Shibumi Firenze was founded in Berlin in 2012 by Benedikt Fries, whose interests in Japanese culture and classic menswear helped shape the brand’s identity. The name comes from the Japanese concept of shibumi, meaning subtle beauty or understated elegance. Beginning with handmade ties, the brand developed a distinctive approach to traditional men’s accessories, with particular attention to fabric, texture and pattern.
Shibumi ties are sewn by hand in Florence, using fabrics from specialist mills in Como, Macclesfield and Kyoto. Grenadine, shantung, ancient madder, Japanese jacquard and repp silk are among the materials associated with the brand, selected for their distinctive textures and patterns. Alongside ties, Shibumi produces pocket squares and other classic men’s accessories.
What sets Shibumi apart is the combination of traditional Italian workmanship, Japanese design influences and an unusually varied selection of silk fabrics. The brand is willing to use more interesting colors and patterns, but keeps the shapes and proportions familiar to classic menswear.
