Chiaia Tailoring: classic, yet contemporary style. Proudly made in Naples.
The kind of artisanal excellence one cannot fail to appreciate. We had a long, pleasant chat accompanied by Frank Sinatra’s music and a good cup of Moka coffee. I felt myself really in Naples…
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Gennaro, can you tell us something about the tailoring trade and Chiaia?
Well, it’s complicated. Nowadays the “tailoring” side stumbled, had to come to terms with fashion, one has to follow it. Even quality, it’s a word that was good until ten years ago. Now it’s just business, it shouldn’t be like that, but it is. Even the greatest artists died awfully rich, but with a tad less of glory. People tell me how good the business’s doing, that I get to travel a lot… I don’t hate money, but there should be a balance. I like things that stimulate emotions, feelings. As far as I’m concerned, everything else, the tailoring, blazers, ties, working with my father (which is a love/hate relationship), all these things make me feel a variety of emotions. Today I feel like the world has lost the value and quality of little things. The idea behind Chiaia is bringing back the excellence of design clothing, re-imagining it with a contemporary touch. A contemporary style mindful of art, a great passion of mine. This is Chiaia’s strength. Little modern details that blend in with the classic style.
Let’s talk about everyone’s role in the business.
This is my ninth year here. I worked hard keeping my father’s teachings in mind. He was born in Naples, just like a true trousers-maker. I completed his exceptional trousers with blazers, ties and shirts.
Your father’s the best trousers-maker in Naples, possibly the world. Why do you have a love/hate relationship?
If you really love your job and you work with your parents, there will forever be a sort of competition that will likely never end. There are two different generations. A son rising to the head of the business his father created, wants to bring some innovation -obviously – but this means going against the predecessor. Continue reading glicking the below button Next >
Does elegant rhyme with gallant?
Absolutely not. I’d like for elegant men to be gallant too, but unfortunately, this isn’t the case, more often than not. A gallant man should be elegant too, but then again, it’s not a given.
Are you still the youngest tailor in Italy?
I wouldn’t know, but sure I am the one who combines excellence and contemporary, young style.
Who taught you your craft?
A good 50% I’d say my father. The other half is just passion. I still can’t make a proper pair of trousers, while on the contrary it’s the simplest thing for him to do.
What’s the key to tailoring?
Details. Modern details that embellish a product that’s naturally elegant and classic. I created some of those details.
What does it mean to be a gentleman in Naples?
Respecting your own city.
Do you believe that the Made in Italy will make its way in a ever-changing, ever more competitive world scenario?
Naples is known for its tailors, for having the best tailors of the world. We’ve already won, since a niche product will forever beat the one coming from big chains in terms of quality. You just need to make your product known, advertise it. I don’t care for bloggers, it’s not through them that my craft will become famous. I’ve accepted this interview with you because I’ve done my homework, I saw that your magazine deals with a variety of subjects, not only fashion. It’s a different kind of communication and I liked it.
In conclusion: wishes for the future?
As for this moment, I can say I have exactly what I wanted: a family and co-workers that feel like they were family. Together, we give Naples something quite rare for these days: liking one’s job. This is the true luxury and I believe we are quite lucky.
…A gentle, elegant, contemporary Naples…
