Episode7: A Passion for Classic Style That Transformed a Life – The Journey of Fabio Attanasio
Saturday, August 9th, 2025
Featuring Fabio Attanasio
Instagram: @fabioattanasio
A charcoal grey double-breasted suit that showcases the texture of the fabric and the precision of the tailoring—this is where the essence of elegance resides.
Falling in Love with Tailoring: When Life Took a Turn
While studying law, there was a young man who couldn’t suppress his growing passion for tailoring. That man is Fabio Attanasio. Although he earned a law degree from Bocconi University in Milan, his heart had already been captured by the world where two-dimensional cloth transforms into three-dimensional works of art. In 2012, he launched the blog The Bespoke Dudes, which rapidly gained popularity. From Italy to across Europe and even Dubai, he visited and documented hundreds of tailoring houses. This journey—driven by passion and love—would soon lead him to become a prominent influencer, boasting over 560,000 followers on Instagram.
Fabio is also a writer, having published Scent of Tailoring—a journey through the world’s finest tailoring houses, exploring their cultural roots and unique characteristics. A simple shirt and chinos provide the foundation, while TBD Eyewear frames his look with intellect and poise.
TBD Eyewear: Born from a Classic Aesthetic
Fabio’s love for classic style naturally extended to the face—the very core of one’s appearance. When readers and followers frequently asked, “Where are those glasses from?” he responded not just with words but with creation: founding the eyewear brand TBD Eyewear. Built on his own philosophy, the brand quickly gained traction thanks to its sincere material selection, designs blending classic and contemporary sensibilities, and artisanal Italian craftsmanship.
From Passion to Enterprise: The Power Behind the Brand
In 2025, Fabio officially assumed the role of CEO of TBD Eyewear, taking full control of the company’s management. Following the departure of his co-founder and the addition of new investor Italian Target srl, the brand entered a new growth phase. This investor hails from the Hacoupian family often referred to as the “Armani of Iran,” a lineage known for deep understanding of classic menswear and personal elegance. Sharing the belief that “style can shape one’s destiny,” their very first online meeting was marked by mutual appreciation for one another’s attire—laying the foundation for a strong business partnership.
A striped suit paired with a classic patterned tie—a style where business and personal taste intersect.
Classic Style, Reimagined with Modern Sensibility
“I love classic style, but I’m not into vintage for vintage’s sake,” says Fabio. His mission is to pass on classic style in a way that doesn’t feel outdated to his generation. He emphasizes obsessive attention to detail—from the curve of the lapel to the rise of the shoulder, and the architectural balance of a jacket. This respect for tailoring tradition is always balanced with practicality for today’s lifestyle. His aesthetic is “contemporary classic”—a style that only emerges through years of study and real-life experience.
A pale blue double-breasted suit—Fabio’s signature way of adding modern lightness without departing from the classics.
Style According to Scene: Fabio’s Dressing Philosophy
We asked one of Italy’s most iconic style figures, Fabio Attanasio, to share how he dresses for different occasions—wisdom that today’s gentlemen can take inspiration from.
When Spending Time with a Woman: A Blend of Warmth and Refinement
For a date with someone he doesn’t yet know well, Fabio values restraint over flash. He recommends a blazer with metal buttons, paired with a well-made shirt and flannel or cotton trousers, depending on the season. Logos are avoided, and a colorful pocket square adds just enough playful flair. The result? A balance of intellect and friendliness that leaves a quietly impressive impression.
A relaxed style that exudes calm sophistication and intellect—navy blazer paired with rust-colored trousers.
For an Evening at the Opera: Dress with Dignity and Elegance
“If it’s opening night at La Scala, I wouldn’t hesitate to wear a midnight blue tuxedo,” Fabio affirms. The color—deeper and more refined than black—complements the night’s ambiance. He completes the look with a peak lapel jacket, white shirt, bowtie, Oxford shoes, and long silk socks. “Opera is a special occasion,” he explains. “And dressing appropriately for the occasion is part of what it means to truly appreciate elegance.”
Dressed in a midnight blue tuxedo for an evening at the opera—embodying the truth that attire elevates the occasion.
For a Night Out with Friends: Casual Grace and Playfulness
Whether dining at a casual osteria in Milan or catching up with friends, Fabio leans toward comfortable yet refined attire. He might pair a soft-shouldered jacket with a Scottish cotton T-shirt or a jersey-knit polo with the soft collar worn over the lapel. He skips the tie in these moments, letting a relaxed yet composed look take center stage. “Fashion,” he says, “is about balancing freedom and discipline. Without a sense of play, classic style becomes nothing more than rules.”
Summer dressing, impeccably considered—an ivory linen suit that embodies both lightness and gravitas.
If Placing a Bespoke Order Today: Seek Drama in the Back View
After years of bespoke experience, Fabio now looks for garments that are beautiful from behind. “The balance is where elegance lives,” he says. The lift of the shoulder, the opening of the jacket, the balance at the waist—when all of these elements harmonize, the result is a garment that becomes wearable art. His ideal combines the structured clarity of Florentine tailoring with Neapolitan softness and mobility. He seeks smart silhouettes with the grace of hand-finished details. “The true impression,” he reminds us, “is in how you leave the room.”
Meticulous patterning and softly hand-stitched shoulders—the “beauty from behind” that Fabio pursues is found in the finest of details.
The Future of Classic: Clothing as Cultural Restoration
“Wearing a suit should be fun,” Fabio tells us. His work encourages younger generations to use clothing as a form of self-expression, a tool to live more fully. He sees himself as a cultural translator—bridging generations through the shared language of classic style. Through TBD Eyewear and his own ongoing presence, his message travels globally. And as he continues to evolve, one thing is clear: he will keep writing new chapters with the kind of clothing that truly changes lives.
Even on a weekend drive, style is never forgotten. Contemporary classic is simply an extension of everyday 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/
