The Gentleman's Journey: Weaving Style and Legacy in Rome

In Rome, style isn't something you learn; it's woven into the very fabric of the city. It's in the way a gentleman wears his perfectly tailored suit, the confident stride, the subtle details that speak volumes. It’s an appreciation of effortless elegance, something passed from father to son – a connection forged in the discovery of life's special moments. 

This tradition of inherited style is at the heart of The Gentleman's Journey, conceived by renowned Italian tastemaker Giorgio Giangiulio, in partnership with Hotel de la Ville - the ideal setting for this experience due to its “deep respect for tradition, warm hospitality, and understated elegance”. More than a curated tour of Rome's finest ateliers; it's an opportunity for fathers and sons to bond, creating memories as enduring as the handcrafted pieces they'll discover.

Giorgio explains, “What makes The Gentleman’s Journey even more special is that all of the ateliers are in Rome, a city with an unparalleled sartorial heritage.” He adds, “Italian sartorial elegance is defined by charisma, effortlessness, and a natural sense of style – never forced, never ostentatious.”

Giorgio’s itinerary is a chance to slow down and disconnect from the distractions of modern life: “More than anything, I want guests to leave with an appreciation for uniqueness and an awareness of the inestimable value of time. Every experience in this journey is personalised, making it entirely unrepeatable.” He emphasises the importance of savouring life's small pleasures. Like the traditional shave at Antica Barberia Peppino – a traditional barbershop that’s been servicing the gentlemen of Rome for almost 70 years – a ritual that transcends the simple act of grooming. “A shave, in itself, is simple. You could accomplish it in five minutes with a disposable razor. But that’s not the point. What I want to showcase is the beauty of the ritual, the significance of taking the time to do things well.”

This shared appreciation for the finer things extends to the world of style. A journey of discovery, creating a new legacy that reflects those of the ateliers: passed down from father to son. Among the highlights is Sartoria Tommy & Giulio Caraceni, a name synonymous with bespoke tailoring. “Today, Andrea Caraceni – Tommy’s grandson and fourth generation of the family – carries on the tradition. Stepping into their atelier, you feel the weight of history, surrounded by photographs of legendary figures, heads of state, and royalty who they have dressed.”

But The Gentleman's Journey is about more than just acquiring beautiful things. It's about understanding the stories behind them, the artisans who dedicate their lives to preserving time-honoured traditions. “Take Calzoleria Marini, now in the hands of Daniele, the fourth generation of his family. Their workshop, just steps from Hotel de la Ville, has upheld the art of shoemaking for over a century. This kind of continuity is something truly special, just like Rome itself. I feel honoured to share these legacies with others.” 

The Gentleman's Journey is an opportunity for fathers and sons to connect, make memories, and create their own shared legacy through an appreciation for history and genuine craftsmanship.

Learn more about planning your own sartorial Roman adventure by contacting the concierge team at Hotel de la Ville.