His passion for tailoring started out of necessity and grew into a true mission: to bring what he calls craftsmanship 4.0 – a blend of digital innovation and handmade tradition – into the world of Neapolitan shirtmaking. In his workshop, supported by his mother and skilled embroiderers, Nolano creates shirts made exclusively to order, keeping the strict standards of Neapolitan craftsmanship while adapting them to modern expectations.

How did you decide to start from scratch and turn the shirt into a product made exclusively to order?

Unlike many others, I didn’t inherit a family business. I had an uncle with a small production factory, but I chose a different path. I moved toward quality, exclusively bespoke work, and began everything on my own. It was a brave but difficult choice. This is a market where demand for custom products is growing, but to keep up you need to be well prepared. At the beginning, I had no clients, no practical experience – only theory. It was a risk, but I’m proud I took it, because today I can say I’ve built something of my own.

What detail makes a Nolano shirt immediately recognizable?

First of all, the fit. I trained as a pattern maker, so I focus a lot on how the shirt sits on the body. Of course, we only use top-quality fabrics, but the fit is what matters most. In the past, shirts were often looser, more relaxed. Today, styles have changed – people want slimmer, sharper lines. I constantly observe how others wear their shirts, analyze, and try to improve. It’s a personal obsession, because my product has to fit perfectly.

How do you manage to combine artisanal quality with accessible prices, without making compromises?

It isn’t easy. Since I’m still at the beginning and don’t yet have a big name, my prices are lower than those of established ateliers, but that doesn’t mean I sacrifice quality. On the contrary, many clients tell me the value for money is one of the best on the market. Of course, as demand grows, I’ll eventually need to adjust prices, but for now this approach allows me to reach more people and show them what a truly handmade shirt means.

What was the biggest challenge when you first started?

Starting from scratch is extremely hard. Those who join a family business find an existing structure, a client base. I had none of that. I remember perfectly the first times I took measurements – my hands were trembling, I was terrified of making mistakes. I had theory, but no practice. The risk was huge: one unhappy client could have been the end. That fear shaped me. Over time, I turned it into experience and, step by step, I built confidence. Today I can smile looking back, but back then it was incredibly tough. Only a strong character and determination helped me push through.

If you had to describe your philosophy in three words, what would they be?

Resilience, passion, and Naples. I’m very proud to be Neapolitan, and I say it wherever I go. For me, Naples is not just a city, it’s my identity. When I travel and tell clients about Naples – about our traditions, our way of life, our energy – I feel I carry a piece of real Italy with me. Many of my clients are fascinated, even in love with it.

Italy is a big country with many differences, and every city has its own charm. Milan, for example, is beautiful, but more internationalized, more changed. It’s harder to feel authenticity there. Naples, instead, has remained traditional, soulful, true. When you come to Naples, you find the real Italy. That’s what makes me proud, and that’s what I bring into every shirt I create.