IS ITALIAN LIFESTYLE STILL AVALUE?

My answer is definitely “Yes.” In Tokyo and probably in other major cities in Japan, too, the most popular western-style restaurant category is still Italian, the best loved wine is still Italian, the best loved tailoring style is still Italian, and the most popular travel destination overseas is still Italy. It’s been like for more than two decades ago, as I remember. And I also suspect that this may be true also for many of the European countries, as well as America, and Asia.

I might add here, too, that the sense and sensibility of the Italian aesthetics which gives ‘Made in Italy’ a uniquely privileged position must have been derived from the Mediter ranean hedonism of Italians as opposed to the asceticism of the central-and northern-Europeans. Not to mention the Buddhism-inspired philosophy of resignation of the Japanese.

And as for menswear? Well, almost all serious fashion brands, not only those in Italy but also those in the rest of Europe and America, rely upon Italy for the production of their high-end clothing as well as many kinds of men’s accessories including bags, shoes, and small leather goods.The sense and sensibility of Italian aesthetics reflected in manufacturing and savoir faire is one of the most valuable assets for the menswear industry of the world. So please, continue to inspire us with your belief that life can be happy with Italian fashion. Because by doing this we discover what fashion can do to make us realize that life can also be happy – even for us pessimistic non-Italians.