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HISTORY

More Than a Century of Heritage

A century of family leadership, Italian craftsmanship, innovation, and global presence.

For more than a century, Mandelli has represented a rare expression of Italian artisan excellence. Rooted in Northern Italy and guided by four generations of the Mandelli family, the house has built its identity through noble materials, refined craftsmanship, continuous innovation, and an unwavering commitment to true Made in Italy.

What began as a leather business evolved into one of Italy’s most respected names in luxury outerwear, later becoming a complete lifestyle.

 
1900s

Henry Mandelli

The story of Mandelli begins in the early 20th century on the banks of the Adda River, where Henry Mandelli founded the family business as a merchant of fine leather and exceptional raw materials.


His instinct for quality, rarity, and authenticity established the principles that continue to define the house today: excellence in materials, integrity in craftsmanship, and timeless value.

 
 
1925

Paolo Mandelli

In 1925, Henry’s son Paolo joined the company and transformed its future. With entrepreneurial energy and creative foresight, he expanded the business beyond leather and into the world of garments.

Together with his wife Ermelinda, Paolo dedicated his life to developing refined outerwear made from increasingly advanced fabrics and luxurious materials. Under their leadership, Mandelli began its rise as a manufacturing excellence in Italy

 
 
1954

Emme Spa

As demand for Mandelli craftsmanship grew rapidly across Italy, Paolo and Ermelinda formally established Emme Spa in 1954.


This marked the transition from family workshop to structured industrial company, while preserving the artisanal values that had shaped the business from the beginning.

 
1960

Enrico Mandelli

In 1960, Paolo’s son Enrico entered the company, ushering in a new era focused on technical mastery, garment construction, and product excellence.

Under his leadership, Mandelli reached new heights in the creation of luxury outerwear crafted from noble fibres such as vicuña and cashmere, combined with the finest leathers. During these years, the company earned recognition as one of Italy’s most distinguished outerwear manufacturers.

 
 
1964

Enrico Mandelli Spa

In 1964, Emme Spa was renamed Enrico Mandelli Spa, honouring the family legacy and growing reputation of the house.


That same year, Enrico and his wife Rachele became active participants in the international rise of Italian fashion and manufacturing excellence.

1970s

The Era of Creative Partnerships

During the 1970s, Mandelli entered a new chapter through collaborations with some of the most influential names in fashion.

Walter Albini

Among the first was Walter Albini, widely regarded as the father of Italian ready-to-wear

 

Basile

Mandelli also became an important industrial partner for Basile, contributing to the development of refined ready-to-wear for both men and women.

These collaborations placed Mandelli at the centre of Italy’s evolving fashion landscape and strengthened its reputation as a trusted manufacturing partner for luxury fashion.

 
1982 — French Sophistication

Emanuel Ungaro

The collaboration with Emanuel Ungaro introduced Mandelli to the world of Parisian elegance and expanded its creative perspective beyond Italy.

 
 
1984 — The Moschino Years

Franco Moschino

Few designers embodied originality like Franco Moschino. His relationship with the Mandelli family became both a creative alliance and a close friendship.


For more than a decade, Mandelli contributed to some of the most expressive and unconventional creations of the era.

 
Late 1980s – 1990s

Dolce & Gabbana

Mandelli’s collaboration with Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana marked another milestone in the company’s growth.

Holding the worldwide licence for the production of the Maison’s leather garments, Mandelli further strengthened its global reputation for Italian craftsmanship, leather expertise, and manufacturing excellence.

 
1996 — The Fourth Generation

Andrea Maria Mandelli

In 1996, Andrea Maria Mandelli became CEO and the fourth generation leading the family business.

With international education, strategic vision, and a commitment to innovation, he modernised production technologies, strengthened product development, and expanded Mandelli into prestigious luxury stores around the world.


Under his leadership, the house entered a new era of global quiet luxury.

 
 

A House Defined by Materials

Throughout its history, Mandelli has continuously invested in research, innovation, and the discovery of exceptional materials.

From noble fibres such as vicuña and cashmere to rare leathers and advanced technical constructions, the house has always sought to unite artisanal craftsmanship with comfort, elegance, and performance.

This culture of materials remains at the heart of every Mandelli creation.

 
 
2007

The Milano Model

Mandelli launched the first garment entirely conceived by its in-house creative team: the Milano model, now considered an icon of the brand.

It represented the transition from manufacturer to fully expressed luxury house with its own distinctive design language.

 
 
2012

Innovation in Exotic Luxury

Mandelli introduced ultra-light crocodile leather at just 0.4 mm, redefining what was possible in luxury garment construction and setting a new benchmark in exclusivity.

This achievement reflected the house’s continuous pursuit of technical innovation and material mastery

 
2015

New Milan Headquarters

A new showroom opened at Via Santo Spirito 14, in the heart of Milan’s prestigious Quadrilatero della Moda, moments from Via Montenapoleone.


A symbolic address for a house deeply rooted in Italian elegance and one of the world’s most important luxury districts.

 
2019

Protecting True Made in Italy

Andrea Maria Mandelli was appointed President of Classico Italia, reinforcing his commitment to preserving authentic Italian manufacturing and promoting true Made in Italy values worldwide.

 
2019

International Retail Expansion

From 2019 onward, Mandelli accelerated its international retail development through the opening of monobrand boutiques and a stronger global presence.

This new chapter brought the house directly to clients who value discretion, craftsmanship, and timeless luxury.

 

Global Presence

Over the years, Mandelli has brought its vision of Italian elegance to discerning clients across major luxury destinations and international markets, including Italy, the UAE, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Mexico.

Through boutiques, monobrand stores, and selected partners, each market reflects the same philosophy: exceptional materials, impeccable craftsmanship, and understated sophistication.

 

Recognition

Over the decades, Mandelli’s longstanding commitment to excellence has earned recognition for its contribution to Italian craftsmanship and the preservation of authentic Made in Italy values.

Its heritage, technical expertise, and dedication to quality continue to distinguish the house in the world of luxury menswear.

 
Fashion tradition and innovation

New factory

Our headquarters is located in the beating heart of the Mandelli brand, a symbol of a vision that combines innovation, technology, and luxury craftsmanship.
A building designed to embody the Mandelli family's founding values: attention to detail, timeless design, and centuries-old knowledge of materials.
Here, modern facilities meet knowledge passed down through generations to create unique garments crafted with exclusive materials and craftsmanship that tell a story of Italian excellence.