Santaniello: Traditional and Modern in Perfect Harmony
The story of Santaniello begins in 1968 in Salerno, a port city southeast of Naples. Tailors and business and life partners Biagio Santaniello and Carmela Forino used their knowledge to create a brand that debuted its first collection in 1991. The Italian label has since grown into a family business. The couple’s three children, Giuliana, Carmine and Antonio, are involved in all the important processes and decisions. Son Antonio Santaniello works in the role of creative director – he is the creative mind behind the inspiration for the latest luxury collections. He forms the link between sartorial craftsmanship and his parents’ heritage – and the source of modern influences. He makes use of his parents' know-how when it comes to materials, design and the processing of details, but complements them with innovative manufacturing processes and modern silhouettes. Santaniello takes inspiration from all styles, from workwear to military. The collections focus on the colour blue. Biagio Santaniello's son believes that blue is the key colour for sartorial menswear. The issue of sustainability is another point that is gaining increasing importance. Santaniello actively deals with the issue by choosing recycled and certified materials, dyeing with natural pigments and making buttons from recycled paper. Experiments with washes, dyes and technical fabrics that enhance comfort are moving the traditional label forward and strengthening its place in the here and now. For Santaniello, fashion has a deeper meaning: “Clothes help define the styles and attitudes of every moment in history and that includes fears and insecurities. I like to think of uncertainty as a creative space where we can free ourselves and find meaning. Sometimes the meaning is simply the story: By telling it, we describe how things are,” says Santaniello.
The brand’s headquarters and boutique are located in the fashion metropolis of Milan. This is where the family business develops and presents collections such as ‘Il Viaggiatore’ or ‘The Traveller’, featuring classic suits in lightweight, half lined constructions. The use of elastane provides the necessary comfort. The material can be machine washed and doesn’t need ironed. You can discover these and other designs by Santaniello, such as smart-casual jackets, jackets and trousers, online at BRAUN Hamburg.
