Behind The Brand: Berluti
Words: Holly
Berluti, a name synonymous with style, elegance and unparalleled craftsmanship – founded by Alessandro Berluti – the French brand is renowned for their deep understanding of the mastery of footwear, consistently producing beautiful shoes for the well shod gentleman since its birth in 1895. On October 20th 1865, Alessandro Berluti was born in the small Italian port town of Senigallia, in Le Marche on the Adriatic coast.
It was there that the man behind the brand’s future began to unfold. Beginning as an apprentice, constructing carriages from wood, seats and reins in leather. During these years of hard work he made friends with the old master shoemaker of his village and discovered with him the shoemaker’s craft and its severe demands: skilled wood carving to ensure the upmost accuracy of the last, due attention to the leather to ensure the quality of the shoe, and the necessity of perfection to please the client.
In 1882, with his fully fledged skills under his belt, he found himself in Paris, where the Berluti brand was born.
To this day, the French brand makes no apologies for their exceptionally luxurious garments and accessories, using the finest fabrics and made in the most impeccable of fashions. This luxury goods company has been undergoing a major transformation since 2011, with the introduction of LVMH’s Antoine Arnault as CEO and Alessandro Sartori as artistic director. In 2012, Berluti completed the full circle of services by offering bespoke tailoring with the acquisition of the historic Parisian tailor, Arnys and the introduction of their first ready-to-wear collection. Berluti really has secured itself as the best of the best.
The Berluti man is undeniably one of elegance and exquisite taste, yet he wears “his elegance lightly”. Even since it’s earliest days, the house of Berluti has been bold enough to experiment and bend the rules. In their own words, they stretch such boundaries with looks such as, “a three-piece suit worn with boots, a soft-collared shirt worn with a bow tie, a trouser leg flattering the calf like jeans.” Such small but important rule bending means that the Berluti man can build the most perfect of classical wardrobes, but can also take pleasure in knowing that he is simultaneously making his own unique style statement.
For more information, visit berluti.com.
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
Further reading
Nick Wakeman, founder of Studio Nicholson, on kickstarting her brand as a one woman show
Filippo Pignatti, founder of Gentleman's Gram, shares his secret style codes
