Aspesi’s journey from a shirt-specialized company to a global fashion brand is a story of balance between tradition and innovation. By staying true to its core values while continuously adapting to the changing fashion landscape, Aspesi is a leading name in the fashion world with its timeless elegance and sophisticated designs.

History

Alberto Aspesi founded Aspesi in 1969 in Legnano, near Milan. Initially specializing in shirts, Aspesi set itself apart from the French haute couture of the time by addressing the public with easy-to-wear yet elegant garments. The brand focused on new materials, using exclusive and avant-garde fabrics and emphasizing functionality. This approach allowed the company to create aesthetically pleasing and practical clothing.

In just a few years, Aspesi expanded its scope to serve both male and female customers. The 1990s marked a significant period for the brand, characterized by the production of unisex down jackets and a simple, linear clothing line. These innovations helped solidify Aspesi’s reputation for combining style and functionality.

Today, Aspesi continues to evolve, offering a wide range of wardrobe staples, including innovative outerwear. The brand’s commitment to quality and evergreen design has earned it a loyal following worldwide.

Philosophy

Aspesi’s philosophy is rooted in collaboration and minimalism. Working with renowned designers like Moschino and Albini, the brand crafts pieces that are not only beautiful but also practical. Among other things, they popularized the down jacket in Italy, shifting it from a sporty garment to an everyday-used one. They gave the Italian item the name “piumimo” which recalls the lightness of “piume” (feathers). Aspesi’s minimalist, sophisticated designs continue to redefine fashion, offering a blend of classic and contemporary styles.

Silence is one of Alberto Aspesi’s guiding principles. The brand embraces a “no logo” philosophy, focusing on quiet luxury and letting the quality of the garments speak for themselves.

Art has always been close to the company’s values, leading to collaborations with renowned photographers, architects, and designers for artistic advertisements, shop interiors, and design pieces.

Aspesi and Japan

Aspesi has also embraced the craftsmanship and aesthetic principles of Japanese culture. The brand collaborated with plant artist Satoshi Kawamoto, whose work emphasizes the importance of details inspired by Japanese culture. Kawamoto’s approach to art, balancing new and traditional elements, resonates with Aspesi’s own design philosophy. His work underscores the beauty found in imperfection and the search for harmony in seemingly messy things.

Creative Director Lawrence Steel, discussing Aspesi, compares the brand to the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which values the beauty in imperfection and transience. This philosophy is evident in Aspesi’s approach to clothing, focusing on quality and creating pieces that fit seamlessly into the wearer’s life, becoming cherished items over time.

Where to find in Japan

• A flagship store is locate in the trendy Aoyama in Tokyo. Address: 5-5-4 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
• Aspesi products are also available in various high-end department stores across Japan, such as Isetan, Hankyu, and select specialty shops. You can consult the list here: http://www.toyodaco.jp/aspesi_shoplist/ 

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