In the early 90’s, after a youth spent between patterns, cutting tables and bundles of fabrics, Lorenzo and Massimo, both Arturo’s grandsons, officially initiated their history with the brand. Ten years later, they were heading the Paris largest bespoke atelier and launched a strategic revolution starting a close collaboration with Hermès (1992 – 2008), absorbing other tailors, and revamping the Jacket style giving it a modern and active look.
Cifonelli is known for their iconic shoulder. The famous shoulder is cut toward the front and offers an unrivalled freedom of movement of the high armholes, which refine the figure. A large number of creations demonstrate this perfect command of forms and materials. Milan-style buttonholes, step collars, special lapels and other stylistic devices perfectly symbolise the spirit of Cifonelli, a true men’s haute couture company.
“I could recognize a Cifonelli shoulder from a distance of a hundred meters.”
Karl Lagerfeld
The Cifonelli venture starts with an aesthete Giuseppe. Passionate about chic Italian elegance, he opened the first Cifonelli atelier in 1880 and founded the bespoke tailoring company. Arturo, Giuseppe’s son, took over the Cifonelli brand with a clear desire to extend its influence abroad. He therefore moved to London to receive further training at the respectable Minister’s Cutting Academy where he graduated in 1911.
The creative process is a unique link between the tailor and his customer. Each model is like a demonstration of an unlimited savoir-fair and a total focus on the uniqueness of each person, on understanding the requests, reading the body shape, recreating the best ‘allure’ of each customer. Next to the Lounge is the Cutting room, where Lorenzo and massimo create the patterns, mark the models, cut, control, improve… More than 130 years of know-how focused on getting a better fit, pattern, and of course technique. Beyond are the different rooms of the ateliers, where no less than 40 experts and passionate workers create each day unique garments.