Given that he grew up in Naples – the so-called cradle of Italian men’s tailoring – it is perhaps unsurprising that Fabio Attanasio ended up harbouring such a passion for menswear. While at university, Attanasio shadowed a number of tailors across Italy, and then went on to launch The Bespoke Dudes, a fashion site for men that throws a spotlight on tailors and artisans.
The self-dubbed “menswear consultant” eventually narrowed his focus and looked to the eyewear industry. “When I launched The Bespoke Dudes, I used to always take photos of myself wearing a pair of honey sunglasses,” says Attanasio. This pair of specs sparked an unexpected amount of interest among his followers. But the owners of the eyewear brand reached out to Attanasio and explained that they were not interested in a collaboration with the site – so he decided to take matters into his own hands.
"A friend and business partner and I decided to try and sell our own frames with my brand," he explains. In March, Attanasio officially launched The Bespoke Dudes Eyewear.
Each piece by the fledgling brand is handcrafted in Italy by Cadore-based artisans, who are all hand-picked by Attanasio. The frames consist of acetate made by the leading Varese-based plastic manufacturer Mazzucchelli 1849, while the hinges of each set of specs feature four screws – rather than the standard two – to guarantee durability.
Currently on offer are two distinct styles: Cran and Pleat. The first is characterised by a simple, clean design, and takes its name from the space between the collar and the lapel of a jacket. Cran glasses and sunglasses are unisex, handmade in Italy and priced at €145 (Dh585) per pair. The glasses are available in a number of finishes, including honey, transparent and tortoiseshell.
Attanasio created three prototypes for each collection before settling on the perfect shape, he explains. He admits, however, that he is reluctant to label this process as “designing”. “I am not a designer. I would rather say that I blended my taste with the know-how of our artisans.”
The second style, Pleat, fuses charming vintage elements with extreme functionality. These spectacles, which are also unisex, can transition into sunglasses with the addition of a lightweight clip-on. The frames come in tortoiseshell and dark blue, while clip-on lens colours include gradient grey, tobacco and bottle green. Each pair is priced at €195 (Dh787).
The brand’s choice of lens shape and design falls perfectly in line with this season’s trends, with round frames, tapered temples and tortoiseshell designs having all been spotted on the runways. “The metallic clip-on is [also] in vogue now,” adds Attanasio. “And the proof of this is that our Pleat model is our best-seller.” With Gucci and Tom Ford having both sent clip-on shades down the runway in recent times, he appears to be on to something.
Customers in the UAE can also look forward to a limited-edition set of specs from The Bespoke Dudes Eyewear. While details are being kept tightly under wraps, there are two things we know for certain: the new frames will be exclusive to the Emirates, and the featured colours will be based on feedback from current UAE customers. Dubai residents can also look forward to a dedicated trunk show in January 2016.
alane@thenational.ae
