Gattinoni, an iconic Italian fashion house founded in 1946, is a name synonymous with elegance, luxury, and timeless style. Established by Fernanda Gattinoni, the brand quickly rose to prominence by dressing an array of illustrious clients, from Hollywood legends like Audrey Hepburn and Ingrid Bergman to powerful figures such as Evita Perón. Located near the Hotel Excelsior in Rome, Gattinoni’s atelier became a hub of high fashion, where Fernanda’s designs seamlessly combined the refinement of traditional Italian tailoring with her personal minimalist aesthetic. Her creations weren’t just garments; they were statements of sophisticated elegance that resonated across Italy and beyond.

The brand’s legacy was solidified through its transition into the world of prêt-à-porter in the 1990s, a shift overseen by Raniero Gattinoni, Fernanda’s son, and Stefano Dominella, who expanded Gattinoni into new product lines and markets. Under the creative direction of Guillermo Mariotto, Gattinoni continued to innovate, while still paying homage to its roots in high fashion and couture. This era saw the launch of Gattinoni fragrances, beauty products, and even a new collection of Italian Army uniforms—an unprecedented achievement that underscored the brand’s versatility and national significance.

Today, Gattinoni remains a symbol of Italian fashion heritage, celebrated for its dedication to craftsmanship and classic design. Fernanda Gattinoni’s influence endures in the brand’s ongoing commitment to understated luxury, where extravagance is eschewed in favor of elegance and tradition. Her ethos—focusing on modest sophistication rather than flashiness—still shapes Gattinoni’s identity, making it a beloved name among vintage fashion aficionados and a lasting testament to Italian style.

2013 Gattinoni Fashion Show

How to tell if Gattinoni is vintage from the logo

Gattinoni, an iconic Italian fashion brand, has undergone significant transformations over the years. Its logo evolution reflects the brand’s adaptability and dedication to both tradition and modernity. By examining the distinct features of each logo, it’s possible to identify the era of a Gattinoni piece, helping vintage enthusiasts authenticate their finds. Below, we explore the characteristics of two key logo styles used by Gattinoni, focusing on their unique elements and timeframes.

1960s to 1990s Gattinoni logo

• This era’s logo features a cursive, handwritten style, embodying a classic and elegant aesthetic.
• The “G” is notably large and stylized, with a sweeping tail that underlines the entire word, lending a sense of continuity and flow.
• Overall, the font is bold and dynamic, capturing the essence of luxury and craftsmanship associated with Gattinoni during this period.
• This design reflects a vintage appeal, characteristic of high-fashion logos from the mid to late 20th century.

1970s to now Gattinoni logo

• In this design, the brand name is presented in a bold, all-caps sans-serif font, embodying a minimalist and modern aesthetic.
• The logo is defined by its geometric structure, with each letter precisely aligned, creating a clean and sophisticated look.
• The letters are spaced evenly, and the design is more straightforward, focusing on readability and modern appeal.
• This logo style signifies Gattinoni’s transition towards a contemporary fashion identity, a look that has remained relevant from the 1970s to the present day.

How to tell if Gattinoni is vintage from the tags

Gattinoni, a brand synonymous with Italian fashion heritage, has evolved its tag designs over the decades, reflecting shifts in style and branding. These tags provide valuable clues to the era in which a garment was produced. From the classic elegance of the 1960s to the modern flair of the 2010s, each period offers distinct characteristics in tag design. Here’s how to identify vintage Gattinoni pieces based on their tags.

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1960s vintage Gattinoni tags

• Features the original “Fernanda Gattinoni” signature, a nod to the brand’s founder.
• Decorative and detailed, sometimes accompanied by a sketch or illustration.
• Typically includes “ROMA” beneath the signature, highlighting the brand’s Italian roots.

1970s vintage Gattinoni tags

• Characterized by a more simplified “Gattinoni” script, retaining a hand-written look.
• Tags often feature “ROMA” in smaller print, emphasizing the brand’s connection to the city.
• Less decorative compared to the 1960s, but still maintains an elegant aesthetic.

1980s vintage Gattinoni tags

• Introduces a bolder “Gattinoni” logo, moving towards a more contemporary look.
• Some tags include additional descriptors like “Tempo” or other collection names.
• Still often displays “ROMA” to reinforce Italian heritage.

1990s vintage Gattinoni tags

• The tag design becomes more versatile, with various sub-brands like “Jeans” making an appearance.
• Some tags are more colorful, particularly those for denim lines, incorporating blue tones and stitched accents.
• Introduction of the “w.w.wear” collection, which features unique and vibrant tags compared to the classic style.

2000s vintage Gattinoni tags

• Tags continue to diversify, with a mix of classic and modern branding styles.
• Includes “Dal 1946” on some pieces, referencing the brand’s founding year as a mark of legacy.
• Tags often use darker backgrounds with bold serif lettering, signaling a shift towards a more sophisticated look.

2010s vintage Gattinoni tags

• Modernized tags with refined logo styling and a clean, minimalistic design.
• Utilizes a variety of colors and materials, reflecting contemporary fashion trends.
• Tags may also feature additional information like the “Garment’s Passport” label, indicating meticulous craftsmanship.