Episode5: The Aesthetic Spirit of Naples and the Power to Live — Alfonso Vitiello on Style and Heritage
Friday, June 6th, 2025
Featuring Alfonso Vitiello
For more than 230 years, jeweler Alfonso Vitiello and his family have carried on their legacy in Naples, Italy. To him, dressing is more than just fashion — it is a reflection of values, identity, and craftsmanship. His personal style represents a perfect harmony of tailored suits, fine jewelry, and a way of life shaped by deep-rooted aesthetics.
Wrapped in quiet elegance, Alfonso Vitiello, 7th-generation head of D’Elia 1790 , embodies the fusion of Neapolitan tradition and modern aesthetic — a true testament to how good clothing can change life.
On the day of our interview, Mr. Vitiello wore a navy jacket from the prestigious Neapolitan brand Isaia, paired with a tie from fellow Neapolitan label Ultrare. On his wrist was a classically styled watch by Swiss maker Baume & Mercier, and his shoes were by the esteemed British shoemaker Church’s. Every element of his outfit communicated quiet confidence — the kind of presence that only comes from knowing exactly why each item was chosen. From the softly knotted tie worn with a slight asymmetry to the polished shoes and rectangular watch, every detail embodied deliberate, thoughtful elegance.
ISAIA and Coral — Two Shades of Red, One Philosophy
“ISAIA holds special meaning for me,” says Vitiello. “It is the only brand from Naples that has incorporated red coral — the symbol of our craft — into its logo. Even though tailoring and coral jewelry belong to different worlds, I feel they are deeply united by the same spirit of craftsmanship.”
That day’s tie was from Ultrare, one of many Neapolitan tie makers. “Choosing what to wear is part of my daily ritual — it’s like a language. The accumulation of those daily choices shapes who I am.”
Alfonso Vitiello wears an ISAIA jacket paired with a tie from Ultrare. In his hands, he holds a treasured heirloom of the house — a historic shell cameo carved in 1853 by the Neapolitan master Giovanni Sabato.
What a Watch Taught Me About True Value
His Baume & Mercier watch glinted subtly — its understated design fitting perfectly with his refined manner.
“The first watch I bought was a Rolex. I was thrilled and proudly showed it to my father-in-law. He asked me, ‘How much did it cost?’ I told him I had gotten a great deal. Then he simply said, ‘So, what time is it?’ I answered, and he showed me his own watch — it was exactly the same time. ‘That’s what a watch is for,’ he said. It was a simple but profound lesson about what truly matters in life.”
A square-shaped timepiece from the renowned Swiss maker Baume & Mercier. Its simple, understated presence reflects a discerning eye — honed through years of expertise in fine jewelry — for recognizing true essence.
Walking with Comfort and Respect in Church’s Shoes
On his feet, Mr. Vitiello wore a pair of Church’s. “Both Neapolitan tailoring and English shoemaking share a philosophy of comfort and functionality. They aren’t about showing off — they’re about living with ease and grace. That’s why sprezzatura — that effortless elegance — thrives when these cultures come together.”
Mr. Vitiello chose classic loafers from the renowned British shoemaker Church’s. According to him, what Neapolitan sprezzatura and English shoes have in common is above all the shared value of comfort.
The Silent Dialogue Between Jewelry and Clothing
“Jewelry for men should not be loud,” he explains. “It should speak quietly — a cufflink, a lapel pin, or a cameo engraved with one’s initials. Such accessories reflect inner character and give rise to a discreet and dignified style.”
Neapolitan Craftsmanship on the World Stage
In 2025, D’Elia 1790 was selected as the official bronze sponsor for the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai. On display will be a legendary shell cameo carved in 1853: Moses Saved from the Waters of the Nile.
“This cameo was commissioned by my grandfather and carved by Giovanni Sabbato, one of the great masters of Naples at the time. It has been exhibited at institutions such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the British Museum, the Kyoto National Museum, and the Italian Embassy in Tokyo. To share both the pride of Naples and our family’s story on such an international stage is a true honor.”
Carved in 1853 by Neapolitan master Giovanni Sabato, the shell cameo “Moses Saved from the Waters of the Nile”embodies the legacy of the D’Elia family and the artistic spirit of Naples. This treasured masterpiece is currently on display at the Italy Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai.
Capri — The Elegance of Being Natural
Mr. Vitiello owns a villa on the island of Capri, where he spends time throughout the year. When asked about his style there, his response was unexpectedly relaxed.
“Capri allows for a different kind of elegance — one that isn’t bound by formality. You walk barefoot on the beach in the morning, maybe just a linen shirt. There’s a kind of freedom that reveals real beauty. Of course, I still wear a jacket for aperitifs or dinner, but even then, natural ease is what matters most.”
He also spoke of Capri’s cultural connection to coral jewelry, particularly the cornucopia-shaped charms worn as talismans.
“Coral has long been believed to protect life — especially for pregnant women and children. In our brand, we preserve this tradition, creating jewelry that holds personal stories and wishes.”
To the Next Generation — The Power of Choosing
“Today’s younger generation is showing growing interest in fashion and jewelry, which is wonderful. But often their choices are driven by price or popularity. What really matters is knowing why you choose something — that sense of intention is what defines style.”
Through clothing, he hopes young people can reconnect with their values. “Style is not just about trends. It’s a way to express yourself and restore order to your life.”
Each piece of jewelry carries not only the precision of craftsmanship but also the wearer’s intentions and personal story. Mr. Vitiello’s hands seem to quietly convey a wish to the younger generation — to choose, with their own sensibility, a beauty that holds meaning.
Evolving to Stay True
“D’Elia 1790 was founded in the year 1790. Over the centuries, we’ve accomplished many things — we were the first to introduce Mikimoto pearls to the world market, and we had the honor of serving many notable figures, including Jacqueline Kennedy. We’ve been officially recognized by the Italian government as a historic and excellent enterprise for over 150 years, received commendation from the Japanese ambassador for over a century of contribution to Italy-Japan trade, and even spoke at the EU Parliament in Brussels about the importance of cameos.”
“We’ve survived and thrived not because we stood still, but because we continued to evolve. To protect what truly matters, we must always be willing to embrace change.”
Mr. Vitiello’s reflections transcend the material — they speak to an enduring sense of human dignity.
GOOD CLOTHING CAN CHANGE LIFE
To choose good clothing is to choose the quality of your life. Style sharpens the mind and brings clarity to the self. This is why—Good clothing can change life.
Author: Miyuki Kitagawa
General Manager of VESTA by John Ford, a bespoke tailor in Ginza, Tokyo. Native in Japanese, fluent in English, Italian, and French, she has 25 years of experience as a menswear expert. Known for her exceptional eye for quality fabrics and craftsmanship, she serves a clientele that includes top executives, politicians, and ambassadors worldwide. Even former Italian ambassadors to Japan have praised her work. She frequently contributes to fashion publications and has a deep knowledge of sartorial history. Her favorite food is fugu sashimi (tessa). https://johnford.co.jp/
