Introducing Fortela, Italian Luxury Workwear

Last year whilst in Milan I visited the Fortela Showroom and Flagship Store.

Fortela was founded in 2015 by Alesandro Squarzi who has a long career in menswear. It is an Italian luxury brand that specialises in creating timeless and durable pieces with a focus on artisanal craftsmanship.

Alesandro’s aim was to create a collection inspired by the clothes in his own immense wardrobe, one of the most important archives for men’s vintage couture and clothing research in all Europe, which is constantly evolving with new acquisitions. His personal style masterfully blends the old and the new.

I am excited to be introducing Fortela to New Zealand. Our selection is a curation of what they do best. Military Fatigue trousers in classic staple colours, selvedge denim that will last for many years to come and an array of overshirts that can be dressed up and down. These are all pieces that work great for the weekend either by themselves or paired with knitwear and tailoring. 

For me menswear is incredibly simple, it works best, in a very narrow channel drawing its inspiration from a handful of sources. Key elements and inspiration include vintage fashion, military, Western and preppy. It’s a community drawn together by a common love of vintage cars, motorcycles, and watches loosely blended with a more traditional tailoring bent; it is a heady mix.

These things are ever present in my own work, and by default, the brands I am drawn to. I hope you like it as much as I do.

Fortela is available online and in-store at High Street and Ponsonby.