D

on’t let the French moniker fool you — bespoke men’s accessories maker Huitcinq1988 is as Italian as they come. Producing just a handful of items each month, the lion’s share of them bespoke commissions, the Rome-based atelier is a solo workshop operated by artisan Federico De Peppo.

Frustrated in his earlier efforts as a couturier and designer of women’s leather goods by clients’ and retailers’ obsession with big-name brands and an inability to find artisans willing or able to craft items to his exacting standards, De Peppo followed the well-worn path of ‘If you want something done right, do it yourself,’ and set about gaining the skills to make his own product.

Pivoting to a focus on men’s accessories – including intricately crafted wallets, card holders, bags, ties, mobile phone cases and watch straps – in 2014, Huitcinq1988 was born.

The brand may not possess the blatant status symbolism or instant recognition of a major luxury label, but De Peppo says his clients can rest assured in the legitimacy