Meet the tailor: Gianluca Petronio
Meet Gianluca – Playful Elegance with Purpose
Many of our clients will recognise Gianluca’s presence — articulate, passionate, and driven by detail. But what lies behind his approach to tailoring and elegance?
We asked him a few questions about his morning rituals, his love for Caruso, and what makes a man truly stylish. As it turns out, Gianluca doesn’t just wear elegance — he lives it.
Who are you – in your own words?
Self-denial, humility and passion form the foundation of who I am. They guide my personal and professional life. I see clothing not as decoration, but as communication — and I believe in playful elegance, the kind that feels natural and effortless throughout the day.
My tailoring teacher used to say: true elegance is naked. It’s a bold idea, but it stuck with me. Elegance reveals itself in subtle gestures — how you smile, how you move, how you relate to others. Much like a painter chooses colours each morning, I choose garments to give shape to my day.
How do you start your day?
My day begins the night before. I always write down my priorities — personal and professional — in my agenda. In the morning, I wake around six, take a long walk, shower, have a proper breakfast, and begin my day with intention.
How do you take your coffee?
Always with a moka pot. My favourite is Lollo Caffè, 100% Arabica. It’s a small ritual that energises me. Coffee is more than a drink in Italy — it’s a moment we share, whether with colleagues during work or with friends on the weekend.
And your aperitif of choice?
Aperitivo is a shared ritual too. In summer, I prefer a Hugo Spritz. In winter, a classic Americano. Always with a few snacks — olives, peanuts, chips, and mini pizza.
A secret indulgence?
Painting. I’ve loved it since I was young — especially Impressionism. Painting outdoors, capturing light, using quick brushstrokes and vibrant colours… it’s a way of escaping the everyday and reconnecting with feeling.
What makes a Caruso suit special to you?
We often focus on the fabric or the cut — but the real difference is in the technical process. A Caruso suit is contemporary craftsmanship in motion. The structure is light yet precise. The fit is designed to match posture, not just size.
In our fully canvassed jackets, we use a soft camel hair canvas — just 165 grams per metre for unstructured styles, 200 grams for more formal ones. That lightness gives freedom. You’re not wearing a suit — it becomes part of you.
It’s a team effort, from first fitting to final adjustments. What matters most is not one tailor’s touch, but shared expertise. That’s what builds trust.
Advice for someone buying their first made-to-measure suit?
Start with the classics. A navy suit in 100% wool — about 250 grams — will serve you well across seasons. Once that’s in place, explore textures like bird’s-eye or subtle pinstripes. Feeling bold? Try a Prince of Wales check — surprisingly versatile and stylish.
The right choice always depends on the occasion and how you want to feel in it. Don’t generalise. Dress with purpose.
How many suits do you own — and do you wear them all?
I’ve lost count, but I’d estimate around fifty pieces — suits, jackets, trousers, overcoats. After thirty years in tailoring, my wardrobe reflects that journey. I enjoy variety. Some days I go classic, others more informal — it depends on the mood and the day ahead.
My ideal jacket? Moderately lightweight, soft construction, full canvas, shirt-style sleeve insertion. It gives shape without restriction. As we say at Caruso: playful elegance, always.
Favourite sartorial details?
In winter, I love working with pure cashmere. In summer, blends of wool, linen and silk. For suits, 100% Tasmanian wool remains a favourite.
I often wear a three-piece suit with two flap pockets and a ticket pocket. Blazers with patch pockets and a boat-shaped chest pocket are also part of my daily rotation. These small touches reflect the personality of the garment — and the wearer.
What makes a man stylish, regardless of what he wears?
Naturalness. That’s the heart of elegance. Good manners, kindness, consideration — they matter more than cut or colour. The way you listen, speak, and behave defines how others see you.
Only then does the suit speak — and it says exactly what it needs to.
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