Cifonelli is an institution in the world of bespoke tailoring. Famous for their unique shoulder, their attention to details and their blend of Italian and French tailoring traditions, Cifonelli is recognised around the world for both their bespoke and ready-to-wear work.
Founded in 1880 by Giuseppe Cifonelli in Rome. His son Arturo (probably one of the best bespoke tailor and cutter of the century after working with London tailors), decided to move to France in 1926. Ten years later, Arturo moved to its current location: 31 Rue Marbeuf, close to the Champs-Elysées. His work became legendary and Cifonelli became a reference among tailors, and for gentlemen around the world (his clients included actors such as Lino Ventura, Cary Grant and Fred Astaire).
His son Adriano took over in 1972, and Cifonelli grew even bigger, thanks to several high-profile clients (notably the french president, François Mitterrand, as well as several ministers and opposition leaders).
Since the 2000s, the house is managed by Lorenzo and Massimo Cifonelli, the fourth-generation of Cifonelli. The company expanded. It merged with other skillful tailors (Claude Rousseau, Gabriel Gonzalez, both having worked for Camps de Luca) in the 2000s, and the cousins were responsible for the bespoke offer of Hermès from 1992 to 2007.
They also started making ready-to-wear suits, as an entry point into their bespoke, working with the best manufacturers (Brioni and Caruso notably), with great success.
I propose a typical example of his work: beautiful blue trousers in a very fine wool. Made in 2011, they are an excellent choice from spring to autumn with your best jacket and derbies or loafers.
As always with Cifonelli, it is fully handmade, from the sewing to the buttonholes. They featured a rare "point baguette" (an handmade seam along the line of the trousers, similar to what you could find on a tuxedo trousers, but without the satin band). The condition is excellent.The trousers are best fitted for a size W36UK/46FR, around 1m80.Here are the measurements
Waist for trousers: 46cm (with 8cm of fabric to let out)Length from inseam: 80cmLength total: 103cm (with 6cm of fabric to let out)Legs width: 23cm (with 4cm of fabric to widen it)Trouser Cuffs: 4cm
Quality similar to the following bespoke houses:- In France: Camps de Luca, Claude Rousseau, Francesco Smalto, Arnys, Max Evzeline, Lanvin Mesure, Henri Urban, Opelka, Kenjiro Suzuki- In Italy: Caraceni (Domenico or Augusto), Rubinacci, Dalcuore, Panico- In England: Anderson & Sheppard, Henry Poole, Huntsman & Sons, Nutters of Savile Row, Chittleborough & Morgan, Richard Anderson, Meyer & MortimerPossible to try them in Paris 15th arrondissement.
