Maria Giovanna Paone

Maria Giovanna Paone is the President and Creative Director of the womenswear division at Kiton, the esteemed Neapolitan tailoring house. She joined the family business in 1986 and was instrumental in the launch of the company’s women’s line in 1995. Her leadership has been central to translating Kiton's legendary masculine sartorial heritage into a feminine context, maintaining the same standards of hand-crafted excellence and exclusive textile development.

Based in Naples, Paone is a staunch advocate for slow fashion and the preservation of traditional tailoring skills. Her role within the house involves overseeing the training of new tailors and ensuring the continuity of Kiton’s 'best of the best + 1' philosophy. She is recognised as a leading figure in Italian luxury who prioritises the integrity of the garment and the longevity of style over contemporary market pressures.

Design is anchored in the Neapolitan sartorial tradition, where the emphasis is placed on handmade quality and the timeless nature of the garment. Following the house’s 'best of the best + 1' philosophy, the work focuses on refined details and the use of exclusive, often proprietary fabrics. This results in a feminine silhouette that is defined by the same structural precision and material excellence as traditional masculine tailoring.

The approach prioritises the internal construction of the garment, with a focus on ease and a natural fit that follows the contours of the body without restriction. Ornament is secondary to the quality of the cut and the tactile nature of the textiles. This commitment to slow fashion and artisanal continuity reflects a design ethos that values longevity and personal distinction, catering to a clientele that views fashion as an investment in enduring craft.