Authenticity is hard to pin down nowadays, especially in fashion: a profession where no one truly possesses the authority on an aesthetic or a garment. I first saw an Italian tailored jacket when I was 21 years old. While in reality I had already seen hundreds of pieces of 'Italian tailoring' — a genre of clothing that had become both well known in the international lexicon and popular domestically over the prior 30 years — this one was different, seemingly the real deal. Worn by a customer early in my career, he indulged my barrage of questions and explained that it was bespoke, made for him in Naples.
That discussion was one of the turning points of my life. During the last fifteen years I've toured obsessively around various makers and workshops, an education in craft and the elusive notion of authenticity. As Anglo-Italian marches into its 9th year, I have a duty to ensure that our growing team gets to have the same experiences, bearing witness to the heart and soul of a culture that underpins so much of what we do.
On a grey January morning, the entire team set off for Naples to visit the tailors and makers who I've been fortunate enough to know throughout my career. Showing the origins of the soft Italian tailoring that inspired Anglo-Italian and our bespoke department, whilst also capturing that precious notion of purity, authenticity and dedication. Aiming to honour this culture in our entire output, as purveyors of ready-to-wear collections, made-to-measure & bespoke tailoring as well as custom fabric, fleshing out the vision with books and zines to give context to classic garments. Paying homage to the tailors and makers who inspired us, whilst also contributing back to this culture.
Another important pillar of the trip was dubbed the 'Caravaggio Crawl', a tour of the artist's final works made before his untimely death. Visiting the Museo di Capodimonte, Gallerie d'Italia and the Pio Monte della Misericordia within a day was a sublime experience, neatly wrapped up with a dinner at Sottocoperta Taverna di Mare for some of the best seafood in the city. The next day we visited our good friend Luca Avitabile, followed by a quick tour of fabric merchants, tie-makers, and tailors, before heading to our trouser workshop, to catch up and check in on the upcoming season. Ending the trip with lunch at Ristorante Europeo Mattozzi, my favourite restaurant in Naples and the backdrop to so many happy memories.
So a big thank you to those who supported me early in my career, opening the door to a world that has given life to Anglo-Italian. The community of customers and friends we've built since means everything to us, and we’re committed to doing our best for both you and the culture we reference. Finally to Nicolo and my fabulous team, thank you for joining me and for being equally enthralled by this city.
— Jake Grantham
Photography: Nicolo De March
Additional Photography: Andrew Leeming
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