SHOPPING

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.

1
Gioia 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.

2
Vibi 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.

3
Missoni 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.

4
Salvatore 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.

5
Antonio 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.

6
La 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.

7
Stella 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.

8
Fendi 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.

9
Blazé 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.

10
Brunello 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.

11
Etro 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.

12
Prada 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.

13
Gismondi 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.