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Kiton
Kiton
from Wikipedia

Kiton is an Italian fashion house founded by Ciro Paone in Arzano, NA 1968.[2][3][4][5]

Key Information

Founded in Arzano, Naples in 1968 by Ciro Paone, Kiton is an Italian clothing company with its roots in traditional Italian tailoring. By the end of 2022, Kiton had 60 monobrand stores and 300 wholesale accounts worldwide.[6]

The company's slogan is Il meglio del meglio più uno ("the best of the best plus one").[7]

Kiton operates five manufacturing facilities located in Arzano (for their primary production), Caserta (for sportswear), Parma (for outerwear), Fidenza (for knitwear), and Biella (for textiles).[6][8][9][10] Kiton owns the Carlo Barbera fabric mill.[11]

History

[edit]

Kiton is the trademark brand of the company Ciro Paone SpA, a company founded in 1956.[12] It was set up at Arzano, in the province of Naples, in 1968.[13][14] The name Kiton derives from the chiton ceremonial tunic worn by the ancient Greeks and Romans.[15][16] The word chiton is derived from a Central Semitic language *kittān (e.g. Hebrew כֻּתֹּנֶת kuttṓnĕṯ), ultimately from a word for 'flax'.[17][18]

In 1995, Kiton launched a line of womenswear.[19]

In 2008, Ciro Paone purchased suits and other wardrobe items that once belonged to Edward VIII, the Duke of Windsor, from a 1998 Sotheby's auction. These items were later showcased by Paone at the Excelsior hotel in Florence, Italy, during the biannual Pitti Uomo menswear show. The display highlighted the historical sartorial elements Paone incorporated into his contemporary designs for Kiton suits.[20]

In 2009, Kiton bought the Carlo Barbera woollen mill, which had been founded in 1949 in Biella.[21] This allowed Kiton to work with delicate fibers such as viscose and create specialized yarns, dyes, and weaves.[22]

In 2013, Kiton acquired Palazzo Ferré, a building on Via Pontaccio that was home to the Gianfranco Ferré label for 14 years. After the restoration, it was planned that the second floor would house Kiton's showroom and offices, while the first floor would become a tailor's shop.[23][24]

In 2013, Kiton launched its retail operations in India.[25] In 2015, Kiton launched its eyewear collection,[26] and opened a 2,500-square-foot store in San Francisco.[27] In 2017 to mark the opening of Pitti Immagine Uomo 91, Ciro Paone received the Pitti Immagine career award.[28]

In 2018, Kiton launched an athleisure collection, called KNT (Kiton New Texture). The KNT brand is owned by twins Walter and Mariano de Matteis, the latest generation of the Kiton family.[29][30] Also, in 2018, Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic, awarded Kiton the Premio Leonardo Qualità Italia.[31][32]

Ciro Paone, the founder of Kiton, died at 88 in his home in Naples, Italy on October 27, 2021.[33][34][35][36]

In 2022, Kiton announced a new collaboration with Beatrice Venezi.[37] In July 2023, Kiton began dressing the team and players of the London club Tottenham Hotspur for official events.[38][39]

In July 2023, Kiton opened a 350 sq m flagship store in Seoul in Cheongdam-dong.[40]

School of Advanced Tailoring

[edit]

In 2000, Kiton launched a training project with the foundation of the School of Advanced Tailoring, aimed at training new generations of tailors.[41] Kiton developed this course with two main goals: to prepare young people to enter the labor market and to ensure that the workforce is constantly updated.[42]

The majority of the students hail from Naples, though there are also applications from international students. Approximately 80% of these students secure employment with Kiton or at other companies.[43][44]

The institution offers a three-year program aimed at training individuals between the ages of 16 and 21 for professional roles. The curriculum, delivered by in-house instructors, primarily focuses on jacket creation during the first two years. In the third year, students are encouraged to pick and delve deeper into a specific production stage.[45][46]

Production

[edit]

Kiton operates in the luxury goods sector and offers bespoke service, characterized by hand-cut and basted tailored suits, as well as ready-to-wear men's and women's garments.

Kiton maintains an integrated supply chain, with five company-owned factories:[8][16]

  • Coats, jackets, shirts, ties, shoes, and small leather goods are produced at the company's headquarters in Arzano.[47]
  • Leather and bomber jackets are crafted in Collecchio.
  • Knitwear originates from Fidenza.
  • Jeans are produced in Marcianise, in the province of Caserta.
  • Fabrics are processed and developed at Biella, Kiton's proprietary woolen mill.

As of the end of 2022, the company employs about 850 employees and sells its products in 73 countries, with over 60 monobrand stores and 300 wholesale accounts globally.[48][49]

Management

[edit]
Kiton in Toronto

Antonio de Matteis (CEO)

[edit]

Antonio de Matteis, the nephew of Ciro Paone, is the CEO and joint Creative Director of menswear at Kiton Group.[50] Born in Naples in 1964, he started his career at Kiton under his uncle Ciro Paone, the founder of Kiton. In 1996, Antonio joined the Ciro Paone spa shareholder package, acquiring a 10% stake. By 2007, Ciro Paone appointed him as the CEO of the group. In 2018, Antonio initiated "Knt (Kiton new textures)", the first collection by his sons, Mariano and Walter De Matteis, representing the third generation of the Kiton family. In 2021–2022, Kiton saw a 60% increase in turnover, reaching €162 million.[51][52]

Maria Giovanna Paone (president)

[edit]

Maria Giovanna Paone, daughter of Ciro Paone, is the president and the creative director of the brand's womenswear.[53][54]

Maria Giovanna joined Kiton in 1986 and, under her leadership in 1995, introduced a line of womenswear. Paone currently holds the positions of president and creative director of the womenswear division at Kiton. She is an advocate for slow fashion and has been instrumental in expanding the women's collection with new accessories. Under Paone, the women's collection emphasized tailored jackets suitable for a range of settings and customers. By 2013, womenswear accounted for 20% of Kiton's total growth, with a marked presence in international markets, including Japan, Korea, Canada, and the U.S. The line's success also led to the development of a women's accessories range. Paone recognized the growing interest of women in high-end tailoring, a field often associated with men. In recognition of her contributions to the fashion industry, Paone received the Italian Forbes CEO Award in the Fashion category in 2021.

Antonio Paone (president of Kiton USA)

[edit]

Antonio Paone is the president of Kiton USA. He began his career at Kiton, working from the ground up, starting as a driver and later becoming a fabric scout across Europe. By 2004, he had risen to the role of commercial director and subsequently oversaw Kiton's US operations. Under his leadership, Kiton has expanded, notably with a new women's store on Madison Avenue, and he also spearheaded the growth of Sartorio Napoli, a Kiton family brand.[55]

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Kiton is an Italian luxury fashion house renowned for its and menswear, particularly handcrafted suits and jackets that embody Neapolitan tailoring traditions. Founded in 1968 in Arzano, a suburb of , by Ciro Paone—a scion of a fifth-generation family of merchants—the brand originated as an evolution of Paone's earlier 1956 venture, CIPA, which focused on fabric trading before shifting to garment production. The name "Kiton" draws from the ancient Greek term khitōn, referring to a lightweight worn in ceremonial contexts, symbolizing the brand's emphasis on refined, effortless elegance. Under Paone's leadership until his death in , Kiton expanded from its roots in custom tailoring to a global enterprise, now family-run by his nephew Antonio de Matteis as CEO, with operations spanning five factories in and approximately 800 employees dedicated to production. The house maintains by owning fabric mills, including the prestigious Carlo Barbera mill acquired in in 2010, ensuring access to ultra-fine materials such as 12.8-micron wool, , cashmere, and . Central to Kiton's identity is its artisanal craftsmanship, with each jacket requiring over 1,800 individual steps and more than 25 hours of hand labor, including hand-cut patterns, basted seams, and embroidered buttonholes. This meticulous process, honed through a proprietary Tailoring School established in 2000 near Naples, trains artisans over three years in specialized techniques, preserving Neapolitan soft-shouldered, unstructured silhouettes while incorporating bold patterns and vibrant colors. Beyond menswear—where suits and sport coats retail from $6,000 to $12,000—Kiton has diversified into womenswear, accessories, and even high jewelry under the "Tailored Gems" line, all while operating 60 boutiques worldwide (as of 2024) and prioritizing sustainability through ethical sourcing.

History

Founding and Early Years

Kiton traces its origins to the entrepreneurial vision of Ciro Paone, whose family had been involved in fabric making for generations in the region of . Drawing on this heritage, Paone established Ciro Paone S.p.A. in 1956 as a producer of tailored clothing, initially focusing on ready-made garments that blended traditional craftsmanship with emerging market demands. In , Paone formally launched the Kiton brand in Arzano, a town on the outskirts of , to elevate his operations into a luxury tailoring house rooted in Neapolitan sartorial traditions. The name "Kiton" derives from the "chiton," symbolizing a simple yet elegant , reflecting the brand's commitment to refined, understated elegance in menswear. From its inception, Kiton emphasized high-end men's suits and garments in a modest workshop that prioritized meticulous hand-finishing techniques passed down through local tailoring expertise. Central to Kiton's early identity was the adoption of the slogan "Il meglio del meglio più uno" ("the best of the best plus one"), coined by Paone to underscore a of surpassing even the highest standards of and in handcrafted suits. This guided the brand's initial offerings, which centered on custom-made menswear that highlighted the soft-shouldered, unstructured silhouettes characteristic of Neapolitan style, setting Kiton apart in the luxury market from its very beginning.

Key Milestones and Growth

In 1995, Kiton expanded its offerings by launching a womenswear line, marking the brand's entry into female apparel under the direction of Maria Giovanna Paone, which broadened its luxury market appeal beyond menswear. A significant strategic move came in 2010 when Kiton acquired the Carlo mill in , , enabling in-house production of high-quality fabrics and greater control over material sourcing for its garments. In 2013, the company purchased Palazzo Ferré, a historic building on Via Pontaccio in previously associated with the label, transforming it into Kiton's new headquarters and flagship showroom to enhance its presence in the global . The death of founder Ciro Paone on October 27, 2021, at age 88, prompted a seamless transition to family leadership, with the second generation—led by his children—embracing and relaunching the company's core values to ensure continuity in its artisanal heritage. In 2023, Kiton entered the sector through a two-year partnership with Tottenham Hotspur football club, outfitting the team and staff with branded apparel from its KNT urbanwear line, signaling diversification into lifestyle and athletic collaborations. That same year, Kiton opened its first flagship store in , , located in the upscale district, spanning 350 square meters over two levels to cater to the growing Asian luxury market. In June 2025, Maria Giovanna Paone, daughter of the founder and president of the company, was appointed "Cavaliere del Lavoro" by the President of the Italian Republic, honoring her contributions to Italian and the fashion industry. Central to Kiton's evolution is the "Kitonism" philosophy, introduced by the Paone family to encapsulate the brand's commitment to artisanal passion, timeless style, and exceptional craftsmanship using premium materials and traditional techniques.

Craftsmanship

School of Advanced Tailoring

In 2000, Kiton established the Scuola di Alta Sartoria in Arzano, near Naples, Italy, as a dedicated institution to train the next generation of artisans in high-end tailoring. This school targets motivated young individuals aged 16 to 21, primarily from local communities in the Campania region, who hold a lower secondary school certificate and demonstrate a commitment to craftsmanship; it accommodates up to 18 students per cohort, including international applicants fluent in Italian. The initiative reflects Kiton's commitment to nurturing talent from within its cultural and geographic roots, ensuring the brand's workforce remains deeply connected to Neapolitan traditions. In 2025, the school celebrated its 25th anniversary, received the SFA Education of Excellence Award, and introduced the Ciro Paone Award for top-performing students. The school's three-year intensive program is full-time, spanning seven hours per day from Monday to Friday, and is taught exclusively by Kiton's master tailors to instill professional expertise. The curriculum emphasizes advanced tailoring techniques, including pattern-making and fabric handling, where students learn to create complete garments from raw materials. A core focus is on Neapolitan hand-stitching methods, which prioritize elegant, handmade construction, alongside rigorous practices to maintain the precision and durability synonymous with luxury menswear. The first two years center on mastering the full process of jacket production using the proprietary Kiton method, while the third year allows specialization in specific production phases, fostering both technical proficiency and creative intuition. Graduates of the program achieve strong employment outcomes, with approximately 80% securing positions as tailors at Kiton or other high-end tailoring firms; as of July 2025, Kiton has hired 80 alumni directly. Top performers are offered a three-year within Kiton, bridging their education seamlessly into professional roles. By cultivating these skilled artisans, the school plays a vital role in preserving traditional Italian craftsmanship against the pressures of industrialized modern , ensuring the global continuity of Neapolitan sartorial heritage.

Production Processes

Kiton maintains two primary production lines: garments, which are fully custom-made to individual client specifications, and (RTW) collections that incorporate extensive handcrafting while adhering to standardized patterns. The process allows for personalized adjustments, often requiring up to 50 hours of labor per suit, whereas RTW suits typically demand around 25 hours, blending artisanal techniques with efficient scaling to meet broader demand. The company's manufacturing is distributed across five specialized facilities in , ensuring control over every stage from fabric creation to final assembly, with a recent expansion in Arzano in 2025 dedicated to womenswear production. The core tailoring operations occur in Arzano, near , where suits and jackets are crafted using traditional methods. Shirting and sportswear production takes place in , while outerwear is handled in and knitwear in ; fabrics are produced at the Carlo Barbera mill in , acquired by Kiton in 2010 to secure exclusive, high-quality textiles. These sites employ over 850 workers in total, with Arzano's workshop alone featuring more than 350 skilled artisans trained in Neapolitan techniques. Handcrafting defines Kiton's approach, with each involving up to 150 artisans across departments and requiring meticulous steps such as hand-cutting patterns, basting, and . A single jacket incorporates approximately 2,000 hand-stitches, including embroidered buttonholes with over 100 stitches each, while collars and shoulders are entirely hand-sewn for a soft, unstructured fit characteristic of Neapolitan tailoring. This soft construction emphasizes lightweight padding and natural drape, allowing freedom of movement without rigid interfacing. The process draws on artisans from Kiton's School of Advanced Tailoring, ensuring generational expertise in these methods. Kiton's in-house fabric production at the mill utilizes rare yarns, such as ultra-fine and cashmere, to create proprietary textiles like the "" collection, known for their exceptional lightness and micron fineness. is rigorous, with each garment undergoing multiple inspections during assembly, from initial basting trials to final pressing, to guarantee longevity and precision. Sustainability is integrated into material sourcing, with an ethical policy emphasizing and in wool procurement, prioritizing traceable, responsibly farmed fibers to minimize ecological impact.

Products

Menswear Collections

Kiton's menswear collections primarily feature tailored suits, jackets, , shirts, and overcoats, utilizing premium fabrics such as cashmere, , and superfine wools to embody luxury and comfort. These garments highlight the brand's commitment to Neapolitan tailoring traditions, with suits often constructed from exclusive in-house developed textiles that prioritize softness and durability. Overcoats, for instance, incorporate rare materials like blends for exceptional warmth and lightness, while shirts emphasize breathable cottons and silk-cashmere mixes for refined everyday elegance. Signature elements of Kiton's menswear include soft-shouldered Neapolitan cuts, lightweight , and deconstructed structures that ensure freedom of movement without sacrificing form. These designs feature artisanal touches such as hand-rolled lapels and hand-padded chests, creating a natural drape and sophisticated silhouette prized by discerning clients. Customizable options allow for in details like button arrangements and fabric selections, enhancing the feel even in pieces. The brand presents biannual seasonal collections, with Spring/Summer lines drawing inspiration from natural elements through vibrant hues like sea blue, earth brown, and sunset orange, paired with dynamic fabrics such as , cool , and cashmere blends featuring luxurious prints. Fall/Winter collections, in contrast, focus on sartorial depth with rich, textured materials that celebrate craftsmanship and versatility for cooler climates. Artisanal details, including hand-stitching and intricate weaves, permeate both seasons, underscoring Kiton's dedication to timeless style. Kiton's bespoke services provide made-to-measure tailoring, where clients select from a wide array of exclusive fabrics, including rare and superfine wools, to create fully personalized garments. This process involves precise measurements and consultations to achieve a flawless fit, often resulting in one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect individual preferences. Notable collaborations include the 2023 partnership with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, where Kiton's KNT line designed official formalwear for the first-team squad and coaching staff, blending athletic heritage with Italian elegance. Entry-level ready-to-wear suits typically range from approximately €4,500 to €8,000, while options and those using rarer fabrics command prices exceeding €10,000.

Womenswear and Accessories

Kiton launched its womenswear line in 1995 under the creative direction of Maria Giovanna Paone, daughter of founder Ciro Paone, marking the brand's initial foray into feminine apparel while adapting its signature Neapolitan tailoring techniques to suit women's silhouettes. This expansion drew on the company's expertise in high-end menswear fabrics, reinterpreting them for elegant, structured designs that emphasize fluidity and femininity. The womenswear collections feature a range of items, including tailored blazers, dresses, skirts, pants, shirts, blouses, and knitwear, with eveningwear options such as sheath dresses and one-shoulder styles crafted for versatility across occasions. Blazers and jackets, in particular, undergo hand-cutting and tacking by master artisans in , involving up to 1,800 steps to achieve the brand's hallmark precision and softness. These pieces incorporate adapted Neapolitan elements like soft shoulders and lightweight construction to create feminine forms without sacrificing the structured elegance of traditional tailoring. Complementing the apparel, Kiton's accessories for women include handcrafted leather goods such as totes, clutches, deerskin bum bags, satchels, wallets, and belts, alongside and options for everyday luxury. offerings feature items like flats, emphasizing artisanal detailing and comfort, while additional pieces such as gloves, hats, and scarves round out the selection with refined, versatile accents. All womenswear and accessories utilize premium materials matching the quality standards of Kiton's menswear, including fine silks for printed shirts and evening pieces, ultra-fine wools and cashmere blends for blazers and knits, and high-grade leathers for bags and shoes. Post-2022, the womenswear segment has seen accelerated growth, with dedicated seasonal collections like Spring/Summer 2025 and the opening of women-focused boutiques, such as the store emphasizing feminine lines and adaptations. This development positions womenswear as an expanding yet smaller portion of the brand, targeting affluent female clientele who seek timeless, handcrafted luxury in a market dominated by menswear. In March 2025, Kiton launched its first high jewelry collection, "Tailored Gems," drawing inspiration from ancient Neapolitan goldsmithing traditions and featuring pieces that blend artisanal tailoring heritage with luxury gems, initially available exclusively in the market.

Leadership and Management

Ownership Structure

Kiton is wholly owned by Ciro Paone S.p.A., a family-held Italian company established in 1956 by Ciro Paone as a fabric merchant and formally incorporated as a (S.p.A.) in 1968 to develop the Kiton brand. The company operates as a private entity with no publicly traded shares, emphasizing long-term stewardship by the founding family to safeguard its artisanal legacy and strategic independence. Control remains firmly in the hands of the Paone family's second generation, comprising descendants of the founder such as his children Maria Giovanna Paone, Raffaella Paone, and Silverio Paone, alongside nephews Antonio Paone and Antonio de Matteis, with involvement from the third generation. Major shareholders include these family members. This structure ensures cohesive family governance, with decisions guided by shared commitment to the brand's values. Following Ciro Paone's death in October 2021, the family underwent a leadership transition that reinforced unity among the second and third generations, relaunching Kiton's core principles with a focus on innovation while honoring the founder's vision. Acquired subsidiaries, including the , are fully integrated under Ciro Paone S.p.A., consolidating operations and resources within the family-controlled framework. The ownership model reflects Kiton's deep-rooted dedication to Italian heritage, with all major stakeholders residing in and prioritizing the preservation of Neapolitan tailoring traditions over short-term financial gains.

Key Executives

Kiton is led by a close-knit group of family members and executives who have steered the company through generations, emphasizing artisanal excellence and international expansion. The leadership structure reflects the Paone family's deep-rooted involvement, with key figures overseeing operations, design, and market growth. Ciro Paone founded Kiton in 1968 in , , establishing its foundation in high-end tailoring before transitioning leadership to the next generation upon his death in 2021. As a fifth-generation fabric , he built the brand's reputation for craftsmanship, handing over strategic direction to family successors while serving in an advisory capacity in his later years. Antonio De Matteis has served as CEO of Kiton since 2007, following the integration of his family into the Paone lineage through his uncle Ciro Paone. Joining the company in 1986, De Matteis oversees global operations and drives growth strategies, including the launch of innovative lines like KNT in 2018. Under his leadership, Kiton achieved a 10.5% increase in 2024, reflecting resilient expansion amid challenging market conditions. He also serves as for menswear and President of Pitti Immagine, influencing broader initiatives. Maria Giovanna Paone, daughter of founder Ciro Paone, holds the position of co-CEO, President, and for womenswear, where she spearheads design innovation and has elevated the division's global profile. Born in in 1967, she has been instrumental in reinterpreting classic tailoring for women, drawing on the brand's heritage to introduce modern collections. In recognition of her contributions, she was appointed Cavaliere del Lavoro in 2025 for advancing Italian luxury craftsmanship. As a key family stakeholder, Paone also participates in the family council, which guides strategic decisions to preserve Kiton's values across generations. Antonio Paone, another family member and nephew of the founder, serves as President of Kiton , managing North American expansion and sales since the early . He has overseen the growth of U.S. retail presence, including boutique openings in major cities, while promoting the brand's Neapolitan heritage to American clients. Paone also leads Sartorio Napoli, a related , ensuring alignment with Kiton's core principles of quality and tradition. The Paone family council plays a pivotal role in , involving multiple relatives in high-level strategic deliberations to maintain the company's familial and long-term vision. This structure fosters continuity, with executives like De Matteis and the Paones collaborating on initiatives that balance innovation with heritage.

Global Operations

Retail and Market Presence

Kiton maintains a global distribution network comprising approximately 60 monobrand stores and 300 wholesale accounts as of late 2024, with additional openings in 2025 including a new boutique in . The brand is present in more than 70 countries, with established strongholds in , the —where it accounts for about 30 percent of the business—and . Key flagship locations include the headquarters in , , which serves as a central retail and production hub; the Palazzo Kiton in , acquired in 2013 and renovated to house collections and offices; the New York stores on and East 54th Street, emphasizing luxury tailoring; and the inaugural directly operated store in Tokyo's Ginza district, opened in December 2024. These sites highlight Kiton's strategy of immersive, high-end retail experiences tailored to local aesthetics and clientele. Post-2023 expansion efforts prioritize direct-operated stores in and the , including recent openings in (2023), (2024), (2024), (2024), and (2024), alongside planned locations in . Wholesale partnerships with prestigious retailers, such as , further extend availability to discerning customers in major luxury markets. Complementing its physical footprint, Kiton offers e-commerce through its official website, kiton.com, targeting select markets including the and , where customers can purchase collections with options for free delivery on orders over $3,000 and 30-day returns.

Financial Performance and Developments

Kiton achieved revenues of €160 million in 2022, representing a 25% increase from 2021 and underscoring the brand's robust recovery and expansion in the luxury menswear sector. This growth was supported by a of approximately 800 employees, encompassing skilled artisans and operational staff across its production facilities in . By the end of , revenues reached €225 million, reflecting a 10.5% year-over-year rise and double-digit overall growth exceeding 10%, primarily propelled by surging demand in womenswear collections and key Asian markets. In the first nine months of 2024 alone, increased by 14%, highlighting sustained momentum amid a luxury landscape. In 2025, Kiton continued this growth trajectory, with retail sales rising 11% in the first quarter, and projecting single-digit overall growth for the year, bolstered by contributions from its store and a €15 million loan from for U.S. market expansion. The brand faces ongoing challenges in upholding its exclusivity and artisanal heritage against broader luxury market , where and premium customer experiences are increasingly vital for differentiation. Looking ahead, Kiton prioritizes sustainable growth through measured retail expansions and bolstering digital sales platforms to reach global clientele while preserving its core values of craftsmanship and quality. This strategy aligns with industry trends toward ethical production and online accessibility, positioning the company for long-term resilience in the evolving luxury sector.

References

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