There's no better place to look for classic menswear than Italy. Third-generation Italian designer Gianluca Isaia follows in his family's footsteps to create exquisite, clean-cut looks using the finest fabrics.
"[The company] follows the tradition of Naples, with contemporary fabrics," Isaia told us. "We think Gregory Peck in Roman Holiday." Sure, that was 1953, but it's that classic style that's eminent in Isaia's line.
No wonder Crawford Brock welcomed the Italian sartorialist to open up shop for four days at Stanley Korshak and hosted a party in honor of the collection. At the fête, Isaia wore a navy suit, blue-and-white striped dress shirt, and red-and-blue striped knit tie. Thin red thong sandals pulled the look together.
Jim Shay, president of the company, said he chose pieces for the collection according to his personal style. There's no question about his aesthetic — just see his double-breasted suit and the racks full of herringbone, houndstooth, mixed wool and cashmere fabrics, and rich colors.
At the party, the pop-up was filled with well-dressed men (and, yes, a few women) trying on jackets, perusing the luxe Italian collection, and snacking on cheese and salumi provided by Lombardi catering. Isaia fans included Mark Cwikla, William Lawrence, Dahntay Jones, Keith Carlisle, Joel Schubert, Tracey Hill, Helen Brock, Krystal Schlegel, Leighton Callan, J.B. Hayes, Michelle Claasen and Matt Lewis.
And the answer to the most-asked question: "Why is Gianluca wearing flip-flops with a suit?"
The answer is simple. He prefers to be comfortable.
