Summer Elegance Crafted In Italy
When Fabio Attanasio launched The Bespoke Dudes Eyewear in 2015, he had one mission - to enhance the image of Italian craftsmanship by promoting its excellence and unique character through the creation of classically designed glasses. Today, the brand remains ever-faithful to its core values and its deep Italian roots, continuing to champion all that is great about artisanal workmanship and design. With the collection drawing inspiration from a deep-rooted appreciation of the craftsmanship synonymous with bespoke tailoring, it seemed only natural that Benson & Clegg should be the newest home for this iconic eyewear collection.
Since its inception, The Bespoke Dudes Eyewear has established itself as an arbiter of classic style, with their elegant yet understated glasses being worn by well-dressed gentlemen across the world. The company’s co-founder, Fabio Attanasio, who set up the label with friend and business partner, Andrea Viganò, has shown himself to be a man with impeccable taste when it comes to his own personal style, building a reputation as a leading connoisseur of all things artisanal. Indeed, it is the aforementioned good taste, combined with his unwavering passion for traditional Italian craftsmanship, that is the beating heart of The Bespoke Dudes Eyewear.
The objective of the brand is simple: promote the excellence and unique character of Italian craftsmanship around the world, through the production of timeless eyewear. The result is a beautiful collection of sunglasses, designed with a mix of classic forms and modern designs, which is reflected in each pair’s elegant frame and refined lenses.
‘Our accessories come from the expertise of talented Italian manufacturers, holding out against the ubiquitous empire of huge multinational groups. Our goal is to guarantee a continuity of the Italian craftsmanship and to protect our heritage.’
It’s evident that TBD’s priority is quality rather than quantity, with each pair of glasses crafted by the hands of 84-year-old artisan, Mr Antonio. True craftsmanship cannot be confined by modern-day limitations, and the production of just one pair of TBD sunglasses can be extraordinarily time-consuming. The hinges alone – their design reminiscent of a1930’s style bowtie – feature four screws rather than the usual two, and are assembled and tightened completely by hand. It is a long and costly process, but one would expect no less from a company who refuses to compromise on quality.
“The Bespoke Dudes Eyewear is a patron of Italian excellence with the goal of meeting the demands of the most discerning customers around the world. The frames and lenses are made in Italy to guarantee an unrivalled quality and finish.”
The choice of materials used by TBD is essential when it comes to the design of their eyewear, from acetate and bio acetate to 24 carat gold and rhodium. The expert hands of their craftsmen work these precious raw materials according to techniques established over centuries. The Acetate Collection is handcrafted in Northern Italy, made using the very best materials from Mazzucchelli Varese, a forerunner in the world of acetate production, ensuring a beautifully lightweight yet elegant frame.
As an extra touch, every pair derives its name from classic tailoring terminology - a nod to Fabio’s appreciation for the craft. The clean and elegant Cran model is available in both contemporary and classic colours; the Pleat, with a retro clip, is transformed from eyeglasses to sunglasses; Lapel stands out for its superior cut; Donegal embodies a strong aesthetic; Blazer is defined by its robust frame and deep colours; and Twill stands out for its square and harmonious shapes.
“Our eyewear is more than just an accessory. They are menswear classics, designed to provide optimal optical quality for its wearer, while allowing them to stand out from the masses.”
An exclusive collection of The Bespoke Dudes Eyewear is now available at Benson & Clegg, in-store and online.