Launched earlier this month, Monocle’s first fashion collection is tailored for travellers. With a focus on comfort and versatility, the aim of the collection is to fill a gap in the wardrobe of those who habitually find themselves in a variety of climates and seasons. The unstructured tailoring and soft jersey pieces are comfortable for on-the-go wear, in-flight or on foot. With simple shirts, tops and mix-and-match tailoring, designer Daniela Diletto has created a capsule wardrobe in classic colours that make for easy layering, and easy packing.
We caught up with Daniela to discuss the collection's design and production, her life outside of work, and what's next for Monocle Voyage.
Trunk: Can you tell us a little about the concept behind Monocle Voyage?
Daniela Diletto: Monocle Voyage embodies the essence behind Monocle. Tyler's [Tyler Brûlé, Editor-in-Chief of Monocle] perpetually on-the-go lifestyle is at the root of my inspiration. It has resulted in a ready-to-wear collection featuring classic essentials and a minimal colour range, designed for the well-travelled gentleman who is always looking for high standards of comfort and functionality. We chose to launch our first production with experts based in Italy and Japan. High quality textiles and manufacturing are the essential ingredients of Monocle Voyage.
The collection is designed to work in Montréal in January and Sydney at the height of summer. Our Travel Blazer for instance, made by leading Padova-based tailoring manufacturer, is made with exclusively-developed "four season" weight cotton twill featuring a customised treatment, ensuring the fabric evolves its aspect the more you wear it.
T: Where do you find design inspiration?
DD: Everything that lasts in time fascinates me and inspires me; a piece of furniture, a typeface, a fragrance, a watch, whiskey, a movie. When it comes to design I often think of past and contemporary style icons who are authentic and distinguished because of their work, lifestyle and passions, for instance "The King of Cool".
I'm also a passionate observer of traditional menswear, my main influences are classic American for functionality, traditional English for craftsmanship and Italian style. Other important inspirational elements are the tradition of functionality in certain garments/accessories and materials, such as highly developed quality fabrics.
T: What are you currently working on?
DD: Monocle Voyage is looking always for new destinations. Now that the foundation stands we will lay out new colour scales, materials and styles, work out proper looks insisting on functionality, and explore new climate challenges by creating a sophisticated and distinguished Monocle Voyage imprint.
T: Where do you call home?
DD: I'm Italian, raised in Germany and live and work between Paris and New York. I call home where I eat well, where food plays a primary role in tradition and culture, and that's Italy.
I have spent many years in Milan which is often described as an unattractive city because it’s part of the "triangolo industriale", which stands for the industrialised area in the North-West of Italy including Turin, Milan and Genoa. It's an area of strong immigration from other italian regions - mainly central and south - since the 60s, that's why the authentic regional cuisine is endless in Milan.
There are many places I love, one of those I usually choose for my sunday lunch is Giacomo in Via Sottocorno, opened in 1958 by Tuscan Giacomo Bulleri. This place is special because it makes me feel like I'm at home.
- Daniela Diletto. Photograph by Elina Kechicheva.
T: Where is your favourite travel destination?
DD: Tokyo, Japan. Another cultural reference that plays an important role in my life and has affected my sensibilities. One beautiful experience I had was at a secret dining club called Yakumo Saryo in the residential neighbourhood of Meguro. It's an old-school Japanese villa with private dining rooms. Delicious food, beautiful interior, amazing crockery (which is also one of my passions) this place throws you back in time. I wish I could describe all the sensations this country gives me in a haiku, ha!
T: What are your 5 essential items for travel?
DD: My lambswool Corgi knitwear, my Oliver Peoples x Maison Kitsuné sunglasses, my Smythson sketch book & Kaweco fountain pen, my men's Burberry light overcoat, my Felisi weekend bag.
A warm thank you to Daniela from everyone at Trunk for taking the time to talk to us. For more from behind the scenes at Trunk, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.