For a few days, Chișinău became the stage of Italian elegance. To mark the 8th anniversary of the Moldovan brand Sandro Livv, founded by Alexandru Cornicel, a delegation of Neapolitan master artisans visited Moldova. One of the highlights was a special meeting with students at the Technical University of Moldova, where young people were introduced to the art of tailoring and to stories of families who have preserved these traditions for over a century.

The visit continued with the exhibition Sartoria Deluxe Creative at the National Museum of History, where the public could watch garments being created entirely by hand – from suits and shirts to ties and trousers. Among the guests was Bruno Voglio, the young representative of the fifth generation of Sartoria Voglio, an atelier famous for its handmade trousers, each pair requiring up to 16–18 hours of work.

What is the secret that makes your trousers different from all the others?

The secret is tradition. I was fortunate to inherit the same type of artisanal work from my great-grandfather, my grandfather, and my father, which was done more than a hundred years ago. Since 1907, we have followed the same processes with the same love and passion for this craft.

What is the most important lesson you have received from your father?

My father always says one thing: making a good pair of trousers is harder than making a good jacket. Especially today, when trousers are narrower, with a sportier line, it becomes much more complex. Men tend to have more imperfections in the lower part of the body than in the upper part, which makes the fit of trousers particularly demanding. And if you look around, there are far fewer specialists in trousers than in jackets. Unfortunately, there are only a few of us left.

How important is handwork in creating the perfect pair of trousers?

It is absolutely crucial. Handwork gives a completely different result. For example, the back seam is entirely hand-sewn in our atelier. This makes the garment stronger and allows the trousers to take the shape of the body as they are being made. A machine stitch is just a straight line – it doesn’t provide comfort or fit. Handmade trousers have personality, they breathe, and they sit differently on the person who wears them.

If you had to choose one model to represent Sartoria Voglio, which one would it be?

The D-ring model. It is a pair of trousers with a distinctive ring detail on the right side. It is very particular. Just applying the additional strap by hand takes about an hour and a half. In total, one pair requires 16 to 18 hours of work. It is elegant and sporty at the same time, different and innovative. Every detail matters, and the time invested is a declaration of respect for the client.

How can a tradition of over a hundred years be passed on to the younger generation today?

It is not easy. I was lucky to inherit the passion directly from my family. But thanks to Le Mani di Napoli we are also trying to involve young people. We tell them that you don’t necessarily have to become an engineer or a lawyer to live well. You can be an artisan, you can be a craftsman, and still have a beautiful life, travel the world, earn respect, and even be treated like a VIP. That is how I felt here in Moldova, and it filled me with pride and joy.

Do you think the students you met at the Technical University of Moldova have the potential to work in this industry?

Of course. I saw them very engaged. When a young person has a thirst for knowledge and a true desire to learn, they become the best apprentice. Young people learn faster than anyone else, especially when there is passion and love for the craft.