Italian for Italy is first born as a lifestyle brand, tuned-in on a balance between simple elegance and that immense baggage of culture that belongs to us.
Let's take the tour these bags took to be now 100% proudly Made In Italy. Whether being made in Tunisia or Spain, they were born Made by Italians around the world with no rules but talent, dedication, tradition, craftsmanship, quality and authenticity. No wonder they became the must in Italy, Ibiza and the Mediterranean: with a gipsy Italian bag you don't need more than your own character, your habits, your culture, your lifestyle.
Considering that one of the pillars of the Italian way is not following the rules, set your taste free to run casually without being obnoxious about it, it's ok just to feel comfortable within your own skin and one bag with its own personality.
It may not be a beginner's approach, but when you master it, it will be like removing the training wheels and balancing a bike in the park. You'll feel liberated, elated, happy and confident. Grown up league that, if you stick around, you'll be able to make it happen.
No matter the latitude, the Italian style is recognized all over the world and speaks a language that blends with every culture. Italian for Italy has this common denominator called Italians.
I have had the pleasure of exchanging ideas and conversing with the two brilliant minds behind these revolutionary bags. Read along to gather another tassel of the Italian style puzzle.
Name Paco Polenghi & Alessandra Colombo
Occupation Creative director and Designer, we are both founders of ITALIAN FOR ITALY
I live in between Milan and Ibiza
And I am from Milan
“We all should make an effort to advocate for high-quality goods that start and end in Italy.”
ON THE ITALIAN WAY
FB - Does ‘Made in Italy’ still hold its crown?
Paco & Alessandra - As to craftsmanship and tradition absolutely yes, even though we should all make more efforts to advocate high-quality goods that start and end Italian against the false claims and production practices of the big industries and brands.
FB - What’s an absolute no in Italian style?
Paco & Alessandra - Low quality and mass market
as captured by The Sartorialist
FB - Do accessories define a look? If so, is there a percentage of accessories in a look that cuts it?
P&A - Yes they do, but there's no rules, it's the details that define a look: one or many it doesn't matter.
FB - Can a bag hold three adjectives like revolutionary, luxurious and recycled at the same time?
P&A - If yes, it means it's an Italian for Italy bag!
FB - Is there someone that you deem worth representing the essence of Italian style?
P&A - Luchino Visconti
Luchino Visconti, il conte Luchino Visconti di Modrone
FB - I am compiling the first Dictionary of Italian Style and I am asking everyone for a one-word definition. What is that noun, adjective, mood, person or scent that says Italian to you?
P&A - Mediterraneo
TRUE or FALSE
FB - Fashion and trends are two opposite pulling forces.
P&A - False
FB - To have an Italian style one should wear Italian designer clothing in total looks?
P&A - False
FB - Denim: is it for dress-down-Fridays or meant to be dressed up with a smoking jacket?
P&A - We always love denim, but never with a smoking jacket!
PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL
FB - What’s the book on your nightstand?
Paco - My diary
Alessandra - “Myths and legends of India”
FB - Is there a scene of a movie that you always dreamed to be in?
Paco - When Totò sells the Trevi Fountain in “Tototruffa 62”
Alessandra - When Carmine (Marcello Mastroianni) serenades Adelina (Sophia Loren) from outside the prison in “Yesterday, today and tomorrow”
FB - You see a bowl of pasta: you feel the pleasure of eating it or you think of how many boot-camp sessions you will have to endure after?
P&A (in unison) We feel the pleasure of eating it for sure!
FB - What annoys you?
Paco - Politics
Alessandra - Gossip
FB - You are currently listening to (we don’t judge, we know it’s on repeat)
Paco - Sixto Rodriguez “Sugar Man”
Alessandra - George Harrison “My sweet Lord”