Introducing Gran Sasso
It was during a recent trip to Florence and Pitti Uomo that we stumbled across Gran Sasso, or Maglificio Gran Sasso to be precise, a brand steeped in heritage from the less well-known region of Abruzzo.
As with most of these Italian brands, they all look pretty Dapper, but with Gran Sasso there was an alluring warmth about the business and its people, proving testament to their 67 years trading.
What began as a small business run by four brothers – the Di Stefanos – Gran Sasso now sits in an award-winning state-of-the-art headquarters in the heart of its homeland and now boasts to have a number of third generation Di Stefano family at the helm – including the sickeningly cool menswear brand boss Carlo – as well as more than 200 employees.
This is Italian knitwear at its finest. Having never left their core value of the very best in quality made in Italy, the Gran Sasso collections offer classic, staple pieces but also enjoy going a little off-piste with the stand-out fashion led product – the factory has also a product for the likes of Brooks Brothers and Dolce&Gabbana.
A feature for their Summer collection has been the focus on effortless knitwear – think The Talented Mr Ripley – but for their definitive UK press launches, the focus will be on the up/coming A/W18 19 collection which captures that simple natural Italian style.
Rich cashmere’s and wools are combined with both soft and bold colour-ways to provide the catalyst for a host of looks – easily utilised over both casual and formal wear.
Perhaps the most stand out stories will surround the new Aktive Wool, Rain Wool, and felted cashmere product, but we will give you more on those come the season.
In the UK we have the established and well-loved John Smedley, which feels like the closest comparison, but in Gran Sasso we have that extra pull of the Made in Italy by Italians stamp of approval, which is hard to ignore.
We just thought putting the name out there for Dapper lot was a must as Gran Sasso now spreads its wings on UK shores, but for now, check them out at www.gransasso.it. Prices start at circa £90.