H&M Has Collaborated With This Stylish Italian Tailoring Label – And We Want Every Single Piece

For Gerardo Cavaliere and Margherita Cardelli – the unstoppable husband-and-wife duo behind Italian brand, Giuliva Heritage – a call from H&M came as something of a surprise. “We are at complete opposite ends of the industry,” Margherita tells British Vogue from the scenic mountains of her native Italy. Nevertheless, it soon became clear that, as she puts it, “at the end of the day, we strive for the same goal”. Known for their timeless, no-fuss approach to razor-sharp tailoring, the couple were asked to collaborate with the Swedish high-street giant on a range of affordable clean-cut pieces.

Slow fashion is a key focus for the husband-and-wife duo, whose brand is inspired by traditional Neapolitan menswear tailoring techniques. “Every detail and stitch that you see comes from menswear – the womenswear follows the same rules. The only exception is, of course, the blazers, as you need to respect the shape of a woman’s body,” Margherita explains.

The couple recognised a gap in the market around three years ago, noting that well-crafted tailoring was not available in the ready-to-wear sphere. After borrowing her husband’s made-to-measure clothing, fashioned from quality fabrics with a perfect fit and cut, then persuading him to make her a version (Gerardo had his own tailoring business, Sartoria Giuliva, in Naples) Giuliva Heritage was born. In 2017, they launched a small collection of six pieces and the brand has since grown exponentially, and is now stocked at Matchesfashion.com, Net-a-Porter and Selfridges.

Their considered, made-to-last mindset remained when it came to picking out fabrics for the H&M collection. Recycled materials and fibres are used throughout – and the H&M team were keen to learn more about Margherita and Gerardo’s eco way of thinking. “They were so respectful. We learnt from them, they learnt from us.”

One look at the capsule and classic design flairs of Giuliva Heritage are evident in abundance. Wide lapels, angular blazers and effortless suiting are presented within an affordable price bracket – a move that the couple had thought may not be possible. For Gerardo, who heads the design aspect of the Giuliva Heritage brand, while his wife handles the business side, the weight of the fabrics were a particularly important element. “It’s also about finding the perfect texture,” he says, adding, “we really wanted to bring our know-how to this collection”.

The pick of the bunch? A navy double-breasted blazer with gold buttons is one of Margherita and Gerardo favourite pieces in the capsule, in addition to a flowing longline coat. But really, for those looking to re-enter the office in style, this collection couldn’t come at a better time – we want it all.