Founded in Rome in 1880 by Giuseppe Cifonelli, Maison Cifonelli has been dressing the world’s most discerning gentlemen from its Parisian atelier on Rue Marbeuf since 1936.
But who exactly comprises Cifonelli’s illustrious clientele?
Let’s unravel the tapestry of elegance woven by this legendary maison.
Josephine Baker
Josephine Baker, the trailblazing entertainer and civil rights activist, was a rare female client of Cifonelli.
Her choice to wear Cifonelli spoke volumes about the brand’s ability to transcend gender norms in fashion.
Baker’s Cifonelli tailored suits or tuxedos would have been groundbreaking for the time, reflecting her boundary-pushing persona.
Her patronage underscores Cifonelli’s reputation for dressing the wealthy and the truly iconic and innovative.
Aneil Karia
Aneil Karia, who won an Oscar for best live-action short film with “The Long Goodbye,” chose Cifonelli for his moment in the spotlight.
Karia’s decision to wear a Cifonelli tuxedo to the 94th Academy Awards in Los Angeles speaks to the brand’s enduring appeal among creatives.
His choice demonstrates that Cifonelli remains a go-to for those who want to make a statement on the world’s most prestigious red carpets, blending tradition with contemporary flair.
Charlton Heston
Charlton Heston, known for his commanding presence in epic films, brought that same gravitas to his unique fashion style.
Cifonelli’s ability to create suits that enhanced Heston’s statuesque frame while maintaining comfort was crucial for an actor who often found himself in physically demanding roles.
The house’s expertise in working with various body shapes ensured that Heston looked as regal off-screen as he did playing Moses or Ben-Hur.
Paul Meurisse
French actor Paul Meurisse, celebrated for his versatility on stage and screen, was another notable Cifonelli devotee.
Meurisse’s appreciation for the theatrical extended to his wardrobe, where Cifonelli’s flair for dramatic silhouettes found a perfect canvas.
The actor’s Cifonelli suits, with their precise lines and expert detailing, helped him transition seamlessly from the boards to the boulevards of Paris.
Stanley Tucci
Stanley Tucci has emerged as a contemporary torchbearer for Cifonelli’s timeless elegance.
During a recent interview at The Connaught in Mayfair, Tucci sported a magnificent Cifonelli three-piece suit in charcoal checks paired with a double-breasted shawl lapel cardigan.
This ensemble showcased Cifonelli’s craftsmanship and Tucci’s understanding of how to wear such pieces with panache.
Tucci’s penchant for bold patterns and classic cuts aligns perfectly with Cifonelli’s mastery of traditional tailoring infused with modern sensibilities.
William Abadie
William Abadie, known for his role as Antoine Lambert in “Emily in Paris”, has brought Cifonelli’s elegance to a new generation of viewers.
For the show’s premiere in Los Angeles, Abadie wore a Caroline’s Couture suit made in collaboration with Cifonelli ateliers.
This choice highlighted Cifonelli’s ability to adapt to contemporary tastes while maintaining their signature sophistication.
Abadie’s red carpet appearance demonstrated how the brand remains relevant in today’s fashion landscape, appealing to a younger, style-conscious clientele.
Cary Grant
Cary Grant, the very embodiment of suave sophistication, was a devoted Cifonelli patron.
Cifonelli’s high armholes and slim sleeves – hallmarks of the brand’s distinctive cut – allowed Grant to move with the ease and grace that defined his on-screen persona.
The ‘cigarette’ sleeve technique, a Cifonelli speciality, ensured Grant’s suits draped impeccably, enhancing his natural elegance.
Fred Astaire
Fred Astaire, the man who made dancing look effortless, required suits that could match his legendary footwork.
Cifonelli’s ‘spalla camicia’ shoulder, with its natural sloping silhouette, gave Astaire the freedom of movement essential for his high-energy performances.
The house’s ability to create impeccably tailored and supremely functional garments made them the perfect choice for this dancing sophistication.
Marcello Mastroianni
Marcello Mastroianni, the epitome of Italian cool, brought a touch of sprezzatura to his Cifonelli garments.
Known for his roles in Fellini’s masterpieces, Mastroianni appreciated the house’s ability to blend Italian flair with French precision.
His Cifonelli suits, often featuring the brand’s characteristic low buttoning point, accentuated his lean silhouette and added to his magnetic screen presence.
François Mitterrand
François Mitterrand, the longest-serving President of France, chose Cifonelli to project an image of authority and refinement.
The President’s Cifonelli suits, with their impeccable fit and subtle details like the Milanese buttonhole, spoke volumes about the brand’s reputation for discretion and understated luxury.
Mitterrand’s patronage underscored Cifonelli’s status as a house capable of dressing stars and statesmen.
Lino Ventura
Lino Ventura, nicknamed ‘Le Fauve’ (The Tiger), brought a rugged elegance to his Cifonelli suits.
This former wrestler turned actor was a close friend of the Cifonelli family, often sharing pasta dinners and lively conversations at their atelier.
Ventura’s powerful physique presented a unique challenge, one that Cifonelli met with aplomb, creating suits that balanced his imposing presence with sophisticated tailoring.
Karl Lagerfeld
Karl Lagerfeld, with his unmistakable ponytail and dark glasses, was a frequent Cifonelli client.
His discerning eye for detail appreciated the nuances of Cifonelli’s craftsmanship. He famously stated that he could recognise a Cifonelli shoulder from hundred metres away.
Lagerfeld’s endorsement served as a testament to Cifonelli’s standing in the upper echelons of fashion.
The house’s recent appearance in the Disney+ series “Becoming Karl Lagerfeld” further cements this connection, showcasing the Rue Marbeuf atelier where Lagerfeld himself was fitted.
The Enduring Appeal of Cifonelli
Today, under the stewardship of fourth-generation cousins Lorenzo and Massimo Cifonelli, the house continues to attract a diverse clientele.
While maintaining their bespoke traditions and ultra-expensive bespoke suits, Cifonelli has expanded into ready-to-wear, with boutiques in Paris and on London’s Clifford Street.
This move has made Cifonelli’s aesthetic more accessible to a broader audience without compromising on the quality and attention to detail that has defined the brand for over 140 years.
Cifonelli’s client list extends far beyond these notable names.
The house has a tradition of discretion, keeping many high-profile clients confidential.
This includes numerous business moguls, international clientele, and well-heeled gentlemen who prefer to keep their sartorial choices private.
However, what sets Cifonelli apart is not its illustrious clientele but its ability to cater to each individual’s unique needs.
So, who wears Cifonelli?
Well, men who understand that true style is not about fleeting fashion trends but classic quality, craftsmanship, and a legacy of old money elegance.
Those who recognise that a well-tailored suit is not just a garment but a statement of success and refinement.
In essence, Cifonelli is worn by those who aspire to join the ranks of the style icons who have graced its fitting rooms over the past century and more.
And perhaps, dear reader, the next person to wear Cifonelli might just be you.
Styling Beyond Cifonelli
Knowing what Cifonelli stands for and investing in the brand is the first step – granted, a small step – towards dressing like a confident and successful gentleman.
Perfect men’s styling starts with your unique body type and colour palette and only then, with the occasion, location, season, and time of the day – and this is a men’s styling secret that only expert image consultants know.
And if you want to learn, we’re here to help; start by knowing your body type and unique colour palette so you can select clothes for your body shape in colours that match your skin, eyes, and hair.
You must also know which fashion brands to shop from and, more importantly, how to style these garments, footwear, and accessories to create a look of subtle luxury and success.
After learning to choose fashion from heritage fashion brands according to your body shape and colour palette, you’ll have to master styling by occasion, location, season, and even time of day.
If you feel overwhelmed, worry no more – we’re here to help you in three easy and free steps:
1. Know Your Body Shape
Different garments flatter different physiques, so knowing your body shape is the first step in dressing like a confident man – free body shape quiz for men.
Once you know your unique body shape, take the second free quiz to discover your unique colour palette.
2. Find Your Color Palette
Remember, fashion comes in various colours, but not every hue complements your natural colour. Take our free seasonal colour quiz for men to find the most suitable colours for you.
3. Find Your Ideal Fashion Style
By now, you should already know your body type and unique colour palette, so the next step is to discover your ideal personal fashion style.
The fastest and simplest way is to take our free fashion style quiz for men; it includes your ideal style, multiple outfit ideas, the most relevant fashion brands for your unique look, and much more.
4. Professional Image Consultancy with The VOU
Last but not least is mastering how to style according to occasion, location, season, and time of the day; this is where our professional styling services for men, created by our expert image consultants and fashion stylists, come in.
Our paid styling packages are the most comprehensive and detailed on the market. Each is backed up by expert stylists who will guide you step by step in creating a personal wardrobe that communicates affluence, elegance, and endless accomplishments.
Remember, owning luxury clothes isn’t enough; to look stylish, confident, and successful, you must know your body type and colour palette and how to style according to the occasion, location, season, and time of day.
Contact us today and save headaches, time, and money; the first styling assessment is on us!
It’s time to show the world the confident and successful you, a gentleman of exquisite fashion taste.