Cover Sartoria Solomeo is an unique experience that depends on the schedule of the master tailors
Sartoria Solomeo is an unique experience that depends on the schedule of the master tailors
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The Sartoria Solomeo program helps Brunello Cucinelli fans experience their signature comfortable fit with a suit cut just for them. Our Editor-in-Chief experiences the magic first-hand
The Master Tailor, gorgeously outfitted in a perfectly fitted white linen suit, looked me up and down, ran his hands over my shoulder and told me one of my shoulders was sloping, resulting in one arm seeming longer than the other. This was something I knew from a lifetime of buying shirts and suits, that my arms’ lengths are not equal. And while it has also been pointed out to me by a number of people—including my wife and a rolfing specialist—that I have slouchy shoulders, I had not, until that moment, really linked my poor posture with how that might affect my clothing choices.
Antonio Ciampi is Brunello Cucinelli’s personal tailor, and the Master Tailor in charge of the Italian luxury brand’s Sartoria Solomeo program, their Made-to-Measure experience that allows one to have a perfectly fitted Brunello Cucinelli suit, with small adjustments to reflect personal preferences. For someone like me, having inherited a typically Southern Chinese stocky and short build, it’s been near impossible to buy nice clothes off the rack. Most brands design for Thors—tall Aryan gods with perfect bodies—and not Dilberts like me.
Above Koh gets measured by Maestro Ciampi
Koh gets measured by Maestro Ciampi
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For suits and dress shirts, I have almost always had to tailor. But finding the right tailor who can really recommend and make something that makes you look and feel spectacular is akin to Charlie Bucket pulling that famous golden ticket from under his chocolate bar wrapper.
A fervent admirer of Brunello Cucinelli’s fabric craftsmanship and their commitment to comfort, I was ecstatic to secure an appointment with the sought-after Mr. Ciampi. He and his team had flown into Singapore for a limited engagement in September, introducing Sartoria Solomeo to our shores.
Initiated in 2018, Sartoria Solomeo is the apex of the Brunello Cucinelli experience. Their Made-to-Measure program epitomizes the brand’s aesthetic—gracefully tailored jackets and trousers that don't compromise comfort for elegance. Unlike traditional rigid suits, Cucinelli's designs prioritise a light, fluid structure, encapsulating style without formality.
With Sartoria Solomeo, skilled Italian tailors traverse the globe, aiding patrons in curating the quintessential ensemble, highlighting their best features and embodying Brunello Cucinelli's ethos of luxury with comfort.
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Brunello Cucinelli stands apart from conventional menswear brands. Eschewing Italy's fashion epicenters like Milan or Florence, the company calls the quaint Umbrian village of Solomeo home — the birthplace of Cucinelli's wife, Federica. This imbues the brand with a familial essence. Instead of solitary desk-side meals, the entire team gathers for lunch daily.
Cucinelli's roots trace back to a humble beginning in a rural community near Perugia, Italy, where he lived in a home without electricity or running water. In 1977, he commenced the production of dyed cashmere in a modest workshop near his hometown. A year later, with a mere 500 euros, Cucinelli launched his eponymous fashion brand. Fast forward to today, and Brunello Cucinelli boasts over 122 stores worldwide with net revenues of €919.7 million in 2022.
One cornerstone of Cucinelli’s creations, which endeared them to me, is their “sportivo chic” design philosophy. It's an ode to relaxed elegance, harmonising comfort with luxury materials. “You know, Mr Cucinelli tests out every suit I make for him,” shares the master tailor. “He goes to his table, sits down and writes a letter. He wants to know that the suit is still comfortable and looks good even when doing everyday things.”
Maestro Ciampi started our session by having me put on an off the rack suit that was already in my size (chest size). From there, he pinned the garment and made multiple adjustments, taking measurements and photos. “We must take pictures today, so the tailors in Italy get an idea of how the clothes fit you.”
Once this was done, it was time for me to choose a style and fabric. At Maestro’s suggestion, I went for the signature one and a half breasted design. I have always loved double-breasted suits, so this was an easy sell. Harder was choosing from the many luxurious fabrics, most of which are cashmere blends. Given Singapore’s weather, I almost went with a beautiful, smooth cotton and cashmere blend. It was both lightweight and elegant. But then I found a fabric that I just could not stop touching, a soft flannel made from cashmere, wool and silk, available in 3 colours. Given Brunello Cucinelli is most known for natural and earthy tones, instead of going for something in my usual choice of navy, I chose a rich camel colour with a tan stripe.
Choosing a suit style from the latest collection
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The suit, which is being made in Solomeo, I was told, will be ready in six to eight weeks. The anticipation, of course, is killing me. But great things, as the saying goes, take time.
If interested in the Sartoria Solomeo service, do enquire at your nearest Brunello Cucinelli boutique. The tailors travel out every season and now that Maestro Ciampi has been to Singapore, he promises to be back regularly.
Brunello Cucinelli, 2 Bayfront Avenue, #B1-81A The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Tel: 6688 7216
Brunello Cucinelli, 290 Orchard Road, #01-17/18 Paragon Shopping Centre, Tel: 6235 1609
About
Aun started his career in media, working at illustrious publications in NYC, Paris, and Hong Kong before launching his own Asia-regional lifestyle magazine, East, that was called "Asia's hippest magazine" by Asiaweek and "an Asian Vanity Fair" by Fortune. Committed to community service, Aun has helmed the visual arts and literary arts divisions for the National Arts Council in Singapore; led the marketing, communications, and corporate community investments teams at the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre; was the founding Chair of the Pangdemonium Theatre Company; and currently sits on the Board of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. In 2006, Aun co-founded The Ate Group, a content strategy and communications agency specialising in F&B, hospitality, luxury and lifestyle. Aun has run the content and communications teams at Tripadvisor; similarly run content and communications at a sustainability focused tech start up; and run marketing and communications at a global BPO with over 17,000 employees worldwide. Aun has also been a consultant for Mediacorp and has produced and hosted two food & travel television series for them. In 2015 he began working on the creation of a private members club, Straits Clan, which he launched in 2019 and sold the following year. Returning to his roots, Aun joined Tatler Asia in 2023 as editor-in-chief in Singapore and is committed to telling great stories of change makers through Tatler’s online and offline platforms.
Work
As Editor-in-Chief of Tatler Singapore, Aun leads all the content teams: branded content, print, digital, and the creative teams. He works closely with the heads of each team to ensure that Tatler continues to cover the most important, inspiring and exciting stories that are affecting Singapore and our region. He also works closely with the events and commercial teams and is always excited to collaborate on new ideas and projects that the Tatler team can activate.
Follow Aun on Instagram at @aun_koh (primarily a food account) and on Linkedin here.
