Panorama - Around the neck, charm and superstition

The tie brand Ulturale bears the surname of the founding artisan who in 1948 took up production in Naples with an innovative manufacture that set the trend: the "seven folds." Today the brand is managed by a company that is expanding its potential in our country.

"A good tie knot is the first serious step in life" (Oscar Wilde); "the tie is life caught in the act" (Eugenio Montale). Fishing among aphorisms dedicated to the male accessory is plentiful, but it could not be inspired by a stronger tradition: this is also how the Ulturale brand is relaunched. The historic brand of sartorial ties, produced in Naples since 1948 and born from the intuition of artisan Vincenzo Ulturale, has been relaunched by Pierfrancesco Barletta, president of the company. "Vincenzo Ulturale invented the "seven-fold," the most sought-after tie, complicated to make. And, stroke of genius, his ties contain the "curniciello," the Neapolitan good luck horn," Barletta explains. "It's a touch of superstition, not so much to ward off Scarpetta anxiety as to give the wearer a lighter touch. Our collection today has over 800 designs and the colors are all exclusive." From the first meeting with Raphael Caporali, CEO, we were taking the helm of the company, a real plan for international expansion was not defined."

To carry it out requires a strategy that focuses on the value of craftsmanship (10 thousand handmade ties each year, in fine silks, price from 130 to 180 euros). "For Christmas," continues Barletta, a Neapolitan, Milanese by adoption, a past in sports clubs (Inter). "we propose in our boutiques in Naples, Rome and Milan, a thousand ties with a special croissant made by Marco Ferrigno, master craftsman of nativity scenes. With men's and women's gloves, bow ties and scarves, always handmade." Isn't the tie out of fashion, in favor of nude white shirts, Obama-style or, going down the branches, Renzi-style? Barletta answers, "It does not have the thriving market it once had, but young people are rediscovering it. Wearing it is becoming a hallmark again."

Panorama