The World of Piombo at Barneys New York

posted by Michael Williams
Massimo Piombo outside Barneys New York.

Piombo, the colorful Milanese menswear label is finally landing on U.S. shores with its debut this week at Barneys New York. Situated in some very prime real estate on the first floor of the Madison Avenue flagship, the Italian label has long been a insider favorite of menswear editors like Esquire’s Nick Sullivan (who introduced me to Piombo originally).

But why did it take so long to get this stuff to New York? “Mark Lee (Barneys CEO) wears Piombo and he approached us to come to Barneys and New York. It is the perfect partner for us,” said Massimo Piombo this morning as we surveyed the clothing and the newly installed (and stunning) window display on 60th Street.

Knowing how vibrant Piombo can be, I was sort of surprised to see that Massimo was wearing all blue. “I only wear blue.” He declared. “In my closet I only have blue trousers, light blue shirts and maybe five blue jackets. All of the color lives in the collection, so I leave it there. I’m like a chef (who spends his day cooking elaborate meals and when he gets home he just wants something simple to eat).” Well said sir.

Comments on “The World of Piombo at Barneys New York”

    Phil Locust on October 13, 2011 2:36 PM:

    Remember when you said Made in Italy was the most overrated thing in menswear?

    How do those words taste?

    Michael Williams on October 13, 2011 2:40 PM:

    I still think it is true. I was talking about that this past weekend. There’s so much fucked up and terrible Made in Italy stuff out there and it is often so poorly translated to the U.S. market I still believe that statement to be true.

    But I’m happy to be proved wrong. And I’m happy to see brands like Piombo come to America and to see guys in Milan wear American designers…like I did this past weekend. —ACL

    JimVB on October 13, 2011 3:29 PM:

    Price point?

    Wayne Pate on October 13, 2011 3:52 PM:

    Bring on the Italians I say! So much good Italian product is available to us here in NYC at the moment especially at Barney’s. I don’t know much about the collection from Piombo but aim to find out more. Thanks for the heads up Michael, one more reason why ACL is essential.

    George on October 13, 2011 5:15 PM:

    @ JimVB

    If the CEO of Barney’s wears it, I’m guessing its not something you need to ask…. *8^)

    mat buckets on October 13, 2011 6:42 PM:

    nice work, patternfest

    George Edwards on October 13, 2011 10:53 PM:

    Thank Justin Doss.

    LAS on October 14, 2011 11:05 AM:

    Yeah, shout out to Justin Doss’ taste.

    Greg on October 15, 2011 10:47 PM:

    Nice

    Simon on October 18, 2011 4:27 PM:

    I’m sure Barneys would like to take credit for introducing Piombo to NYC and the USA, but John McCoy, a clothing importer and dare I say “Italian clothing visionary”, was importing this and many other recently toted Italian brands, more than two decades ago.

    I believe he had to change gears after 9/11, the incredible rise of the Euro and the “casual Fridays” era. Michael, arrange an interview with this guy. I would venture a guess he might have a great deal to say that your readers would be interested in.

    Cheers!

    ScoutUK on October 18, 2011 8:38 PM:

    Don’t know about you, but this actually looks like Italian clothing that I would wear. Intrigued.

    Sean on October 24, 2011 12:09 AM:

    Their scarves are super cute, love ’em!

Comments are closed.