Ciro Paone

Ciro Paone was the founder of the Neapolitan tailoring house Kiton, established in 1968. He was a staunch advocate for traditional Italian craftsmanship and is credited with transforming a small workshop into a prestigious symbol of sartorial luxury. Based in Naples, his work was linked to the preservation of local artisanal skills, ensuring that the highest standards of hand-made clothing were maintained in an increasingly industrialized industry. His role as a guardian of sartorial tradition made him a respected figure among discerning international clients and fellow designers alike.

Throughout his career, Paone’s influence was defined by his commitment to quality and his belief in the artisan's touch. He was instrumental in establishing a tailoring school within his company, dedicated to training new generations in Neapolitan dressmaking. By prioritizing the human element of production, he successfully positioned Kiton as a benchmark for excellence in menswear. His legacy remains a testament to the enduring value of hand-crafted luxury and the profound impact of a dedication to artisanal integrity.

The philosophy of 'Il meglio del meglio plus uno' (the best of the best plus one) guided the design and manufacturing approach of Ciro Paone. His methodology was rooted in the extreme technical precision of hand-made tailoring, particularly the development of the soft, unstructured Neapolitan shoulder which allowed for greater ease of movement and a more natural silhouette. This focus on comfort and fit was achieved through the use of the world's rarest and most luxurious fabrics, ensuring that each garment possessed a unique tactile quality. By prioritising the formal properties of construction over overt branding, he proposed a form of luxury that was felt rather than seen.

A primary concern in his practice was the preservation of the artisan's touch, which he believed provided a level of soul and character that machine production could never replicate. He frequently emphasized the importance of individual hand-work, from the cutting of the cloth to the final stitching of the buttonholes, resulting in garments that were as much works of art as they were functional objects. This dedication to artisanal excellence was reinforced by his commitment to education, ensuring that the specific techniques of the Neapolitan school were passed on to future makers. By maintaining this focus on traditional craftsmanship and material perfection, he established a design ethos that remains a hallmark of high-end Italian sartorialism, prioritising quality above all other considerations.