C.P. Company is an iconic Italian apparel brand that has left an indelible mark on the fashion world since its founding in 1971 by the innovative Massimo Osti. Originally named Chester Perry, the brand faced legal challenges from Chester Barrie and Fred Perry, leading to its rebranding as C.P. Company in 1978. This transition marked the beginning of a new era of groundbreaking creativity, fusing elements of military, sports, and workwear to create functional yet stylish outerwear that resonated with Italian intellectuals and artists.

C.P. Company’s rich heritage is rooted in innovation, particularly through Osti’s pioneering garment dyeing technique, which transformed fabric coloring. Garment dyeing, a final-step dyeing process, involves dyeing a fully finished garment rather than using pre-dyed fabric. This inventive approach creates unparalleled chromatic depth, bringing a unique alchemy to each piece.

Among the brand’s notable achievements is the “Mille Miglia” or “Goggle Jacket,” first crafted in 1988 for the legendary Mille Miglia race. Its iconic design, featuring built-in lenses in the hood and sleeve, embodied the adventurous spirit of the brand while providing practical protection for racers. This jacket, along with other pioneering collections like Urban Protection, helped solidify C.P. Company’s status as a leader in high-performance outerwear.

Identifying vintage C.P. Company pieces is an art form itself, requiring a keen eye for logos, tags, and unique designs. Early logos under the Chester Perry name from 1971-1978 often featured a worker illustration, symbolizing a utilitarian aesthetic. In the post-1978 era, the brand’s identity shifted to the recognizable “C.P.” serif lettering atop “Company,” occasionally accompanied by the standing man emblem. Neck tags also reflect this evolution, with square and rectangular shapes, bold lettering, and the unmistakable “Ideas from Massimo Osti” tagline.

Throughout its journey, C.P. Company has continued to innovate, experimenting with new materials, silhouettes, and dyeing techniques. From the transformative nylon down jackets that redefined urban outerwear in the late 1970s to the dynamic Tinto Terra and Bespoke Colour processes, each innovation pushed the brand further into the realms of unparalleled creativity and technical mastery.

Whether you’re drawn to the utilitarian brilliance of the Mille Miglia jacket or the cutting-edge craftsmanship of the Urban Protection range, the allure of C.P. Company lies in its dedication to pushing the boundaries of fabric, form, and function. In this blog, we’ll dive deeper into the brand’s storied past and provide essential tips on identifying authentic vintage pieces through their distinctive logos and tags. Whether you’re a collector, a fashion enthusiast, or just curious about this legendary brand, you’re sure to find a fascinating history that defines modern Italian fashion.

CP Company Founder Massimo Osti “A Day in the Life” from 1995

How to tell if CP Company is vintage from the logo

The C.P. Company logo is both elegant and understated, with a balanced serif type that gives it classic proportions. It’s distinct in how the bold “C.P.” letters stand out over “Company,” creating a commanding presence that’s unmistakable. While the font itself isn’t unique to fashion, the way it dominates the design makes it memorable. If you’re looking for something similar, the Guess logo also uses a comparable serif typeface.

1971 to 1978 CP Company logo

• The original logo, used under the Chester Perry name.
• Features bold serif lettering.
• Sometimes includes an illustration of a worker, reflecting a utilitarian aesthetic.

1978 to now CP Company logo

• Updated logo following the change to C.P. Company.
• Consists of large serif “C.P.” letters above “Company” in smaller font.
• Often accompanied by a stylized illustration of a standing figure.

1982 to now CP Company logo

• A variant of the 1978 logo, still recognizable.
• Bold serif letters “C.P.” are dominant, balanced with “Company.”
• Subtle differences in proportion and spacing distinguish it.

How to tell if CP Company is vintage from the tags

The classic emblem featuring a standing man has been less frequently used on modern C.P. Company tags. Additionally, recent tags reflect a shift in production, with more garments being manufactured outside of Italy. Despite these changes, the distinct C.P. Company logo and its innovative spirit continue to define the brand’s identity across various collections.

Can’t identify those vintage tags? Upload a picture on our vintage tag identification page, and we’ll assist you!

1970s vintage CP Company tags

• Reflects the “Chester Perry” branding.
• Square tags featuring bold serif lettering.
• Sometimes accompanied by a smaller size tag.

1980s vintage CP Company tags

• Rebranded to “C.P. Company,” often with “Ideas from Massimo Osti.
• Square or rectangular tags with bold lettering.
• Occasionally includes an illustration of a worker or size indicators.

1990s vintage CP Company tags

• Rectangular tags featuring the C.P. Company logo.
• Commonly paired with descriptors like “Ideas from Massimo Osti.”
• Often features size indicators, sometimes separate from the main tag.

2000s vintage CP Company tags

• More modern look with darker colors.
• Loop tags introduced for the first time.
• Bold serif lettering remains, often paired with size information on a separate tag.

2010s vintage CP Company tags

• Modern layouts while retaining the classic logo.
• Additional styles and layouts introduced.
• Uses a variety of colors and materials for tags.

Identifying vintage C.P. Company garments requires attention to logos, tags, and their distinctive styles. The logo and neck tags provide valuable clues, but knowing the unique designs and collections is crucial. Whether it’s a Mille Miglia jacket or an Urban Protection piece, C.P. Company continues to influence fashion today.