Italian Designers to Support Now
Italy is one of the countries hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic. With the entire nation on lockdown, the fashion industry has been at a standstill. Some of the major houses have poured their resources into the fight against the virus: Giorgio Armani donated 1.25 million euros to Italian hospitals, while Prada donated hospital equipment and has been producing overalls and masks for health-care workers on the front lines. The Carla Fendi Foundation, founded in honor of the late executive, just donated hundreds of thousands of euros toward mask and ventilator production. Less-established designers are hunkering down and running their businesses from home, some donating a portion of online sales to charitable causes, others sending out messages of hope and support to their customers. For those of us holed up at home in the U.S. with an online shopping itch to scratch, here are some of our favorite independent Italian brands worth supporting during a difficult time.
1Gioia Bini linen dress, $880, luisaviaroma.com
Bini produces all of her pieces in Florence, most of them with deadstock fabrics discarded by bigger brands. This dirndl-inspired linen dress has us looking forward to sunny days ahead.
2Vibi Venezia velvet slippers, $108, vibivenezia.it
Made by two Venetian sisters, this bright, springy take on the classic furlane worn by gondoliers is a nice way to glam up a work-from-home ensemble.
3Missoni hooded bathrobe, $450, missoni.com
Missoni, a family-owned brand since the beginning, has always been a go-to for comfort and cheer. This fluffy robe is no exception.
4Salvatore Ferragamo garden of dreams silk scarf, $395, ferragamo.com
This cheerful scarf from the Florentine house of Ferragamo is a lovely way to add a touch of whimsy to days spent indoors.
5Antonio Marras draped jumpsuit, $1,574, antoniomarras.com
Wear this lovely lilac jumpsuit from Sardinian designer Antonio Marras around the house now, and dream of wearing it to parties with heels and big earrings later.
6La Double J silk pajama shirt, $515; and pants, $425, www.ladoublej.com
Based in Milan, designer JJ Martin takes vintage fabrics and turns them into mood-boosting contemporary designs. These printed PJs will make lounging around your living room feel like an occasion.
7Stella Jean striped Polo, $245, shopbop.com
Roman designer Stella Jean pulls inspiration from her Haitian-Italian heritage, turning out colorful clothes with a retro bent. This striped polo is an instant classic.
8Fendi suede flatform sandals, $690, fendi.com
It’s hard not to feel cheered up by these bubblegum pink flatforms from Fendi, still a family-run brand with headquarters in Rome.
9Blazé Milano blazer, $1,531, blaze-milano.com
Upstart brand Blazé Milano focuses on well-cut classics, like this lovely gingham blazer—perfect for chilly summer nights ahead.
10Brunello Cucinelli v-neck cashmere sweater, $1,495, shop.brunellocucinelli.com
Brunello Cucinelli’s line of neutral-hued classics has always been produced by artisans in the Umbrian town of Solomeo. This cozy cashmere sweater is like a hug in knitwear form.
11Etro jeans, $620, etro.com
Beloved for its jewel-toned paisley prints since the 1960s, Etro is a Milanese brand with a bohemian spirit. Consider these relaxed jeans as a playful version of your everyday staple.
12Prada kid mohair coat, $3,760, prada.com
This chocolate brown mohair coat is a piece you’ll cherish season after season. And there’s never been a better time to show Prada some love.
13Gismondi 1754 18-karat Rose Gold Pink Sapphire Chandelier Earrings, $47,190, neimanmarcus.com
The Genovese jeweler Gismondi 1754 has been sharing “small moments of lightness” with their Instagram followers, as well as optimistic messages from their homebound CEO. Consider these chandelier earrings a glimmer of hope.
