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Everything is turning Italian.

It might not all be Italian made but folks are really on the Italian kick. Soft shouldered sport coats, spread collars, it’s nice.

If it’s a trend that’s fine because it’s a damn good one and hopefully will stick around for a long long time.

I recently stumbled upon Andrea Pompilio and like Ian Valerdi, I can’t seem to get enough.

Imagine re-designing Brioni sportswear, while listening to a ton Portishead, mixed with a bit of a 1960′s british mod…

BOOM!

Out pops Andrea Pompilio!

After cutting his teeth at Prada, Calvin Klein, and YSL the designer made his debut at Pitti’s F/W 2011 show. He even won the “Who’s On Next” award for …

Finally!

Owned and run by the Ricci brothers (Valentino and Nicola)

Some of the best jackets and suits are available to lust over online….from the source!

I can also pretty much guarantee this is going to be the only place where you’ll see pictures of the cutting done with a Platinum Rolex Date Just II on the wrist!

Ha, beautiful!

Only downside is it’s all in Italian…no worries though. Learn it!

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It’s about time!

Finally, Italia Independent updated their site! Cool and clean.

New spring looks are out and I must say, they’re quite nice.

They even have an online shop now…with floral print cargos.

I think they’re pretty amazing but, not everyone is Lapo. Ha!

Check their new video it features most of the S/S collection and some cool shots of Japan.

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Yup, add this to the list of Italian brands that are fast becoming everyone’s favorites.

Cruciani is a relatively new company in the Italian scene. Founded in 1992 by Luca Caprai, they pride themselves on being 100% made in Italy (more and more companies are only assembling their wares in Italy). They even have their own signature yarn (which is what your Bergdorf Goodman sweater is made from) the “Diamonte Rosso”

Right now their distribution is small pretty small. Most of their coin is made from private label manufacturing for companies like Bergdorf Goodman etc.

They have some beautiful stuff though…whew. Soft shoulder goodness!

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Do Italians overdo it? Nope…not at all.

Raffaele Caruso’s spring line has hit shops now and it’s looking pretty pretty pretty good!

Not everyone has heard of Caruso but, most of you have their stuff in your closet a la Ralph Lauren (blue label). They make some of the best mid range Italian clothes out there. With full floating canvases their jackets would be grail status for the tumblr kids.

This spring they got the colors in full swing!

Caruso never really tries to set trends, they just coast on what’s going on out there. Simple statements like beltless pants, 70′s turtle necks mixed with their gorgeous fabrics and you got spring on lock down…in Monoco.

Check the rest of …

Whew, got that previous post out of the way and I can get back to my love and question of “Why are japanese style magazines so much better than ours?”

Let’s start with Men’s Precious, a seasonal magazine filled with great pictures and wonderful interviews. I only know about the interviews because I beg my Japanese friend to translate! Yeah!

Recently they did a feature on Brunello Cucinelli and even though I despise his prices and business tactics, he makes some pretty cool stuff!

Hiking boots anyone?!

I’ve said it a few times and not too many folks can do the “Italian sportswear chic” like Brunello…wait a minute…Cantarelli is really awesome too, and so is Boglioli and …

My good friend Antonio recently came back from Stockholm with a lovely Christmas present for yours truly.

BLAMMO!

A beautiful cotton/cashmere tie from Rose & Born. This tie is heavyweight thick corduroy and has just enough texture that can really make an outfit stand out. Made in Italy like any good tailored product, whew!

I’m blessed to have a good friends and nice ties!

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Fall/Winter color palettes are always a bit more subdued–especially for Italian brands like Borrelli Luxury Vintage.

Greys, browns, and blues, that could sum up almost every Italian collection and it should! I’ve said this many times on this blog. I don’t always look for new things, I just like the classics.

So beware, you’ll never see Rick Owens or ninja pants on here.

Back to the Borrelli…word has it that ever since their massive fiasco with tax fraud etc and the Italian government. They’ve been producing “lower quality” garments from varying factories.

I don’t know if this collection is part of it but, I’m looking forward to finding out. At least their prices have gone down (though these factory changes …