De Santis was founded in 1961 by its founder, Aniello De Santis, as a tailor-made fur atelier. In the years that followed, it established itself on the Italian market with its “fairytale furs”, which stand out for their perfect balance between avant-garde style and the tradition of elegant, understated luxury. Since 1971, the brand has specialised in tailor-made clothing, with lines dedicated to men and women ranging from formal elegance in wedding and formal wear to tailored leisurewear.
The Pontecagnano Atelier
In 1980, the prestigious atelier in Pontecagnano (Salerno) was inaugurated, becoming the brand’s headquarters. It soon developed into a thriving and dynamic business characterised by the professionalism and high level of specialisation of its workers. The sartorial skill resulting from generations of experience, together with the work of excellent craftsmen, attention to detail and creativity, make each De Santis garment unique and fully customizable. Over time, through the second generation now represented by Aniello De Santis’ sons, Giuseppe, Carmine and Valentino, the brand has evolved and renewed itself, while remaining a benchmark for Italian fur and haute couture.
Carmine De Santis and the Milan Showroom
In 1990, Carmine De Santis launched his fur and ready-to-wear collections, as well as his haute couture bridal and formal wear lines. In the same period, he opened his showroom on Via Ariberto, an open space in the heart of Milan.
A New Creative Era: Martin Alvarez
In 2016, Carmine De Santis’ meeting with the talented Colombian designer Martin Alvarez marked the beginning of a new and successful evolution for the brand. This collaboration led to the creation of De Santis by Martin Alvarez, which debuted at Milan Fashion Week with a ready-to-wear collection in which extraordinary colour variations evoke a contemporary and refined femininity with timeless class. Italian inspiration and Colombian soul became the distinctive trademark of Martin Alvarez’s collections.
A Fusion of Styles
His strong sartorial vocation is combined with modern reinterpretations and unconventional visions that lead to unexpected shapes. Unstructured dresses thus become the identifying feature of his collections. The result is a pure fusion of styles, colours, techniques and materials. Martin Alvarez, a master in the selection of colours and fabrics and a tireless experimenter with new shapes and cuts artfully moulded to feminine lines, collaborates alongside Carmine De Santis and his exclusive tailored fur creations to create a new concept of contemporary luxury.
Contemporary Luxury Made in Italy
The De Santis by Martin Alvarez collections stand out for their excellence in the search for shapes and materials, the precision and innovation in their workmanship and the exclusivity of their details. These qualities are made possible thanks to the craftsmanship and tailoring expertise that have characterised the De Santis company for more than 60 years. Each garment is entirely made in Italy using the finest fabrics and the best artisans, offering a product of superior quality. From carefully selected raw materials to the final creation, every step respects the most authentic tradition of Italian couture.
Source: De Santis PR
