I've gone through the postings on the Lounge quite carefully, to see what people have to say about Battistoni. People have made two points: (1) that the styles are suited for plutocrats; and (2) unless one is a plutocrat, one is unlikely to get a polite welcome. Despite these disparaging remarks, I decided to pay a visit to see the place myself.
I am far from being a plutocrat, and even told the person who met me at the entrance that I had no intention of purchasing anything. Surprisingly, he did not take this amiss and told me that in that case he would just take me on a tour of the shop. And that's what he did, in a most friendly and relaxed manner.
From this tour I could see a few things. I saw in particular that although some of the styles were definitely aimed at those who wanted to show off, the vast bulk of what they had was actually fairly conservative. For example, sweaters in single, muted colors rather than flashy patterns. I could also see that they used high quality fabric, such as Carlo Riva for their shirts.
What I couldn't really see from my tour is the quality of their own tailoring. Does anyone have any experience of, say, their shirt-making?
battistoni
Actually quite curious about Battistoni or any other Roman shirtmaker endorsements too. Have heard Jaja Camiceria is quite good but otherwise only come across Neopolitan shirtmakers that have a base in Rome.
Well, it turns out that not much of anyone has had any recent experience with Battistoni.
Their website just announced that they have entered pre-bankruptcy proceedings, under which suppliers have been invited to submit their claims.
A real pity. Battistoni was a fabled house, known for outfitting the good and great during the heyday of La Dolce Vita. But times change.
Their website just announced that they have entered pre-bankruptcy proceedings, under which suppliers have been invited to submit their claims.
A real pity. Battistoni was a fabled house, known for outfitting the good and great during the heyday of La Dolce Vita. But times change.
+1jfelman wrote: ↑Fri Nov 14, 2025 12:56 amTheir website just announced that they have entered pre-bankruptcy proceedings, under which suppliers have been invited to submit their claims.
A real pity. Battistoni was a fabled house, known for outfitting the good and great during the heyday of La Dolce Vita. But times change.
Another grand historical house falling out of grace... even if the name will be saved, it would be another incarnation.
Gianni Battistoni passed away in 2024. I guess there is no one in the family ready to pick up the flag.
Andrey
Andrey,
I've made some inquiries.
It seems that Guiglielmo's children weren't really interested in running the business, so they sold it to some investors. These investors (backed by an investment bank) thought they could capitalise on the Battistoni name by turning it into an international brand, so they embarked on a massive expansion plan, including opening up a shop in Beverly Hills. This adventure ended badly, losing millions of dollars.
At that point, the long-time manager of the Rome shop decided it was time to retire. And when he went, so did many of his long-time customers, who decided it was time to shift their custom to other clothiers. Cashflow consequently fell to a fraction of what it used to be.
To keep the business afloat, the owners started to sell off some of the pieces by famous artists had that had adorned the shop for many years. But this strategy also backfired, as some of the artists considered these pieces as loans rather than gifts. So they took Battistoni to court, as did certain customers whose bespoke pieces were taking a little too long to arrive.
So now the situation is, to put it politely, not very good.
As of writing, the shop is still open. But who knows for how long.
Josh
I've made some inquiries.
It seems that Guiglielmo's children weren't really interested in running the business, so they sold it to some investors. These investors (backed by an investment bank) thought they could capitalise on the Battistoni name by turning it into an international brand, so they embarked on a massive expansion plan, including opening up a shop in Beverly Hills. This adventure ended badly, losing millions of dollars.
At that point, the long-time manager of the Rome shop decided it was time to retire. And when he went, so did many of his long-time customers, who decided it was time to shift their custom to other clothiers. Cashflow consequently fell to a fraction of what it used to be.
To keep the business afloat, the owners started to sell off some of the pieces by famous artists had that had adorned the shop for many years. But this strategy also backfired, as some of the artists considered these pieces as loans rather than gifts. So they took Battistoni to court, as did certain customers whose bespoke pieces were taking a little too long to arrive.
So now the situation is, to put it politely, not very good.
As of writing, the shop is still open. But who knows for how long.
Josh
Josh,
Very interesting! -- thanks for digging this out.
As much as I sympathize with people who put real money, take risks and expect return of their efforts (that is, investors), I'm not sure what I would prefer more: Battistoni ceasing to exist (as it seems to happens now) *or* becoming another global luxury (or "luxury") brand capitalizing on its past -- a'la Hawes & Curtis and countless others.
Andrey
Very interesting! -- thanks for digging this out.
As much as I sympathize with people who put real money, take risks and expect return of their efforts (that is, investors), I'm not sure what I would prefer more: Battistoni ceasing to exist (as it seems to happens now) *or* becoming another global luxury (or "luxury") brand capitalizing on its past -- a'la Hawes & Curtis and countless others.
Andrey
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