TURIN. Fluidity and lightness in continuous aesthetic dialogue; this is where the PE 2023/24 collection by Carlo Pignatelli Cerimonia comes to life. With absolute grace and the savoir-faire that arises from the precious contribution of illustrious Italian craftsmanship, combined with the use of state-of-the-art technologies following the classic modus operandi of the maison. The Creative Director, Francesco Pignatelli, explains: ‘The choice of wedding locations now is infinite, from a deserted island to a mountain; therefore, we must adapt and vary our creative proposals and fabrics, as well as formality and informality.’What ensues is an emotional proposal, where the very idea of a ceremony opens up to embrace the suggestions and needs of the present time. The heart of the inspiration lies in the city of Marrakech: the colors of its tiles and its spicy flavors, the enveloping scents, and that relaxed and vibrant embrace that emanates from its corners.
The white is fragmented by ivory jacquards, bright damasks with geometric or floral patterns, and enhanced by extraordinary embroideries. Bold colors represent a change of
direction, ranging from coral pink of the ancient walls of the Medina, parakeet greens, pumpkin orange, and sky blue – alternating with the classic colors of the maison – blacks and blues. Because the man of Carlo Pignatelli is a romantic adventurer and a passionate lover, an icon of style, and a nature enthusiast.
Carlo Pignatelli was born in Latiano, in the province of Brindisi, in 1944. He was drawn to the world of tailoring at an early age, beginning to work at the age of fourteen in some workshops in his hometown. From 1962 to 1965, he became familiar with the techniques and secrets of high-level men’s tailoring, which prompted him to move to Turin in 1968 and start collaborating with several Piedmontese ateliers. In 1968, he opened his first tailor shop in the Savoy city.
Five years later, he inaugurated the atelier that bears his name. With about ten collaborators, he created the first men's collections, paying particular attention to made-to-measure garments. In 1980, he organized the first fashion shows for men’s and women’s daytime collections, with special emphasis on wedding dresses. In 1983, he began collaborating with some film production companies, thanks to costume designer Roberta Guidi Di Bagno. In 1984, the men’s collection was distributed nationwide. In 1993, Pignatelli appeared on the catwalks of Milano Collezioni Uomo.
At the same time, he opened a monobrand boutique and a showroom in Matosinhos, Portugal. In 1995, he signed a partnership with the Japanese trading company Marubeni Corporation, based in Osaka. In parallel, the first foreign showroom was opened in Tokyo. In 1995, in Milan, he presented the new Carlo Pignatelli line, followed by numerous licenses: from footwear to ties, from underwear to accessories. In the same year, the bridal lines were launched: Carlo Pignatelli and Fiorinda by Carlo Pignatelli (later renamed ‘Fiorinda le spose di Carlo Pignatelli’. In 1996, distribution strategies continued at both national and international levels. Flagship stores of the brand were opened in Turin and Barcelona. In the same year, during the Intercontinental football cup, Carlo
Pignatelli made his debut in Tokyo. In 1997, he began collaborating with artist Ugo
Nespolo, a painter and sculptor, who contributed to defining the brand’s image.
In 2000, the Carlo Pignatelli Classico line was born, followed by Carlo Pignatelli
Outside for Men and Carlo Pignatelli Pret-à-Porter for Women in 2001. In the meantime, the Pret-à-Porter and Carlo Pignatelli Cerimonia Donna collections were entrusted to licensees. Subsequently, the brand ventured into children’s clothing with Carlo Pignatelli Junior and Carlo Pignatelli Outside Donna. Also, recent milestones of the brand include the wedding ring license in 2006, the Home Collection in 2007, the new boutique in the heart of Madrid, and the new license with Asnaghi Interiors for Interior Design.
