Trust legendary Italian label Ermenegildo Zegna to propel streetwear into the high echelons of couture. Backed by artistic director Alessandro Sartori who’s as obsessed with the innovation of hybrid fabrications as with that of modern menswear, it’s not much of a surprise the family-run heritage brand hops in on the sneaker bandwagon with its own couture twist. Namely, the Pelle Tessuta.
For the uninitiated, the Pelle Tessuta — directly translated as “woven leather” — is a trademarked weave owned by the house of Zegna. It’s made of 2.2mm-thin nappa leather strips woven in mimicry of the traditional method of weaving fabric yarns together. Placed in a warp position, they’re interwoven with horizontal weft strips. Exactly the same as making cloth, but with full-grain leather.
This Fall 2018, see Sartori’s now-signature Tiziano sneakers, both the low-top and high-top versions, in new iterations featuring the Pelle Tessuta. The Tiziano’s lateral cuts and the triple stitch logo on the heel tabs can only be made with a handmade technique — a symbolic paean to their link between the artisan world of Zegna and its ode to craftsmanship. The leather insert on the sole’s exterior is a nuanced nod to the construction of bespoke shoes. While the plush Pelle Tessuta detailing generously covers the half-end of the Tiziano’s body.
As it usually goes every season, the Pelle Tessuta extends beyond footwear to other accessories, including bags and classic belts. With the Formula One season on its way through, Zegna launches a special Pelle Tessuta capsule collection, dubbed the Gran Premio. Inspired by the world-class racing event, the range introduces a stripe motif which recalls the racing track on a selection of bags — backpack, holdall, tote bag, even a belt bag.
The Fall 2018 Pelle Tessuta accessory selections are available in Ermenegildo Zegna boutiques.
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