Photography by Vittoria Castiglioni
Mitchumm Industries' has a long story, and it is one of family industriousness and passion. It all began in 1976, when Daniele Tino, the son of a Neapolitan tailor who had moved to Como, decided to open a men's fashion brand in Los Angeles. The references are those typical of the Golden State, relating to the surfing scene, the beach, and palm trees, which quickly became the brand's symbol. The name was inspired by Robert Mitchum, the great Hollywood idol of American film noir. In 2006 Daniele was joined by his son Alessandro, who shared his father’s passion for sport, motors and fashion, as well as the guiding principles of Mitchumm Industries, that have since its inception been quality, research, attention to detail and respect for the Italian manufacturing tradition.
“We always look to quality in our products and in the raw materials, which involves much study on our part. The suppliers are all Italian and, where possible, from Como. The fabrics themselves all come from northern Italy, where some of the best manufacturers in the world are to be found. The production is also carried out 90% in Italy, in its most renowned areas, with the trousers made in Naples, the leather from Tuscany, the shoes made in the Marches, and the denim from the Veneto”, explains Alessandro, known to everyone as Alex, who today designs almost all the collections.
The business started out life as a casual and sportswear brand, making the Hawaiian shirts, surf, beach volleyball apparel, and colourful prints that now make up the heritage collection. Over the years Mitchumm has expanded to offer new ranges of garments, including classic tailored clothing, made-to-measure suits and, finally, a line dedicated to their passion for motorbikes. “My father has always been a great fan of all things American and a Harley Davidson owner. We like to call many of our customers 'Gentlemen Riders': who are those who work in their offices in business suits from Monday to Friday, but at the weekends don their leather jackets and mount their Harleys”, says Alex. Today Mitchumm Industries is a total look brand that embraces diverse tastes and styles, enjoyed by gentlemen of all ages with a love of vintage motorbikes and motor racing, and by petrol heads in general.
All this imagery pervades the Mitchumm shop, which is located in the city centre just a few steps from Piazza Volta. Inside the Mitchumm Building, as Alex likes to call it, there is a physical store divided into four compartments, each with its own product category, but also the design offices and a small terrace used for events that strengthen the bond with the loyal customers. “Every year we organise a themed event for our customers, which is also open to the public, that we call 'The Gents Club'. Our shop wishes to be a place where lasting relationships, both in business and of simple friendship, can be formed with people who share our values and passions”. Today, Mitchumm Industries' products can also be purchased on an online shop and from selected retailers located mainly in Japan and Northern Europe, once again illustrating the international spirit of this Como-based centre of excellence.