Following the publication of April 6, 2015 by France - Monde, Francesco Smalto, regarded as one of the Parisian kings of men’s elegance, who dressed princes, heads of state, actors, and athletes in his bespoke suits, passed away at the age of 87 in Morocco.
The Italian-born tailor died during the night from Saturday to Sunday in Marrakech, at the luxury hotel La Mamounia, where he was a regular guest. His Late Majesty King Hassan II was among his most distinguished clients.
Born on November 5, 1927, in Calabria, southern Italy, Francesco Smalto developed a passion for tailoring and fine fabrics at a very early age, creating his first suit for a friend at just 14 years old.
However, it was in Paris—the “capital of fashion”—that he aspired to build his career. After years of apprenticeship and refinement under renowned Parisian tailors, including those who tailored for President Kennedy, he founded his own fashion house in 1962.
His first boutique opened in 1970. The pinstripe suit, the white tuxedo, and the safari jacket became hallmarks of the Smalto brand. Smalto dressed both show business celebrities and princes and heads of state alike.
Singers Charles Aznavour and Claude François, as well as actor Jean-Paul Belmondo, were among the iconic figures dressed by Smalto. Since 2013, the brand has also designed the official suits for members of the French national football team.
In 2001, Francesco Smalto retired and sold his company to Alliance Designers, leaving the creative direction in the hands of Franck Boclet, whom he had personally trained.
