FORTELA IN PARIS

Fortela, the Italian artisanal luxury brand founded by Alessandro Squarzi, makes its debut in the Ville Lumière with a boutique, a temporary showroom, and an exclusive trunk show in a truly exceptional location.

 

 

Fortela loves Paris: from the effortless style of Serge Gainsbourg and Brigitte Bardot, to the timeless elegance of Alain Delon and Vanessa Paradis, passing through the bohemian charm of the May ’68 youth and the laid-back allure of Provence and the hippie-cool spirit of Saint-Tropez — Fortela has always expressed its love for a certain kind of French style. A style that is dégagé and sensual, never cliché or constrained, but always effortlessly chic and refined.

This autumn, Fortela finally lands in Paris, opening a new retail space in the prestigious 1st arrondissement, complete with a dedicated showroom to welcome buyers from around the world. But that’s not all: this October, Fortela will also host an exclusive sales event for its most loyal clients, set in a striking Merci-branded venue — an occasion that promises to reflect the unique elegance and spirit of the brand.

 

 

 

The first Parisian rendezvous for Fortela Lovers took place during Women's Fashion Week, from 25th September to 3rd October, with the Fortela team presenting the FW 24–25 womenswear collection inside its newly opened temporary boutique — a space defined by a retro-cool atmosphere, perfectly reflecting the brand’s refined taste in interiors.

This unique setting was the ideal stage to showcase the essence of Fortela: a distinctive blend of Italian tailoring heritage, Western and Navajo references, and a deep dedication to fabric research and artisanal workmanship.

On the third floor of the location, Fortela also unveiled its showroom, offering an exclusive preview of the SS 25 womenswear collection to international buyers in an intimate, thoughtfully curated environment.

 

 

The Paris sales appointment will become a recurring event during each Fashion Week. In January, for instance, during the Men’s runway shows, Fortela will return to its Parisian temporary boutique to present the AW 25–26 menswear collection.

The boutique-showroom is located at a prestigious address: 16 Rue Saint-Roch, on the corner with Rue Saint-Honoré — a prime location just steps from the Palais Royal, the Jardin des Tuileries, the Louvre, and Place Vendôme, and in close proximity to fashion week favourites such as Hôtel Costes, Angelina, the signature pâtisserie of Cédric Grolet, and the stylish Café Kuc.

 

 

 

Not to be missed is the private sale event that Fortela has curated in collaboration with Merci, the renowned concept store celebrating fashion and art de vivre.

On 11th and 12th October (from 10am to 6pm), a trunk show will be held showcasing the Fortela Menswear Collection FW 24–25, in a luxurious apartment just steps from Île Saint-Louis and the Institut du Monde Arabe.

Set on the second floor of a late 19th-century Neoclassical building, the space will host an exclusive preview of the collection — with the presence of Alessandro Squarzi himself.

 

 

On this special occasion, Alessandro Squarzi will also be signing copies of his highly anticipated new book, The Squarzi Archive, published by Schiffer.

The volume tells the story of the deep-rooted passion that has shaped Squarzi’s signature style and creative vision. It offers an intimate look into one of the world’s most renowned vintage collections, featuring some of the most iconic and rare garments from his vast personal archive.

A long-awaited release for fans of the Squarzi aesthetic, the book is set to become a true “Vintage & Style Bible” — complete with fashion history insights, rare collector’s gems, and styling inspiration for true connoisseurs.

 

 

The venue, located at 109 Boulevard Beaumarchais, is nothing short of exceptional — a striking venture by Merci into the world of interiors and hospitality.

This historic apartment, dating back to 1870 and overlooking the Seine, is steeped in charm and character, with its main rooms carefully preserved to retain their original period features.

A space conceived with the intent to blend historical heritage with a contemporary spirit, it offers the perfect backdrop for Fortela’s distinctive aesthetic and refined narrative.