Cristiano Corneliani is a name synonymous to the fashionable taste of the elite. His elegant haute’ couture styles are sported by the crème de la crème of society, and his suits grace top notch board rooms internationally.
We catch this high end Italian men’s designer wear in an exclusive interview, sharing his views on fashion, tips for our readers and giving us a peek into his life.
What are the latest trends in suits?
There are three main color trends – blue (also in bright shades), gray and natural, encompassing two themes: Contemporary and Sartorial.
Contemporary reflects an urban philosophy, in which shades of blue and the range of grays have a sophisticated metallic look, coupled with volumes and cuts that are slimmer and more closely fitting. The jacket is short with two buttons and thin lapels.
Sartorial, which also features a Luxury segment, finds its ideal expression in bright cobalt blue.
Summer fabrics are in mohair, cotton and linen, and in the timelessly elegant Prince of Wales checks and in plain colors. A brand new feature is the use of Cape mohair obtained from angora goats from the Cape Town area in South Africa. Its fineness makes it the most prized in the world and it is capable of unrivalled softness and brightness.
How far according to you has men’s fashion evolved since earlier times?
First of all, today’s man is extremely image-conscious and he spends much more time and energy in getting it right.
Consequently the cut of suits has also become more figure-hugging and slender, to emphasize the silhouette.
In the past, these were aspects exclusively associated with women. Another important factor is that every year new models are proposed and introduced, which each brand interprets in keeping with its own style.
How important is a bespoke suit?
Spending time creating your own “Made to Measure” garment is a pleasurable and satisfying experience. It allows you to create something unique that brings out your personality and individuality. The time devoted to personalizing your own suit is an opportunity for you to show your passion and how you strive for perfection. It also shows us and others who we are and what we want.
By choosing a particular fitting shape and a fabric that strikes us as being special and then combining it with a special lining/fabric, we can create something unique and personal.
The list of essentials in a man’s wardrobe?
I’m tempted to say that a really smart man cannot do without a dinner jacket, which is the real epitome of elegance for men. But I’m presuming that the list will include at least one Corneliani suit, an impeccable passe-partout, ideal for every occasion, with a soft, light, elegant jacket. The jacket can be worn and styled more traditionally for formal occasions or turned into a modern icon when worn with a sweater, T-shirt or casual shirt, a pair of jeans and sneakers for more informal occasions.
The most common fashion faux pas men commit?
The shirtsleeve must be only one centimeter longer than the jacket sleeve and the jacket must always have real buttonholes for the buttons, to add a very sartorial touch. What’s more, people don’t pay enough attention when matching accessories.
Elegance is an attitude, not a rule, which means that if you have it, you can’t help but give off an air of elegance.
What according to you is a classic must-have for men?
A blue blazer should always be part of a gentleman’s wardrobe, to be presented with gray trousers in winter, and white ones for a summer Portofino image.
Then, the pocket square, which represents in some way the signature of your personal style: it could be of solid color or fancy, and this is the “twist” which represents a must-have for Italian elegance.
What is your personal style?
Conservative, but modern.
That is to say that I love my family roots and brand in terms of the “classic Italian style,” but I am always looking for the most fashionable fit and silhouette and I pay much attention to shirt, ties, pocket square, belt and shoes to match.
When not at work how is Mr. Cristiano as a person?
Away from work, I am an enthusiastic amateur parachutist, motorcyclist and scuba diver…. and I adore driving my Aston Martin in our lovely Italian countryside
What was your childhood like?
It was full of passion for the history of my family, for our business, and curiosity for the world outside of my town.
In other words, I am and I was a lucky person in having had the chance to live a peaceful life when a child: when I was 13 years old, I attended an international college in Switzerland because the spirit of adventure, my willingness to discover different countries and to learn about different cultures was already in the DNA of my early years.
Your favorite designer?
Frank Gehry.
How would you describe the Corneliani working process and designs?
Corneliani’s philosophy and work can be summed up by the image of a needle and a computer.
The continuation of the finest tailoring tradition, the preservation of hand-sewing and finishing operations complete each other and are further boosted by the most sophisticated technology available. So the quality of the past lives on in the present, and the study of design increases its dynamism and modernity.
How have you managed to maintain the Corneliani element of style in this fiercely competitive market?
Innovation is very important and comes from understanding the evolution of the needs of consumers that can be satisfied, thanks to technology.
Nowadays the textile sector is up to producing very light fabrics, and we, in turn respond by producing extremely light deconstructed suits, yet are absolutely neat and elegant. To obtain such results it is necessary to have at disposal new technologies, new materials, new machineries, new raw materials, and new manual ability. Creativity uses technology to express itself.
Apart from that, I guess that a key element is to travel as much as you can: to see the world, to be inspired and to be competitive.
Finally, the “Made in Italy” brand: Italy is not just a country of production, but also an amazing melting pot of history, taste for life, and art.
What according to you are the traveling essentials for a man on the go?
A suit made from nanotechnology wool is unquestionably a must-have item: practically crease resistant and very light to the touch, it offers the perfect fit and total comfort and is also designed to be worn in all seasons, making it perfect for various latitudes too. The cotton stretch shirt guarantees the same effect.
Whether it is worn when traveling or folded in a suitcase, it maintains an impeccable look.
Do you think men have the freedom to dress as they like or should they be sticking to the rules?
People often ask me what an elegant man, a real gentleman, should be like.
I am convinced that true elegance should be natural but immaculate, as well as discreetly luxurious. It never goes out of fashion because there is nothing about it that is too severe or garish. Rules therefore are very important but one must not ignore his own personality completely.
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