Santoni: When Italian Craftsmanship Becomes a Way of Life

Editorial
02/07/2026

Born in the Heart of Italy

Santoni’s story began in 1975 in Corridonia, in Italy’s Marche region, one of the country’s historic centers of shoemaking. Founder Andrea Santoni established his workshop with a simple ambition: to create uncompromising shoes, entirely made in Italy and built to last.

From the very beginning, the house distinguished itself through an unwavering attention to detail, the careful selection of exceptional leathers, and a relentless pursuit of quality.

Giuseppe Santoni’s Vision

In the early 1990s, Andrea’s son, Giuseppe Santoni, gradually took the helm of the family business. His vision was clear: preserve the artisanal soul of the brand while introducing it to an international audience.

As Santoni expanded into the world’s leading luxury capitals, it earned the trust of discerning clients across Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and Asia. Yet despite its global success, every pair continues to be crafted in Italy, where highly skilled artisans uphold the house’s uncompromising standards.

Craftsmanship as a Signature

A Santoni shoe is the result of dozens of hours of meticulous work.

Every stage, from selecting the leather and cutting each piece to stitching, lasting, polishing, and the house’s Velatura, Santoni’s iconic hand-colouring technique is carried out with extraordinary precision.

This distinctive method has become one of Santoni’s defining signatures. Applied layer by layer, it creates a remarkable depth of color that cannot be replicated through industrial production. No two pairs are ever exactly alike, giving each creation its own character.

Heritage Meets Modernity

While Santoni first earned its reputation through classic dress shoes, the brand has gradually expanded its universe to include luxury sneakers, loafers, boots, leather goods, and accessories.

The design language remains timeless and understated, while technical innovations enhance comfort without compromising traditional craftsmanship. It is this balance between heritage and modernity that continues to attract both tailoring enthusiasts and a new generation drawn to refined Italian design.

More Than Just a Shoe

Over the decades, Santoni has become far more than a shoemaker.

The house represents a distinctly Italian vision of luxury: discreet, refined, and deeply rooted in human craftsmanship. Every creation reflects the time devoted to its making, the respect for exceptional materials, and the dedication of the artisans behind it.

Because the finest shoes are not simply made to be worn, they are made to accompany a lifetime!

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Confier: Seoul’s Most Intimate Fine Dining Experience

Editorial
03/06/2026

A Hidden Culinary Gem in Seoul

In a city filled with increasingly ambitious fine dining destinations, Confier has quietly become one of Seoul’s most exclusive gastronomic experiences. Discreet, intimate and deeply detail oriented, the restaurant embodies a more personal and emotional vision of contemporary luxury dining.

Located in Seoul, Confier blends French culinary precision with subtle Korean influences, creating an atmosphere that feels both globally refined and distinctly local.

 

A Restaurant Built Around Emotion and Precision

Rather than focusing on spectacle, Confier is built around subtlety.

The restaurant’s minimalist interior, soft lighting and calm atmosphere create an experience that feels almost private. Every detail, from the pacing of the service to the presentation of each plate, is designed to slow down the rhythm of the city outside.

At Confier, luxury is expressed through restraint.

Contemporary French Cuisine with Korean Sensibility

The cuisine at Confier reflects a modern interpretation of French gastronomy while integrating Korean ingredients and seasonal influences with remarkable balance.

Each dish feels highly composed yet natural, allowing textures, acidity and depth of flavor to remain perfectly controlled without becoming overly technical or demonstrative.

The tasting menu evolves constantly according to the seasons, reinforcing the restaurant’s intimate connection to ingredients and terroir.

One of Seoul’s Most Exclusive Dining Experiences

Part of what makes Confier so desirable is its discretion.

Unlike many internationally recognized restaurants that operate with theatrical energy, Confier offers a far quieter form of exclusivity. Reservations are limited, the atmosphere remains understated and the experience feels designed for guests who value refinement over visibility.

It is this approach that has made Confier increasingly respected among Seoul’s luxury dining scene and international gastronomy enthusiasts alike.

Why Confier Represents the Evolution of Modern Luxury

Confier perfectly captures the direction modern luxury dining is taking in Asia.

More intimate.
More emotional.
More restrained.

It is not a restaurant designed to overwhelm guests. Instead, it creates a feeling of calm sophistication that lingers long after the final course.

In Seoul’s rapidly evolving gastronomic landscape, Confier proves that the future of luxury may not be louder or more extravagant, but quieter, more thoughtful and infinitely more refined.

Gentleman Jungle Verdict

Confier is one of those rare restaurants that feels almost cinematic in its atmosphere.

An address defined not by excess, but by precision, intimacy and elegance ; offering one of Seoul’s most sophisticated contemporary dining experiences.

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Allen: The Seoul Restaurant Redefining Modern Korean Fine Dining

Editorial
27/05/2026

A Quietly Iconic Address in Seoul

In a city where the culinary scene evolves at an extraordinary pace, few restaurants manage to create something truly timeless. In Seoul, Allen has become one of those rare destinations.

Located in the heart of Gangnam, Restaurant Allen has established itself as one of South Korea’s most refined fine dining experiences, blending French precision with a deeply Korean identity.

Chef Allen Suh’s International Vision

Behind the restaurant is chef Allen Suh, whose career includes time in some of the world’s most demanding kitchens, including New York’s legendary Eleven Madison Park.

After years abroad, Suh returned to Korea with a clear ambition: to create a restaurant rooted in Korean ingredients and culture, while operating at the level of the world’s greatest gastronomic institutions.

Rather than following the trend of “fusion cuisine,” Allen delivers something far more sophisticated: a seamless dialogue between Korean terroir and contemporary haute cuisine.

Minimalism, Precision and Ingredient-Driven Luxury

The restaurant’s aesthetic reflects its philosophy perfectly.

Minimal architecture.
Soft lighting.
Muted tones.
Absolute calm.

The true focus remains the ingredients themselves. The restaurant works extensively with premium Korean produce sourced across the country, from wild herbs and seasonal vegetables to aged Hanwoo beef and exceptional seafood.

Each dish feels carefully constructed to express both place and season.

A Contemporary Interpretation of Korean Gastronomy

What makes Allen particularly fascinating is its ability to modernize Korean gastronomy without losing authenticity.

French techniques are present throughout the menu, but always in service of Korean flavors rather than overpowering them. The result is a cuisine that feels elegant, restrained and incredibly balanced.

Unlike many contemporary fine dining restaurants, Allen avoids unnecessary theatrics.

Michelin Recognition and Global Attention

In only a few years, Restaurant Allen has become one of the most respected tables in Asia’s growing gastronomic landscape.

Awarded two Michelin stars, the restaurant now attracts an international clientele searching for a more understated and culturally rooted form of luxury dining.

Why Allen Represents the Future of Luxury Dining in Asia

Allen perfectly embodies the evolution of modern luxury in Asia.

Less ostentatious.
More intentional.
More cultural.
More refined.

At a time when many restaurants compete to create the most extravagant experience possible, Allen chooses something far more difficult: emotional subtlety.

Gentleman Jungle Verdict

Restaurant Allen is not trying to be Seoul’s loudest restaurant.

And that is exactly why it stands out.

An elegant, deeply contemporary destination that captures the extraordinary rise of Korea’s modern gastronomic scene and the growing global influence of Seoul as one of the world’s most exciting luxury capitals.

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Defender OCTA: the ultimate fusion of power and refinement

Editorial
22/04/2026

A name carved from strength

“OCTA” is not just a badge.

It comes from octahedron, one of the strongest geometric structures in nature, also found in diamonds. A subtle reference to rigidity, resilience, and ultimate performance.

Everything about this Defender has been engineered to handle more:

  • more speed
  • more impact
  • more terrain
  • more intensity
Credit : Land Rover

635 horsepower of controlled brutality

At its core, the Defender OCTA is powered by a twin-turbo V8 pushing around 635 horsepower.

Zero to 100 km h takes under 4 seconds, a figure that feels almost surreal for a vehicle of this size.

But raw power isn’t the story.

It’s how that power is deployed.

The OCTA introduces advanced 6D Dynamics suspension, a system designed to eliminate pitch and roll while maintaining full contact with the ground, even in extreme conditions.

This is not traditional off road engineering.

This is high speed off road thinking.

Imagine crossing a desert at over 140 km h, the terrain constantly shifting beneath you, and yet the vehicle remains composed, precise, almost effortless.

It doesn’t just go anywhere.

It goes anywhere fast.

Credit : Gentleman Jungle
Credit : Gentleman Jungle

The rise of performance off-road luxury

Inside, the story shifts.

This is no longer a utilitarian cabin.

It’s a performance lounge.

New performance seats, more sculpted and supportive, hold you in place whether you’re carving through asphalt or flying over sand.

Materials remain true to Defender DNA: robust, tactile, built to last. But everything feels sharper, more focused, more intentional.

Luxury, here, is not softness.

It’s control.

Credit : Gentleman Jungle
Credit : Gentleman Jungle

Built for impact

The OCTA is engineered for extreme environments:

  • reinforced structure
  • increased ground clearance
  • wider stance
  • optimized geometry for durability

Every element has been reconsidered for one purpose:

Absorbing punishment without compromise.

This is a Defender that expects to be pushed.

Hard.

Credit : Gentleman Jungle
Credit : Gentleman Jungle

A new kind of status

The OCTA does not follow the usual codes of automotive luxury.

It doesn’t try to blend in. It doesn’t try to reassure.

Where others filter the world, the OCTA embraces it ; in its rawest, most unpredictable form.

It doesn’t promise a softened experience.

It promises control.

This is not a city SUV. Even if you can…

It’s a tool to go where the road ends.

Credit : Gentleman Jungle
Credit : Gentleman Jungle

Gentleman Jungle verdict

Some SUVs are built for the city.

Others for the image.

This one is built for reality. Extreme reality.

The Defender OCTA is what happens when luxury stops trying to protect you from the world
and starts giving you the tools to conquer it.

A machine that doesn’t soften the experience but amplifies it.

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Don Juan II: Paris’ Most Exclusive Michelin Star on Water

Editorial
22/04/2026

A Michelin star that cruises the Seine

Don Juan II is not just a dinner cruise.

It is the only boat in the world to hold a Michelin star, awarded in 2022.

Each evening, a limited number of guests board near the Eiffel Tower for a 2.5 hour cruise through the heart of Paris. The Louvre, Notre Dame, the Grand Palais glide by but the real focus remains on the plate.

This is not just a setting.

It is part of the experience.

Credit : Gentleman Jungle
Credit : Gentleman Jungle

Frédéric Anton: precision meets elegance

Anton’s cuisine is unmistakable: technical, refined, and stripped of unnecessary complexity, yet executed with absolute precision.

The menu evolves with the seasons and unfolds like a carefully composed sequence:
langoustine ravioli with parmesan, poultry with morels, chocolate pistachio soufflé…

Each dish balances intensity and finesse, with a visual identity that is both elegant and controlled. This is author driven cuisine at its purest form where every detail matters.

Credit : Sodexo
Credit : Gentleman Jungle

An Art Deco yacht, intimate by design

With fewer than 40 guests per service, Don Juan II offers a rare level of intimacy.

The décor blends Art Deco influences with fine woods and bespoke textiles, creating a warm, almost cinematic atmosphere.

You dine in a cocoon while Paris becomes a moving masterpiece outside your window.

And then comes the highlight:

stepping onto the deck, champagne in hand, facing the illuminated Eiffel Tower.

Credit : Gentleman Jungle
Credit : Gentleman Jungle

More than a dinner, a complete experience

Don Juan II is not just a restaurant.

It is a fully orchestrated expression of French art de vivre.

An evening here combines:

a Michelin starred culinary performance
a private immersion into Paris by night
a sensory experience that goes far beyond food

All conducted with the rigor of a great chef and the poetry of a river journey.

Credit : Gentleman Jungle
Credit : Gentleman Jungle

Gentleman Jungle verdict

In a city filled with exceptional tables, Don Juan II achieves something rare: it creates a genuinely singular experience.

Not just one of the finest restaurants in Paris,
but arguably one of the most spectacular dining experiences in the world.

A place to reserve for moments that truly matter.

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ALTO x Bernar Venet: when sculpture becomes horology

Editorial
22/04/2026

Bernar Venet: rigor, chaos, and gravity

A major figure on the international art scene for over six decades, Bernar Venet has built a body of work that is instantly recognizable.

His vocabulary is intentionally minimal: lines, arcs, angles. Yet behind this simplicity lies a constant tension between order and entropy.

His monumental corten steel sculptures seem to capture a frozen moment of collapse. A fall. A controlled imbalance. For Venet, form is never decorative. It is the direct consequence of forces acting upon matter.

Gravity. Accident. Physics.

This is precisely the language ALTO set out to translate.

Credit : Alto
Credit : Gentleman Jungle

A watch as a micro sculpture

At the core of this piece lies an almost philosophical question:
how do you contain a collapse within a few millimeters?

The dial becomes a miniature sculpture. An entanglement of arcs, composed like a controlled fall. It may appear spontaneous, almost accidental. In reality, everything is precisely calculated.

Relief plays with light. Edges, hollows, intersections: each surface captures and reflects shadows differently. The hands do not simply move above the dial. They interact with it.

Credit : Alto
Credit : Alto

Matter as a living experience

Everything begins with material.

After extensive experimentation, a proprietary bronze alloy was developed. Its patina, stabilized yet alive, directly echoes the warm, evolving tones of Venet’s sculptures.

This is where the watch transcends its object status.

It lives.

Over time, it evolves subtly, adapting to its wearer. Like a sculpture exposed to the elements, but scaled to daily life.

A movement against time

Beneath this wearable sculpture lies serious watchmaking:

  • A01 automatic caliber with micro rotor
  • 48 hour power reserve
  • 4 Hz frequency
  • 5 ATM water resistance
  • 40 mm case, 68 grams

One detail stands out: a “back in time” seconds hand rotating in reverse.

A conceptual gesture, perfectly aligned with Venet’s universe, where time and matter are never fixed.

Credit : Alto
Credit : Alto

From monumental to intimate

This project emerged from a two year dialogue between Thibaud Guittard and Bernar Venet, alongside Raphaël Abeillon, ALTO’s Creative Director.

The challenge was simple to express, complex to execute:
reduce the scale without losing the intention.

The result is not a reproduction. It is a condensation.

A watch that does not imitate art. It preserves its tension, its logic, its force.

Credit : Gentleman Jungle
Credit : Alto

Absolute rarity

Ten pieces. No more.

Each one individually validated by the artist.

This rarity is not a marketing argument. It is the direct consequence of the technical and artistic precision required to master a living material and a sculptural dial of this complexity.

Gentleman Jungle verdict

Some watches tell the time.

Others tell a story.

This one embodies an idea.

A reflection on gravity, time, and transformation. A piece that lives, evolves, and asserts a rare presence on the wrist.

In a watch industry saturated with opportunistic collaborations, ALTO delivers something far more radical:

a piece that does not try to seduce

but to exist.

Credit : Alto
Credit : Alto

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Chapal, The Leather House That Defined Aviation Style

Editorial
31/03/2026

A story that begins in 1832

Founded in 1832 in the foothills of the Massif Central, Chapal emerged at a time when France stood as one of the world’s leading centers for leather and fur craftsmanship. The house quickly specialized in the treatment of rabbit and sheep skins, developing innovative tanning and transformation techniques.

By the early 20th century, Chapal had become a major player in the European fur industry. Its expertise reached far beyond France, particularly in the United States, where its technical innovations attracted significant industrial interest.

But it was with the rise of aviation that Chapal truly entered legend.

Credit : CHAPAL archive
Credit : CHAPAL archive

The jackets that accompanied aviation pioneers

In the 1920s and 1930s, pilots flew in open cockpits, exposed to extreme temperatures. Their garments needed to withstand freezing winds while maintaining flexibility and comfort.

Chapal responded by furnishing leather and creating innovative process on shearling for flight jackets that quickly became a reference for aviators. The House notably crafted leather jackets and overalls for French aircraft pilots, combining durability with refined craftsmanship.

Among them, the iconic 1914 jacket stands as one of the very first true flight jackets in history. A now legendary piece that would go on to influence military outerwear. The A1 ; A2 and B3 are other examples of modern leather jackets available in the collection.

This aeronautical heritage remains deeply embedded in Chapal’s identity today.

Credit : CHAPAL archive
Credit : Gentleman Jungle

A natural companion to the automobile

With the rise of the automobile Chapal naturally extended its expertise to the world of driving. Its driving and racing outfits became one of the house’s signatures.

Designed to provide both precision and comfort, they accompany classic car enthusiasts and modern collectors alike. The leather is supple, the fit exact, and the sensation behind the wheel perfectly controlled.

Credit : CHAPAL archive
Credit : CHAPAL archive

Those who wear Chapal

Some houses are defined not only by what they create, but by those who choose to wear them. Not through endorsement, but through affinity.

Jean-Paul Belmondo, with his effortless charisma, embodied a form of masculine elegance that felt instinctive rather than constructed. A leather jacket worn without intention, yet always with presence. In a more contemporary register, Jean Dujardin carries forward this distinctly French balance between classicism and ease.

Credit : Le Figaro Magazine
Credit : L’Equipe Magazine

Still made in France

At a time when much of luxury has become industrialized, Chapal continues to produce in France, in its historic manufacture in Crocq, in the Creuse region.

Each piece passes through the hands of skilled artisans specialized in tanning, cutting, assembling and finishing leather. Some skins require months of work before becoming a garment.

This artisanal approach explains the longevity of Chapal pieces. A jacket is not simply worn, it evolves. It develops a patina, a character, and often becomes something to pass on.

At the same time, the house is reconnecting with its international roots. In 2025, Chapal returns to New York City under the direction of Jean-François Bardinon, the 8th generation of Chapal family. This return is more than symbolic. It echoes a transatlantic story that began in the late 19th century, when Emile Chapal established several tanneries and factories in the United States, including one in Brooklyn. At the time, the house was producing sheepskins for flight jackets destined for the American Air Force, as well as felt hats made from rabbit hair.

Credit : Craft Partners
Credit : A-Theory

The elegance of time

In a world driven by constant novelty, Chapal reminds us that true objects can transcend decades without losing relevance.

A brown flight jacket, a perfectly fitted pair of driving shoes or a handmade leather travel bag are not just elements of style. They are fragments of history.

They echo the first flights above the clouds, the winding roads driven in exceptional machines, and the enduring story of a French house that has been shaping leather with the same level of excellence for nearly two centuries.

Credit : Craft Partners
Credit : Craft Partners

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Megève: The Signature Destination of Alpine Elegance

Editorial
25/03/2026

A Legacy Shaped by European Elite

Megève’s destiny changed in the 1920s when Noémie de Rothschild envisioned it as the French answer to St. Moritz. Her ambition was clear: to create a refined destination where lifestyle mattered just as much as sport.

The vision quickly attracted aristocrats, artists, and prominent families. Yet Megève never surrendered to ostentation. Its luxury remains quiet, almost confidential.

That original DNA is still felt today, from century old chalets to iconic addresses that have shaped the village’s identity.

This architectural identity was notably shaped by Henry Jacques Le Même, a pioneering figure who reimagined the alpine chalet through a more modern and functional lens, while preserving its original spirit.

Living the Megève Experience: Between Heritage and Intimacy

There are places that define Megève not only by reputation, but by emotion.
Les Fermes de Marie is one of them.

Created from centuries old Alpine farms carefully dismantled and rebuilt, the property tells a story of preservation and reinvention. Each chalet carries its own soul, blending raw wood, antique pieces, and a deeply comforting atmosphere.

Mornings here begin slowly, with generous breakfasts that feel more like a ritual than a meal. Afternoons drift naturally toward the indoor pool and spa, where time seems to soften. It is less a hotel than a way of inhabiting the mountains.

In a different yet equally refined spirit, Four Seasons Hotel Megève offers a more contemporary vision of alpine luxury. Its Japanese restaurant brings an unexpected sharpness to the local culinary scene, while suites open onto spectacular views.

Hidden within, a discreet wine cellar hosts private tastings in an atmosphere that feels almost secret. Upstairs, the Cigar Lounge becomes a natural meeting point after sunset.

For those seeking an even more intimate retreat, Zannier Le Chalet stands apart. Its spa, carved into a hushed and mineral setting, and its rooms of rare elegance create a deeply personal experience of Megève.

A Skier’s Paradise… And Much More

With more than 400 kilometers of slopes connected to the Évasion Mont Blanc domain, Megève caters equally to leisurely skiers and lovers of vast alpine landscapes.

Skiing here is not just sport. It is perspective. Few moments rival descending a slope with the Mont Blanc rising in the distance.

But reducing Megève to skiing would miss its essence.

You can cross silent forests on snowshoes, glide across sunlit Nordic plateaus, or set off on a dog sled through untouched landscapes.

And for a truly singular experience, Aérocime Megève offers private flights over the massif. Taking off on snow and flying above the Aiguille du Midi transforms the mountains into something almost unreal.

A Destination for Taste and Elegance

Megève has established itself as one of the Alps’ leading culinary destinations, thanks in part to Emmanuel Renaut and his three Michelin starred restaurant Le Flocon de Sel.

Deeply rooted in Savoyard terroir, his cuisine elevates mountain ingredients with contemporary precision.

But gastronomy in Megève extends far beyond its starred tables.

Institutions like La Fromagerie capture the spirit of the village. Warm, authentic, and unmistakably alpine, it remains a place where evenings stretch naturally around shared dishes and conversation.

Beyond the table, Megève is also a destination for shopping. From discreet luxury boutiques such as Allard to curated alpine concept stores, strolling through the village becomes an experience in itself, somewhere between Parisian elegance and mountain authenticity.

The Art of Living in the Mountains

What truly sets Megève apart may be its perfect balance between sport, elegance, and gentle living.

Visitors arrive for the skiing, certainly. But they stay for everything in between: slow walks through the village, afternoons spent in exceptional spas, late lunches turning into early evenings, and that constant presence of the mountains just beyond the windows.

Why Megève Remains Timeless

Some destinations follow trends. Others move through decades without ever losing their identity. Megève firmly belongs to the latter.

Its strength lies in a rare alchemy: authenticity, sophistication, and heritage.

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Why Globe-Trotter Has Become a Travel Icon

Editorial
16/01/2026

The gentleman traveller’s suitcase

In a world where travel has become routine and airports sometimes feel more like shopping malls than gateways to elsewhere, a few rare objects still manage to turn every departure into something meaningful.

The Globe Trotter suitcase is one of them.

Founded in 1897 in England, the British house has been crafting handmade luggage for more than a century. An enduring heritage that remains intact in an industry largely overtaken by mass production. Today, every Globe Trotter piece is still made in its Hertfordshire workshops, using techniques passed down through generations.

Credit : Globe-Trotter
Credit : Globe-Trotter

A silhouette that became an icon

With its leather corners, polished locks and softly coloured matte shell, the Globe Trotter suitcase is instantly recognisable.
Its design has barely changed in over a hundred years, originally conceived to accompany explorers, diplomats and members of the British establishment.

Winston Churchill, Queen Elizabeth II, Ian Fleming and, more recently, Daniel Craig have all travelled with Globe Trotter.
James Bond himself chose it as his official luggage. A natural continuation of the brand’s long standing relationship with British elegance and the spirit of adventure.

Credit : James Bond
Credit : Globe-Trotter

Rare craftsmanship

Each suitcase is crafted from an exclusive vulcanised fibreboard composite.
Lighter than aluminium, more resilient than plastic, it absorbs impact rather than cracking, giving Globe Trotter luggage an exceptional lifespan.

From cutting and moulding to riveting, leather binding and lock fitting, more than 40 manual operations are required to produce a single case.

The result is luggage designed not for seasons, but for decades.

Credit : Permanent Style
Credit : Permanent Style

The luxury of longevity

At a time when disposable travel gear dominates, Globe Trotter takes the opposite approach.
Every suitcase is designed to be serviced, restored and passed on. The brand still repairs pieces that are several decades old.

A discreet form of luxury, grounded in permanence rather than novelty.

Credit : Permanent Style
Credit : Permanent Style

Coveted collections

Original, Centenary and Cruise collections, along with a series of signature collaborations with iconic partners such as Gucci, Peanuts, British Airways and Golf le Fleur*, all share the same unmistakable DNA rooted in craftsmanship, travel and timeless design.

Balancing heritage with contemporary expression, some limited editions have become highly sought after by collectors, transforming these travel companions into true objects of nomadic design.

Credit : GOLF le FLEUR
Credit : Globe-Trotter

A different way to travel

Choosing a Globe Trotter is not simply about selecting a beautiful suitcase.
It is about slowing the gesture.
Reintroducing a certain idea of travel that is more elegant, more considered, more personal.

A reminder that leaving is still a privilege
And that some objects still know how to give meaning to departure.

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Brioni Turns Eighty – An Homage to Italian Craft, Cultural Grandeur, and Timeless Style

Editorial
05/12/2025

Born in Rome, Built for Icons

Founded in 1945 by master tailor Nazareno Fonticoli and entrepreneur Gaetano Savini, Brioni opened its first boutique on Via Barberini in Rome.
Their vision was radical for the time. Instead of treating the suit as a rigid uniform, they introduced lighter fabrics, softer shoulders, brighter colors, and fluid silhouettes. Brioni didn’t just dress men; it reshaped the idea of masculine elegance.

In 1952, Brioni made history by staging the first menswear fashion show ever, held in the Sala Bianca of Florence’s Palazzo Pitti. It was a turning point. The show placed Italian tailoring on the global map and affirmed Brioni as a pioneer in modern menswear.

Soon, Hollywood took notice. Clark Gable, Cary Grant, John Wayne, and Kirk Douglas became loyal clients. Later, Brioni entered cinematic legend as the suiting choice of James Bond, cementing its association with power, charisma, and controlled sophistication.

A Night in Rome The 80th Anniversary Dinner

On November 21, 2025, Brioni celebrated its 80th anniversary with an intimate dinner at the spectacular Chiostro del Bramante, a Renaissance cloister steps away from Piazza Navona.
Eighty guests were invited symbolically reflecting the maison’s eighty years of history.

The guest list blended international stars and Italian cultural figures. Actors Regé Jean Page, Lee Soo Hyuk, Ed Speleers, and Italian icons Luca Argentero and Stefano Accorsi attended, alongside influential buyers and fashion insiders such as Bruce Pask.

The evening unfolded as a curated journey through Brioni’s universe. A candlelit dinner under Renaissance arches, a performance by soul singer Mario Biondi, and a warm welcome by Creative Director Norbert Stumpfl and newly appointed CEO Federico Arrigoni created the atmosphere of a Roman salon more than a corporate celebration. It was elegance in its purest form understated, intellectual, and meticulously composed.

A Private Encounter with Eight Decades of Craft

Before the dinner, guests were invited to discover a special exhibition retracing Brioni’s heritage. This included original archival garments, early store signage, tailoring patterns, campaign imagery, and handcrafted details that defined the brand’s aesthetic over the decades.

One highlight was the live demonstration by Brioni’s master tailors from the Penne atelier. Guests watched the construction of a shoulder, the delicate assembly of a lapel, the hand stitching that gives a Brioni jacket its unmistakable softness.
Seeing artisans at work reminded everyone that behind the name lies a human lineage a legacy of skill passed down through generations.

In an era obsessed with speed, the spectacle of pure craftsmanship felt almost radical.

Brioni Today Discretion as a New Luxury Language

Since 2018, Creative Director Norbert Stumpfl has refined Brioni’s vision toward what he calls “quiet confidence.” The silhouettes are softer, the materials more natural, the palette serene. The suits are lighter than ever, designed for ease, not rigidity. Luxury, here, is not a performance but a sensation.

In May 2025, the maison appointed Federico Arrigoni as CEO, signalling renewed ambition for global expansion while honoring its Roman identity.
This 80th anniversary therefore serves a dual purpose: celebrating the past, and outlining a contemporary definition of elegance.

A Lesson in Roman Elegance

At eighty, Brioni does not feel old. It feels essential.
It stands as proof that when craftsmanship, culture, and vision align, a fashion house becomes something more than a label it becomes an institution.

The anniversary dinner in Rome was more than a celebration.
It was a declaration that the future of menswear will not be defined by noise, but by depth.

Brioni at 80 still embodies the same quiet power it did in 1945.
And perhaps, today more than ever, the world is ready to listen.

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