Canali

Summary

A family-run company now in its third generation, luxury fashion brand Canali has been crafting menswear for over 85 years. Upholding the values of ‘Made in Italy’ excellence, the brand is renowned for its premium fabrics and exceptional craftsmanship. To deliver a highly personalized experience, Canali provides access to its “Made to Measure” specialists and master tailors, who create bespoke men’s apparel. Evolving with the times, Canali combines traditional Italian craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Its master artisans undergo continuous in-house training to refine their skills, ensuring the creation of high-quality products. Many of the weaves and designs used in Canali suits are exclusively developed for the brand, exemplifying its commitment to innovation and exclusivity.

History

In 1908 Giacomo Canali opened a tailor’s shop in Triuggio… until 1934 Giacomo and Giovanni co-founded luxury menswear brand Canali as a family-run business. The business grew exponentially until the outbreak of World War II- a condition that led to a production halt for many Italian companies.

The second generation of Canali brothers- Giuseppe, Genesio and Eugenio- re-started the business and strengthened the brand presence in a burgeoning market. In the Fifties.. the brothers adopt a business stratagem that turned out to be their greatest strength: each proposal was shared and examined by all so that each one of them could contribute their intuition, skills and acumen. With this methodology in the early ‘50s.. the menswear fashion brand interpreted a need for functional men’s apparel among the post-war population and focused on making raincoats. Responding to customers’ needs astride their business strategies led to a change in character and context of Canali’s business. Between the Sixties and Seventies the three brothers met market demands and focused on outerwear. This choice- together with the desire for a high-quality product- is one of Canali’s signifiant turning points.

During this period Canali was the first Italian fashion brand to introduce mechanised cutting machines. All collections are made by Canali-owned production centers in Italy.. each specialising in different product categories to ensure perfection in every garment, handcrafted by craftsmen who value the tradition of fine tailoring. And- Su Misura service- which combines the expertise of made- to- measure specialists with the skill of master tailors to handcraft suits, blazers, shirts and trousers from the finest fabrics. Following the launch of its accessories and footwear lines… Canali opened its first flagship in Milan. Since, the fashion brand chalked out an aggressive expansion plan and took its Italian handmade suits to the US, UK, France, Switzerland, Middle East and Canada and established an A-list International clientele.

Helmed by the third generation of the family- Stephano Canali- the luxury menswear fashion brand continued to expand into Russia, China, India and Oceania. In 2009 Canali launched a bandhgala suit for the Indian market– the only indigenisation in the fashion brand’s product line. Continuing its expansion mode, Canali opened in Madrid in 2014 and inked a franchise deal with Spanish company- Yusty. The following year the men’s fashion brand opened a store in Washington DC and debuted an online store. Buoyed by the growth, Canali consolidated its commitment to the production of quality garments and invested in technical research and in the training and development of its collaborators. The luxury menswear fashion brand continued to in evolve in style with a significant presence in social media and digital sales channels… and gained more space in the menswear market.

In its more than 85-year history the Canali family rethinks, revolutionises and adapts its company, always remaining true to its values. Per Forbes CEO Stefano Canali explains “Our Italian DNA and key values — such as the value of family and traditions — are at the very heart of the Canali brand.. It is important to keep these values in mind whilst also striving for innovation not just in terms of aesthetic but also in selecting and developing exclusive fabrics that meet the evolving needs of our customers… the main challenge for Canali is to embrace the change while remaining authentic to its brand values.”

In 2017 Canali closed its Carate Brianza factory and a year later entered the Chinese e-commerce market via a collaboration with Secoo. Following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic the men’s fashion brand evolved its design aesthetic into a more casual look in order to be relevant with the stay-at-home mood. Per Forbes “Canali suits are carefully made by highly skilled Italian craftsmen well versed in the tradition of fine tailoring. Paired with leading edge technology.. sophisticated manual skills are acquired from ongoing and thorough in-house training. Italians design- cut and stitch all garments- and constantly strive to achieve the highest quality product.. materials, weaves and patterns are often created exclusively for Canali. This ensures all products are the highest quality, consistently innovative and brimming with creativity.” Today Canali is a family-run luxury menswear brand in its third generation.. with its production centers in Italy. In addition to a hundred and eighty boutiques, the brand can also be found in retail stores in over a hundred countries.

“The boundaries between casual and formalwear are very blurred these days and will continue to be blurred. We have developed an offering that is very consistent and a continuous mix of the formal and casual. Materials and construction techniques are being exchanged, they are complementing each other. It’s not a sign of confusion, it’s a consequence of the time we’re living in. The suit is not dead– it’s just evolving” Stephano Canali tells GQ.

Vision

Canali envisions the creation of premium, bespoke menswear that sets the standard for ‘Made in Italy’ craftsmanship. As a family-run company, Canali prides itself on its deep-rooted tradition of tailoring excellence, where skilled artisans and Made To Measure experts collaborate to produce garments of exceptional quality and individuality. This commitment to masterful craftsmanship ensures that each piece reflects the luxury menswear brand’s heritage of precision and luxury, providing clients with timeless, personalized attire that stands as a testament to Italian sartorial artistry.

In response to the shifting landscape following the global pandemic, Canali has evolved its vision to address the changing preferences and requirements of its clientele. Recognizing a growing demand for versatility, the luxury brand now offers a dynamic mix of formal, bespoke and casual wear. This approach allows Canali to cater to a broader demographic, combining traditional elegance with modern practicality. By adapting to contemporary trends while maintaining its commitment to masterful craftsmanship, Canali continues to deliver collections that meet the diverse needs of today’s fashion-conscious man.

Mission Statement

Canali’s mission is to uphold the values of ‘Made In Italy’ through its artisanal craftsmanship, dedicated to handcrafting menswear that exemplifies both quality and sophistication. The luxury fashion brand places a strong emphasis on traditional tailoring techniques and attention to detail, ensuring that each garment is a testament to Italian excellence. By integrating these time-honored methods with a commitment to innovation, Canali handcrafts suits that not only look exquisite but also offer exceptional wearability and comfort.

In addition to its dedication to craftsmanship, Canali strives to combine cultural heritage and modern design aesthetic. The luxury menswear brand’s mission is to merge historical elegance with contemporary style, resulting in menswear that resonates with both classic sensibilities and current trends. This balanced approach allows Canali to produce collections that honor its rich legacy while appealing to today’s discerning clientele, ensuring that each piece is both timeless and relevant.

Key Team

Stephano Canali (President and CEO)
Paolo Canali (Sales and Marketing Director)
Andrea Pompilio (Creative Consultant)
Elisabetta Canali (Global Communication Director)

Products and Services

The luxury menswear brand has always been in sync with evolving consumer preferences to remain relevant yet remains steeped in the ‘Made In Italy’ foundation. Canali is renowned for its meticulously crafted suits, which combine traditional tailoring techniques with modern design.

Complementing the suits, Canali’s sport coats and blazers are designed to provide versatility and sophistication. The luxury menswear brand offers a selection of trousers that are tailored for both formal and casual wear while its shirts are crafted from luxury fabrics in a selection of styles, from classic dress shirts to more casual options. Accessories include ties, pocket squares, belts and cufflinks.

Canali’s Made-To-Measure service allows clients to create bespoke garments tailored to their specific measurements and preferences. This service includes personalized consultations, a wide selection of fabrics, and detailed customization options to ensure a perfect fit and unique style.

Awards and recognition

Canali holds a distinguished position in the global fashion landscape, celebrated for its Made in Italy craftsmanship and bespoke Made-To-Measure garments. Celebrated for its commitment to the highest standards of tailoring, Canali has garnered international acclaim for its attention to detail and high quality. The brand’s influence extends beyond high fashion into popular culture, as evidenced by its presence in iconic films, particularly when worn by Gene Hackman in “The Firm” and Arnold Schwarzenegger in “True Lies.” These cinematic endorsements underscore Canali’s status as a symbol of sophisticated menswear, bridging the worlds of high fashion and mainstream media.

References

• Official website Canali
• How Canali Menswear Uses Innovation To Achieve Aesthetic Perfection As Consumers Evolve Forbes
• Stefano Canali: ‘The suit is not dead. It’s just evolving’ GQ
• The New Man According To Canali Esquire
• Facebook account of Canali Facebook
• Roadmap To Success The Telegraph
• Italian luxury brand Canali strikes the Indian chord Economic Times
• The New Creative Menswear Dress For Success, Style Forbes
• Instagram account of Canali Instagram
• Canali comes to Madrid Models
• Rejoice, men who enjoy a finely tailored suit: Canali coming to CityCenterDC  Washington Business Journal
• Canali re-launches at 80 Years MF Fashion
• Twitter account of Canali Twitter
• Canali Menswear Suits- Communicating Your Vision Forbes
• Youtube channel of Canali Youtube
• Yes We Canali Urban Daddy
• LinkedIn account of Canali LinkedIn
• Canali denies sale rumours WWD
• Wiki page of Canali Wikipedia
• Canali Brings Its Italian Designs to Chinese E-commerce Jing Daily