CAMICERIA AMBROSIANA – historic tailoring house
Interview with Alessandro Agostini of Camiceria Ambrosiana, of course in Milan.
Who are you and what do you do? Tell us a bit about yourself…
My name is Alessandro Agostini, and I’m proud to be the fourth generation to lead Camiceria Ambrosiana, a historic tailoring house founded by my great-grandfather at the end of the 19th century. Our family’s story spans over a century, built on tradition, craftsmanship, and a passion for sartorial excellence.
We’re officially listed in the Register of Historic Activities of Milan, a distinction that attests to the value and continuity of our commitment over time and one that we’re deeply honored by.
Under my leadership, the company has set ambitious goals to combine our historic tradition with a concrete desire to innovate. We’re increasingly expanding into international markets, aware that we have something authentic and precious to offer.
Camiceria Ambrosiana has always been a benchmark for those seeking a custom-made shirt that is carefully crafted and designed to last. We uphold our timeless values—quality, elegance, and attention to detail—combined with a continuous stylistic research that can meet the needs of an international clientele, regardless of age, taste, or style.
We cater to a high-end clientele, for whom every garment is rigorously made to measure. Our goal is to unite the classic style and elegance of tradition with a new way of conceiving a shirt’s cut, capable of fascinating even younger generations.
Here, time and precision are still fundamental values; they’re what allow a simple piece of fabric to become a perfect shirt. In an era where ideas and clothing are increasingly standardized, we aim to be a reference point for those who love individuality, authenticity, and a touch of flair.
Every shirt we produce is a unique piece. We use fine fabrics, mother-of-pearl buttons, and finish each garment with monograms and personalized details. What truly makes our work special is our rich historical archive, which allows us to serve our clients anywhere in the world, even years later, while preserving their personal style.
You’re a historic business, started in the 1800s. What has changed and what remains the same throughout your history?
My work is a constant balance between family heritage and innovation, between the charm of bespoke craftsmanship and the challenges of a constantly evolving global market. And every day, when I walk into the tailoring shop, I feel the privilege—and the responsibility—of carrying this story forward.
At Camiceria Ambrosiana, nothing has changed over time. We produce shirts the way we always have, with the same dedication, the same techniques, and the same care. This loyalty to authentic craftsmanship is precisely our greatest strength.
What does “true craftsmanship” mean to you in the context of bespoke shirtmaking today?
For me, true craftsmanship is found in meticulousness, professionalism, and extreme attention to detail. Every phase of the work is fundamental: from the pre-washing of the fabric to the cutting, all the way to the hand-stitched buttonholes and buttons, not to mention the hand-embroidered initials. It takes about six hours of work just to create one complete bespoke shirt.
How important is the choice of fabric?
Another crucial aspect is the choice of fabric. If you want to offer a truly high-quality garment, you can’t compromise. That’s why we only work with carefully selected fabrics with counts of 120/2-ply or higher.
How many collar and cuff styles do you have? And which are the most popular?
We offer a wide range of collar and cuff styles, a detail that allows us to personalize each garment to the fullest. The most requested? The French collar and the round cuff—two timeless classics.
Is there a particular detail in bespoke shirtmaking that you’re especially passionate about?
One of the most delicate—and fascinating—moments in the process is cutting and placing the fabric. It requires experience, precision, and a trained eye, qualities that only time and practice can perfect.
What would you recommend to a young person approaching the world of bespoke shirtmaking for the first time?
If a young person were to approach the world of bespoke for the first time, my advice would be simple: focus on the quality of the raw materials and trust in expert hands. A shirt can look beautiful on the outside, but if it isn’t well-made, it won’t last. And a well-made garment is recognizable; you can feel the difference when you wear it.
Milan is considered the fashion capital; how do you navigate that reality?
Milan is called the fashion capital, but personally, I don’t feel part of that world. I am a craftsman, and I believe that fashion and craftsmanship follow different paths. Fashion changes constantly, while craftsmanship is designed to last over time. It’s built on identity, not on trends.
You have dressed great personalities; do you have an anecdote you’d like to share?
Throughout our long history, we have had the honor of dressing many illustrious personalities. My grandparents made shirts for Vittorio Emanuele III, Arturo Toscanini, and Totò. I myself have made shirts for Cesare Maldini, the head of Philip Morris, and many others. While I don’t have any particular anecdotes to share, these are stories we guard with discretion and pride; they are part of our silent legacy.
CASUAL MOMENT: one of your passions…
Besides my work, which is my greatest passion, I love dedicating time to tennis and swimming. They are sports that require discipline, focus, and consistency—values that also perfectly reflect my approach to tailoring. And of course, I love dressing well: wearing the shirts we produce is a source of pride for me, but it’s also the most direct way to show who we are. Ultimately, my passion is simply my work.
And every shirt that leaves our workshop tells this story of passion, stitched one stitch at a time, day after day.
