What is Fortela
Designed by Alessandro Squarzi and Alessia Giacobino, Fortela is an Italian luxury brand that brings together passion for archive vintage, classic tailoring and hints of western and military. The expression of a free and timeless state of mind, contaminated by experiences and travels, Fortela is the promise of copious cult apparel. That’s thanks to Italian sartorial savoir fare combined with the skill of Japanese weavers, not to mention perfect matchups when it comes to fabrics, weights and cuts.
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The Fortela Story
When in 2015 entrepreneur and talent scout Alessandro Squarzi founded Fortela, his 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.
Alessia Giacobino joined Squarzi in 2020, giving life to the womenswear collection for a notoriously high-demand segment. The Fortela style goes femme. After all, the brand’s stylistic coherence is the key to its success. A neo-soft, contemporary touch in clothing with roots in authentic vintage and the tailor-made tradition. A blend of exquisite Italian craftsmanship and the refinement of Japanese fabrics. Look for references to Navajo culture, the colors of the desert, the wide-open spaces of Montana, workwear and military élan. Echoes of yesteryear, denim is the star of today’s show too. Japanese selvage sewn on original Union Special machines from the 1930s and ’40s, which Squarzi acquired especially for his workshops.
Denim that harks back to days gone by, perfect for interpretations of statement pieces like classic western shirts, work jackets, jeans. No less desirable are the revisitations of Navajo-style jacquard wool, chinos with a colonial touch, Prince of Wales and tartan patterns, gypsy-chic ponchos, army coats adorned with unique accessories. Find Fortela at flagship stores in Milano and Forte dei Marmi, as well as through the best e-commerce fashion outlets.
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Alessandro Squarzi
is a men’s fashion icon, a major influencer and one of the most photographed fellows around, known far and wide for his distinctive personal style. He is a fashion entrepreneur and a talent scout with an uncanny knack for ferreting out future stars. Over the years he has discovered niche realities and made them international successes. He founded Fortela in 2015. The brand takes its cue from his own vast wardrobe, which is pretty much the equivalent of an historical archive of mannish style, that ranges from the sportiest garments to bespoke suits. Alessandro is known as one of Europe’s leading collectors of men’s vintage clothing.
He’s into military duds, aviator jackets, leather accessories, denim shirts and jackets. His is an omnivorous passion that takes him all over the world in search of new additions to his ever-expanding collection, which also includes tailor-made suits, cars, wristwatches and vintage motorcycles. Basically, stuff that smacks of once-upon-a-time, a bit ruffled perhaps, but distinct – ecce Squarzi’s esthetic universe. The collections he creates for Fortela focus on tailoring that’s very much Italian and definitely high-quality, and mesh with his passion for Japanese fabrics – a combination that Squarzi has perfected over time.
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ALESSIA GIACOBINo
is an architect and fashion designer with a refined touch. She has launched brands – covering every aspect of the job – that include Jo No Fui, Mr & Mrs Italy, which started the fur-lined military parka trend, and Giacobino. In 2013 Alessia sold off all her brands to dedicate her energies to stylistic consulting. In 2020 she designed the entire Fortela womenswear collection. Her all-around creative skills are among the most sought-after in Italy. Alessia is a fashion designer with twenty years of experience under her belt. She combines a regard for details with a keen sense of haute bohemian atmospheres, for the thrill of dressing different.
Alessia is as at home on the photographic set as she is in the styling department, and her skills span from brand launching to brand management and communications.
She’s geared toward easy-chic, boho tastes, where femininity is put on display in a totally unique way, emancipated from bourgeois schemes, whether they be bon ton or facile-sensual. Giacobino’s contribution to Fortela is an elective affinity with free-spirited women. A perfect alchemy, devised for non-conformist but classy travelers, possessed of an innate coolness and their own private sweet spot. And – why not? – a certain tomboy spirit.
