With prices starting at €6,700 for a bespoke two-piece suit, one might wonder: what justifies the eye-watering cost of a Cifonelli creation?
As seasoned observers of the luxury menswear scene, we’ve had the privilege of examining Cifonelli’s craftsmanship up close.
Let’s delve into the factors that make these suits so expensive – and whether they’re worth the investment.
Cifonelli’s Unique and Rich Heritage
Cifonelli’s story began in 1880 when Giuseppe Cifonelli established his atelier in Rome.
His son, Arturo, moved the business to Paris in the 1930s after studying at London’s prestigious Minister’s Cutting Academy.
The unique blend of Italian passion, French refinement, and English structure forms the bedrock of Cifonelli’s approach.
Today, cousins Lorenzo and Massimo Cifonelli helm the Parisian house, maintaining its reputation for uncompromising quality.
Cifonelli’s Unparalleled Craftsmanship
Stepp into Cifonelli’s Parisian workshop on Rue Marbeuf, and you’ll find a hive of activity that seems frozen in time.
Over 40 skilled artisans work tirelessly, employing techniques honed over generations.
Each suit requires a staggering 80 hours of handwork spread over several months and multiple fittings.
Cifonelli’s painstaking process allows for precision and customisation that’s simply unattainable in mass-produced garments.
Consider the humble buttonhole. At Cifonelli, each is meticulously hand-stitched, taking up to an hour to perfect.
This obsessive attention to detail sets Cifonelli apart from even other high-end tailors.
The Signature Cifonelli Silhouette
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of a Cifonelli suit is its unique shoulder construction.
Known as the ‘cigarette shoulder’, it’s a marvel of tailoring engineering that Karl Lagerfeld once claimed he could recognise from 100 metres away.
Slim and slightly sloped, with a high armhole and a subtle roping effect, it creates an elegant and dynamic silhouette.
Beyond its aesthetically pleasing silhouette, Cifonelli’s shoulder construction allows for unprecedented freedom of movement.
Achieving this effect requires an almost sculptural approach to tailoring, with precise padding and canvassing.
The technique is so complex that Cifonelli has had its ready-to-wear manufacturers sign contracts promising never to replicate it for other brands.
Luxurious Materials and Exquisite Details
Cifonelli’s commitment to quality extends to every element of their suits.
They source the finest fabrics from renowned mills like Vitale Barberis Canonico, Loro Piana, and Holland & Sherry.
We’re talking about super 150s wools, rare vicuña, and even fabrics woven with 24-karat gold and pure platinum stripes.
The internal construction is equally luxurious, with hand-stitched canvas and the highest quality horsehair interfacing.
Even elements typically an afterthought, like linings, receive the Cifonelli treatment.
Their signature striped sleeve linings are a subtle yet unmistakable mark of quality.
Bespoke Experience and Personalisation
Buying a Cifonelli bespoke suit comes with a unique experience.
The process begins with an in-depth consultation, where your preferences, lifestyle, and body type are meticulously noted.
Measurements are taken scientifically and recorded on Cifonelli’s distinctive embossed measurement cards.
Multiple fittings follow each, refining the suit to your exact specifications.
Cifonelli’s level of personalisation extends far beyond fit – every aspect of the suit can be customised.
Want a secret pocket for your vintage pocket watch? Or are lapels cut to a precise angle? Cifonelli can accommodate even the most esoteric requests.
Exclusivity and Prestige
Let’s be frank: exclusivity is part of what you pay for with a Cifonelli suit.
The atelier produces only about 900 suits annually – a fraction of what larger luxury brands churn out.
Cifonelli’s scarcity, combined with its illustrious client list (including everyone from Cary Grant to François Mitterrand), adds to the allure.
Wearing a Cifonelli suit signals membership in a very select club.
It’s a subtle flex that speaks volumes to those in the know.
Cifonelli vs Luxury Tailoring Houses
To truly understand Cifonelli’s high prices, we must consider its peers in the upper echelons of tailoring.
Savile Row stalwarts like Huntsman or Anderson & Sheppard command similar prices, starting around £5,000 (about €6,000) for a two-piece suit.
Italian powerhouses like Brioni or Kiton can be even pricier, with some suits crossing the €10,000 mark.
In this context, Cifonelli’s pricing seems less outrageous – it’s simply the cost of entry for this level of craftsmanship.
What sets Cifonelli apart is its unique blend of influences and innovative approach to classic tailoring.
While a Huntsman suit exudes British aristocratic flair, and a Brioni embodies Italian sprezzatura, a Cifonelli offers a more cosmopolitan elegance.
Are Cifonelli Suits Worth the Price?
Whether Cifonelli suits are ‘worth the price’ remains a highly subjective question.
If you’re looking for a well-made suit, there are more affordable options that will serve you well.
But if you appreciate the finest craftsmanship, crave a truly personalised garment, and have the means to indulge, Cifonelli offers something truly special.
In an age of fast fashion and disposable luxury, Cifonelli is a bastion of true craftsmanship.
Cifonelli suits are beyond clothing, they are a work of art, a testament to centuries of tailoring tradition.
It’s an investment piece that, with proper care, will last for decades and never go out of style.
Moreover, for those in circles where such things matter, a Cifonelli suit communicates success and discernment in a way few other garments can.
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