Stefano Ricci’s passion for neckties prompted him to produce his first models when he was in his early twenties from that time, he has achieved consensus and success. With his wife Claudia he created a brand which is today a leader in luxury menswear. From the outset they established a philosophy of “100% Made in Italy”.As part of its strategy to protect and enhance the cultural legacy which Stefano Ricci shares with its founder’s homeland, the company funded the restoration of priceless volumes on the medieval Florentine Arts, kept in the State Archive of Florence. In so doing, it also ensured that a digitalization plan for the volumes was completed.

Stefano also gave a new life to the Antico Setificio Fiorentino the oldest and one of the most important silk factories in Italy. Having received the Cavaliere del Lavoro knighthood for services to business, Stefano Ricci was asked to run the Florence-based Centre for Italian fashion, the oldest institution of its kind in Italy, which also runs Pitti Immagine. The Florentine designer organized the celebrations for “Firenze Hometown of Fashion” and donated the new lighting for the Ponte Vecchio bridge to his city, with a water show in the Arno river and a performance by Andrea Bocelli in front of 25,000 people.

Not only a passion for fashion but a real commitment to keep the old Florentine traditions and art alive!