Smalto. Founded by Francesco Smalto in 1962, the Smalto brand has grown from humble beginnings to become a benchmark for luxury menswear and couture suiting.
After creating stage costumes at the age of 14, Francesco decided he wanted to move to Paris to start his own bespoke tailoring business. In just a few short years, he went from costume designer to respected suit maker, designing for the who's who of European high society. By 1965, the signature Smalto piece was the thigh-high men's boot that reinforced Smalto's role in changing the face of the design world, establishing new norms for menswear. A few years after this iconic design, Francesco launched his deluxe ready-to-wear collection, finally cementing his name as one synonymous with couture tailoring.
Always keeping up-to-date and revolutionizing the style of the time, Smalto's designs flowed through the decades, particularly adapting to the free form of the 1970s. Iconic Smalto suits of this period were noted for their flared trousers, square-shouldered jackets and use of rich materials, such as cashmere.
When suiting up became a sign of power and status in the 1980s, Smalto was one of the top designer choices, especially for the high profile celebrity crowd. Using modern, luxurious fabrics for a more billowing shape, the tailor once again adapted to the style of the decade. |
