Timeless basics with a certain something, endlessly recombinable; uncomplicated pieces that let you pack a suitcase in five minutes; few but high-quality garments — that is what many men want from their wardrobe. Bruno Grande too. Inspired by these principles and equipped with the Italian fashion gene, in 2017 he set about realising a long-held dream: he founded the label KA/NOA, named after his two children, Kaia and Noah.
In his work, Grande follows no short-lived trends but draws on the values passed to him by his father Pietro — tailor, upholsterer and decorator: a love of beautiful things, of fine, comfortable fabrics, and pride in Italian craftsmanship. To these he adds the spirit of tradition and innovation of his adopted home, Switzerland, and inspiration from his travels. The collections are designed in Switzerland and made 100 percent — from the yarn to the label — in Italy, in the heart of Piedmont, the Grande family’s homeland, where fair pay secures the survival of the craft.
KA/NOA has perfected the Mix & Match principle: with a few pieces you can create dozens of outfits, so a man is always well dressed, in everyday life and on the road. This winter, lighter colours, corduroy and blazers in houndstooth or Prince of Wales check are in. After the casual home-office look, style and joie de vivre are finally back. (KA/NOA stores in Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne, Crans-Montana, Verbier and Toulouse, plus the online shop.)
This article appeared in MEN issue 1/21 (November 2021).
