I can’t help but get excited when I see the words Made in Italy. I get excited because I know what’s behind this label. While the Made in Italy brand represents the excellence of Italian creativity and craftsmanship, it goes a lot deeper.

It means national pride. It means falling in love with a craft and working tirelessly on perfecting that craft. It means passing down the art of that craft to the next generation. It means “I made this for you … with amore.” That’s a lot to pack into three words.

Let me give you a brief background on the origins of Made in Italy.

• The brand was developed in the 80s to show the international uniqueness of Italy in four traditional industries: fashion, food, furniture and mechanical engineering.
• In the 90s, Made in Italy had begun to be protected by associations such as the Institute for the Protection of the Italian Manufacturers.
• And, in the early 2000s, Italian law stated that only products totally made in Italy, can use the label Made in Italy.

With giants the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Enzo Ferrari, Giorgio Armani, Sophia Loren, Gianni Versace, Luciano Pavarotti, and the list goes on, it’s no wonder why Italy remains to be a country rich in arts, culture, cuisine and fashion. And, it’s no wonder why Made in Italy is synonymous with quality and creativity.

Italian-made products are distinguished by the craft and care (or, as I like to say, amore) that go into creating them. From sourcing quality materials and fabrics, to preserving and perfecting production methods, to refining product design and aesthetics.

At Gentil Uomo, I deal with over 30 family-owned manufacturers, some in their third and fourth generations, who are so proud of their Made in Italy heritage.

And I’m thrilled to introduce you to three companies that we’ve recently added: Carthusia from the island of Capri, Farmacia SS. Annunziata from Florence, and Saponificio Artigianale Fiorentino, also from Florence. All three companies have a long history of producing exceptional fragrance, skin care products and home fragrance.

Discover made in Italy products in-store or on our e-store.

Alla prossima – until next time. Arrivederci.