In Posillipo, a charming neighbourhood overlooking the Gulf of Naples, there is a workshop that measures time by the tip of a needle. This is Sartoria Pino Peluso, a place where everyday life intertwines with the excellence of Italian tailoring, and where every garment is an act of love. Today, Giuseppe “Pino” Peluso is one of the most distinguished names in Neapolitan men’s haute couture. He is the president of Moda Confartigianato Napoli and regional delegate for the Accademia dei Sartori. Most recently, he was appointed Secretary General of the World Federation of Master Tailors (WFMT), the global organization representing artisanal tailoring. Born in 1972 in Caivano, Pino grew up surrounded by fabrics, sewing machines, and the scent of cotton. Tailoring is in his blood: his father was a tailor, his mother an embroiderer, and his grandmother a seamstress since the early 1900s. With a breathtaking view of Vesuvius, Capri, and the coastline, Maestro Peluso creates fully hand‑made bespoke garments in his tailor shop, following every phase of the process with meticulous dedication. Each piece, from peak‑lapel jackets to suspender trousers, from tuxedos to hand‑sewn shirts, begins with an intimate relationship between artisan and client. Only the finest Italian fabrics, personally selected from some of the world’s oldest mills, become the foundation of this textile art—an art that doesn’t simply “dress” the body, but embraces it, enhancing it with grace, elegance, and comfort. Today, Neapolitan tailoring continues to evolve alongside modern needs without ever losing its identity. It’s a method where every stitch is done by hand, every measurement taken with care, every silhouette designed with the client in mind. This philosophy transforms a garment into something unique and deeply personal. Thanks to skillful hands, garments become an experience that go beyond the fabric, reaching the heart of the person who wears them. In an every-changing world, increasingly driven by the logic and obsession of Fast Fashion, Peluso reminds us that true beauty lies in reviving tailor shops. His message is an invitation to rediscover and cherish passed down clothes, transforming them into pieces that feel current and sustainable: “The clothes inherited from our parents and grandparents are genuine treasures. They preserve a level of quality that is nearly impossible to reproduce today,” he says. Think of the pure wool of a vintage men’s coat, heavy, structured, and now almost impossible to find. It’s an ideal starting point for a fresh reinterpretation. With expert tailoring, that same coat can be transformed into a ’70s‑inspired oversized piece, perhaps with a new colorful lining or a re‑proportioned collar, turning it into a cutting‑edge piece. Supporting tailored clothing is not just a style choice. It’s an ethical obligation. For traditional Italian ateliers like Peluso’s, sustainability is woven into the very foundation of the craft: “Tailored garments are true works of art, just like vintage cars or watches,” he affirms.
- What did it mean for you to be appointed Secretary General of the World Federation of Master Tailors (WFMT)?
Being appointed Secretary General of the World Federation of Master Tailors is a big honor and, above all, a tremendous responsibility. It is the recognition of a journey that began in 1986, built on study, daily practice, genuine respect for the craft, and a constant commitment to promoting the values of artisanal tailoring worldwide.
The WFMT is not just an institution; it is an international community of Master Tailors who share a common language rooted in precision, work ethic, and the sharing of knowledge. My role is to protect this heritage by fostering dialogue between tradition and modernity and supporting cultural and social initiatives that allow tailoring to remain a living, respected profession on a global scale.
- What is the ideal way for craftsmanship to engage with the new generations of clients, particularly those unfamiliar with traditional tailoring culture?
The ideal interaction begins with listening and with the ability to communicate the value of craftsmanship in an authentic, accessible way. Younger generations are not disconnected from tailoring; they just speak a different language. It is our responsibility as Master Tailors to convey our craft without compromising its essence, showing that a bespoke suit is not just a luxurious item, but a cultural, sustainable, and profoundly personal experience.
A tailored piece teaches respect for time, quality, and individual identity. When a young client understands that behind every clothing piece there is a story, a skilled hand, and a human interaction, a lasting bond is formed. Craftsmanship should not chase trends. Instead, it should offer solid values that resonate with today’s society.
- Neapolitan tailoring was born in a very specific context. What role does the territory play today in keeping this identity alive?
The soul and essence of Neapolitan tailoring is the territory itself. Naples is not just a geographic location. It is a way of living, of observing the body, of embodying elegance with natural grace and ease. This identity arises from the interplay of climate, culture, gestures, and aesthetic sensibility, and it is reflected in every detail of a tailored piece.
Today, the territory remains essential, but it must engage with the world in a conscious, responsible way. Preserving the identity of true Neapolitan tailoring means preserving traditional techniques, training new generations of authentic artisans, and defending a cultural heritage that cannot be underestimated.
It is equally crucial to protect this tradition from those who exploit the city’s name to market products that lack true historical, cultural, or territorial value. These are people who claim to be prophets, supporters, and promoters of a tailoring tradition that they represent in an unworthy manner. The improper use of the term ‘Neapolitan’ strips a globally recognized excellence of its meaning. Protecting this identity is not a matter of exclusion, but a moral obligation to the history, the Master Tailors who shaped it, and the clients who look for authenticity, integrity, and craftsmanship.
