advance lesson in how to rock a double breasted sportcoat with a polo t-shirt. (Exercise with a lot of Caution)

Day 2: Wardrobe Advice

The first sportcoat a man should invest in: Blue Hopsack, French Faced, Single Breasted, 3/2 roll, 2-patch welted breast, double vents, notch lapel with. And then he adds, super soft shoulders with as little padding as possible.

Allow me to introduce you to Leonardo Genova. The genius behind some of the most amazing fabrics by ISAIA.

For the last 8 years Leonardo has been a pivotal member of the ISAIA team working hard to help them earn their current reputation of Fabric Innovators of the Industry. 

Day 1: Wardrobe Philosophy

One piece of garment you take everywhere/Can’t live without: ISAIA Double Breasted jacket in the Cortina Model (two patch, welted breast, double vents) in a naples blue color. (as pictured)

I have to add that tie is a work of art. Hand stitched in a traditional cable chain stitch ending in a little fringe. Pure awesomeness.

The ISAIA tartan. Registered at the scottish registry for their Falll Winter 2011 collection!

Man they love their fabrics…

I can already see Wednesday being a Sartorial treat on top of a gastronomic one.

via tredicielupo:

Paolo is light years ahead of me.

Stop by the aforementioned Chicca or Savore, his first restaurant just up the block on Wednesday.  You won’t regret it.

Almost everything that we do here in the world of men’s clothing is driven largely by a strong attention to detail. Spend a decent amount of time here and you start observing the minutest of details in everything around you.

While going through some of Edward Hopper’s work a year ago, a relatively unknown contemporary realist painter, Christopher Stott, caught my eye. 

Since then he has grown to become my favorite contemporary artists by far; for he represents true composition, attention to detail and skill in its most purest form. His process and methodology is rudimentary but the product is surreal in its own unique way.

On days when I am completely demotivated, uninspired, sad or just bored, staring at some of his work seems to help. In some way it inspires me to dig deep and create the best I can.

I hope you all enjoy his work as much as I do.

Rugged Old Salt: Dressing and the modern Tom Rath

Sir,

These words represent a philosophy that I hope inspires a generation of smarter, more mindful and hence, better dressed men.

Thank you.

via ethandesu:

With times of financial insecurity, invariably there comes a return to proper business wear - the Friday casuals and tie-less weekdays become too risky for those whose superiors work in the same office, and convincing a client that you have their best interests are at heart when taking their money…