Cultivating Fashion: Rovi Lucca's Sartorial Journey Through Tuscan Gardens

In the heart of the fashion industry, a unique nexus has emerged – the garden, serving as both an aesthetic muse and a sanctuary for creative pursuits. This is the realm that Rovi Lucca, a label dedicated to 'elevated workwear for garden lovers,' has chosen to inhabit. Co-founders Bradley Seymour and Fabrizio Taliani share their unexpected path to horticultural enlightenment and how it has shaped their sartorial vision.

A Serendipitous Encounter with Nature's Realm

From Fashion Careers to Gardening Passions

While the pandemic may have disrupted their respective careers in fashion, Seymour and Taliani found solace in an unexpected source – the verdant landscape surrounding Taliani's grandmother's home in Lucca, Italy. Immersed in the region's rich horticultural heritage, the duo discovered a newfound appreciation for the art of gardening, one that would ultimately inform the very essence of their brand.

Uncovering Lucca's Horticultural Tapestry

Taliani, a Lucca native, marveled at the unique blend of styles that defined the city's renowned gardens. "There is something specific in Tuscany, a mix of different styles. For example, you can see something from France, something from England," he observed, alluding to the region's diverse influences, stemming from its occupation by the French in the early 19th century.

Embracing the Tuscan Countryside

This fusion of French elegance and Tuscan earthiness captivated Seymour and Taliani, who saw it as the perfect inspiration for their brand. "There's this tension," Seymour noted, "between a French influence with this earthy Tuscan realness." It is this delicate balance that serves as the foundation for Rovi Lucca's sartorial vision.

Crafting the Rovi Lucca Ethos

Bridging Fashion and Gardening Passions

Though the pandemic may have derailed their respective careers, Seymour and Taliani found that their backgrounds in fashion – Taliani's expertise in menswear design and Seymour's creative direction experience – ultimately shaped the direction of Rovi Lucca. "We're kind of creating this vocabulary with fabric, and with Fabrizio's knowledge and background, we're able to do it with pleasure," Seymour explained, underscoring the synergy between their diverse skill sets.

Honoring Italian Craftsmanship

Central to Rovi Lucca's identity is its commitment to Italian craftsmanship, forging relationships with producers across the country to imbue their garments with a distinct soul. "We work with this producer who cuts everything by hand," Seymour shared, "and maybe it's something imperceivable, but the clothes have a different soul to them. It's unique and special, and rare outside of tailoring to have this approach."

Embracing Lucca's Textile Heritage

Furthermore, Taliani's deep knowledge of filaticcio, a fabric specific to Lucca, has become a core component of Rovi Lucca's collections. "It's super beautiful because it reminds you of the interior of a house in Tuscany," he observed, "this rustic fabric which originally was very heavy, used for interiors like cushions." This reverence for local textiles and traditions underscores the brand's commitment to celebrating the region's rich sartorial legacy.

Cultivating a Unique Sartorial Vision

Immersing in Lucca's Horticultural Gems

Rovi Lucca's creative process is further enhanced by the co-founders' deep exploration of Lucca's most captivating gardens, including Tenuta di Valgiano, Orto Botanico Comunale de Lucca, and Palazzo Pfanner. "There's some beautiful alchemy between science and creativity," Seymour observed, recounting their interactions with a local botanist. "It's interesting to see Lucca through another's eyes," added Taliani, "to understand another point of view, and I think it's interesting to be creating a sort of community [with Rovi Lucca]."

Translating Tuscan Inspiration into Sartorial Form

While Rovi Lucca engages with the larger fashion discourse, the co-founders are adamant that their brand's primary focus lies beyond the confines of the industry. "It's a way to dream – we decided to make clothes for gardeners because this has got to be where everybody wants to be – but also a way to connect to nature, get your hands a little dirty," Seymour explained. The resulting garments, practical yet imbued with a refined elegance, reflect the brand's commitment to celebrating the simple pleasures of the Tuscan countryside.

Forging a Community of Garden Enthusiasts

Ultimately, Rovi Lucca's raison d'être transcends the boundaries of traditional fashion. "We don't pretend to make fashion, it's more about creating something dependable," Seymour declared. "These clothes don't have to scream." Instead, the brand seeks to cultivate a community of garden lovers, offering them a sartorial sanctuary where they can connect with the natural world and revel in the beauty of the Italian countryside.