Trussardi
Italian fashion house known for leather goods, ready-to-wear, fragrances, accessories, and lifestyle products.
Last updated August 31, 2026
Overview
Trussardi is an Italian fashion house headquartered in Milan and historically associated with leather craftsmanship, understated luxury, and the Italian greyhound emblem. The company began in 1911, when Dante Trussardi established a leather-glove manufacturing business serving private customers and, during the Second World War, the Italian army. The enterprise remained family controlled across successive generations before becoming a broader fashion and lifestyle group under Nicola Trussardi. Nicola Trussardi took over the business in 1970 after the death of his brother Dante. During the 1970s he expanded beyond gloves into additional leather goods and apparel and introduced the greyhound as the house symbol. The logo helped give the company a recognizable visual identity as it moved from specialist leather production toward a diversified luxury brand. Trussardi subsequently entered perfumes, womenswear, menswear, denim, eyewear, sport, home products, and other licensed categories. The first Trussardi fragrance was introduced in 1980, followed by Trussardi Uomo in 1983. Womenswear debuted in 1983, menswear followed in 1984, and Trussardi Jeans was created in 1986. By the mid-1980s the business operated a substantial international retail network and had entered the United States through department-store concessions, boutiques, and franchise locations. Japan became one of its most important overseas markets, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s, when local licensing and distribution arrangements supported a large network of Trussardi-branded stores. During the 1990s the house developed a lifestyle-oriented model. Its T-Store concept combined fashion with categories such as denim, sportswear, bicycles, tableware, and confectionery. Trussardi also pursued interior-design projects, including work connected with aircraft and helicopters, and opened a research and development center in Brindisi focused on materials, fabrics, packaging, and product development. The brand's Milanese identity was reinforced through the redevelopment of the Marino alla Scala complex opposite La Scala and the opening of the Trussardi alla Scala restaurant. After Nicola Trussardi died in 1999, leadership passed to the next generation of the family. The company continued to introduce new collections and licenses, including Trussardi dal 1911, home décor, fragrances, eyewear, watches, jewelry, beachwear, and furnishings. It also entered collaborations with automotive, technology, sporting, beverage, yacht, and real-estate partners. Several sub-lines were later closed or reorganized as the business adjusted its portfolio. The ownership structure changed substantially in the late 2010s. Quattro R acquired a majority stake in 2019, followed by changes in executive and creative leadership. Trussardi entered a crisis restructuring procedure before the company was acquired by the Miroglio Group in March 2024. Under Miroglio, Trussardi operates as an independent brand, with a stated focus on combining its heritage in Italian elegance and leather goods with a more contemporary, customer-oriented retail and product strategy.
History
Trussardi was founded in 1911 in Italy by Dante Trussardi as a manufacturer of leather gloves. The business served civilian customers and also supplied the Italian army during the Second World War. After Dante's death, management passed to his son Giordano. In 1970, Nicola Trussardi assumed control following the accidental death of his brother Dante. Nicola transformed the company from a specialist glove maker into a diversified fashion and lifestyle house. During the 1970s, Trussardi broadened its leather-goods assortment and entered apparel. The Italian greyhound became the brand's emblem, providing a distinctive symbol for its international expansion. Fragrances began with Trussardi in 1980 and Trussardi Uomo in 1983. Womenswear launched in 1983, menswear in 1984, and the Trussardi Jeans line in 1986. The house also developed sport, home, eyewear, and other lifestyle categories. International expansion accelerated during the 1980s. Trussardi opened boutiques and used department-store concessions and franchise arrangements in the United States, while Japan became a particularly significant export market. By the mid-1980s the company had a large global store network. Licensing arrangements with Japanese partners supported the Levriero and Action lines, and the company later worked with Mitsui in Japan. In the 1990s, Trussardi developed a broader lifestyle strategy. A research and development center opened in Brindisi in 1993, focusing on raw materials, new textiles, packaging, and product innovation. The T-Store concept, launched in the middle of the decade, sold a variety of products including jeans, sportswear, bicycles, tableware, and confectionery. Trussardi also pursued interiors for private aircraft and helicopters and reinforced its Milan presence through the Marino alla Scala complex and the Trussardi alla Scala restaurant. The restaurant later received two Michelin stars, which it retained until 2015. Nicola Trussardi died in 1999. His son Francesco became chairman, while his daughter Beatrice assumed an important management role and later served as president and CEO. The family period was followed by further product development, including the premium Trussardi dal 1911 line in 2008, home décor in 2011, new fragrances, and collaborations across automotive, technology, sports, beverages, yachts, and residential development. The Tru Trussardi casual line was closed during a restructuring in 2016. Creative leadership changed several times. Eric Wright joined as head designer in 2006, Milan Vukmirovic designed Trussardi dal 1911 from 2008, Umit Benan Sahin became creative director in 2011, and Gaia Trussardi succeeded him in 2013 before departing in 2018. In 2019, Quattro R acquired 60 percent of the company. Executive changes followed, including Maela Mandelli and Sebastian Suhl as CEOs. Benjamin Huseby and Serhat Işık became creative directors in 2021. Trussardi entered a crisis restructuring procedure in 2023, accompanied by the resignation of its board, CEO, and creative directors. In March 2024, Miroglio Group acquired the company. The brand now operates within Miroglio as an independent label, combining its historical Italian fashion positioning with a modern retail and lifestyle strategy.
- 2024Miroglio Group acquires Trussardi
Trussardi becomes part of Miroglio Group while continuing as an independent brand.
- 2023Crisis restructuring begins
The company enters a restructuring procedure before the Milan Court.
- 2019Quattro R acquires 60 percent of Trussardi
The majority investment changes the company's ownership structure.
- 2008Trussardi dal 1911 launches
The house introduces a high-end line intended to represent its most elevated fashion positioning.
- 1993Research and development center opens in Brindisi
The center focuses on materials, fabrics, packaging, and product research.
- 1986Trussardi Jeans is established
The house creates a denim and casualwear line for men and women.
- 1984Menswear launches
The brand expands its ready-to-wear offer with a men's collection.
- 1983Womenswear and Trussardi Uomo launch
Trussardi introduces its women's ready-to-wear line and the Trussardi Uomo fragrance.
- 1980First Trussardi fragrance launches
The house enters the fragrance market with a perfume simply named Trussardi.
- 1970Nicola Trussardi takes control
Nicola Trussardi succeeds his father and begins the transformation into a diversified fashion house.
- 1911Dante Trussardi establishes a leather-glove business
The company begins as an Italian manufacturer of leather gloves.
Products and positioning
An Italian luxury and lifestyle house positioned around leather expertise, refined contemporary clothing, the Italian greyhound identity, and a broad ecosystem of licensed fashion, beauty, accessories, and home products.
Leather goodsLeather accessories1911
Leather goods are the historical foundation of Trussardi. The category developed from the company's original glove-making expertise into handbags, small leather accessories, luggage, and other products associated with the house's craftsmanship and understated Italian luxury identity.
Ready-to-wearFashion1983
Trussardi's ready-to-wear business includes women's and men's clothing. Womenswear was introduced in 1983 and menswear in 1984, establishing the fashion-house model that complemented the original leather-goods business.
Trussardi JeansDenim and casualwear1986
Created in 1986, Trussardi Jeans extends the house into denim and casual clothing for men and women. It has served as one of the brand's principal accessible lifestyle and casualwear expressions.
Trussardi fragrancesBeauty1980
The fragrance business began with Trussardi in 1980 and Trussardi Uomo in 1983. Later additions included women's and men's scents such as Riflesso, developed through a licensing relationship with Angelini Beauty.
Trussardi dal 1911Luxury fashion2008
Introduced in 2008, Trussardi dal 1911 was designed as the house's highest-end collection, emphasizing elevated fashion and the historical significance of the founding year.
Trussardi CasaHome and interiors2014
Trussardi Casa carries the brand into furniture, interiors, wall décor, and residential projects. The line has involved specialist partners and has included furnished real-estate developments such as the Trussardi Casa residences project in Dubai.
Trussardi eyewearEyewear1989
Trussardi has offered prescription and sunglasses through licensing partnerships and later through a production arrangement with GO Eyewear. The house first introduced eyewear in the late 1980s and developed a renewed line in the 1990s.
Trussardi JuniorChildren's fashion1983
Trussardi Junior is the children's clothing line. Production and distribution have moved among several licensees, including Idea, Pinco Pallino, Brave Kid, and Arav Fashion Group.
Flagship businesses
- Trussardi leather goods
- Trussardi ready-to-wear
- Trussardi Jeans
- Trussardi fragrances
- Trussardi Casa
- luxury towels
- bathrobes
Marketing campaigns
- 2023Trussardi Residences
United Arab Emirates
Trussardi Casa and Luxury Living Group announced a residential project with MIRA Developments in Dubai, featuring fully furnished residences.
Outcome. Expansion of the house into branded real estate.
- 2019Panda Wears Trussardi
Italy · International
Trussardi and Fiat presented a fashion-oriented limited edition of the Panda. Singer Ava Max appeared in the associated advertising and music-video setting for her single Torn.
Outcome. Automotive co-branding project.
- 2015Coca-Cola limited-edition packaging
International
Trussardi and Coca-Cola created limited-edition bottles and cans connected with the fashion house's centenary celebrations.
Outcome. Limited-edition beverage packaging.
- 2014Samsung device accessories
Italy
The brand partnered with Samsung Electronics Italy on limited-edition covers for Galaxy smartphones and a Galaxy Tab tablet.
Outcome. Limited-edition technology accessories.
- 2013Juventus off-field uniforms
Italy
Trussardi began designing off-field uniforms for Juventus Football Club during the 2013–2014 season.
Outcome. Sports and fashion partnership.
- 2011BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo limited edition
Italy
Trussardi collaborated with BMW Italia on a limited-edition 5 Series Gran Turismo to mark the house's centenary.
Outcome. Limited-edition co-branding project.
Brand decisions
- 2024Acquisition by Miroglio GroupM&A
Following its restructuring, Trussardi required a new industrial owner and operating framework.
What changed. Miroglio Group acquired Trussardi and retained it as an independent brand under CEO Alberto Racca.
Aftermath. The stated direction combines Trussardi's Italian heritage with a contemporary, customer-focused approach.
- 2023Crisis restructuringStrategy
Trussardi faced a business crisis and initiated proceedings before the Milan Court.
What changed. The company entered a crisis restructuring procedure, while its board, CEO, and creative directors resigned.
Aftermath. The restructuring preceded the acquisition by Miroglio Group in 2024.
- 2019Majority investment by Quattro RM&A
The family-linked fashion business required a new ownership and investment structure.
What changed. Quattro R acquired 60 percent of Trussardi.
Aftermath. The transaction was followed by changes in executive leadership and later restructuring.
Ownership acquired. 60 percent (2019)
- 2016Closure of the Tru Trussardi lineStrategy
The company undertook a corporate restructuring and reviewed its collection architecture.
What changed. Trussardi closed the casual Tru Trussardi line and its associated standalone retail structure.
Aftermath. The portfolio was simplified around the main house and selected licensed categories.
- 2008Launch of Trussardi dal 1911Product launch
The house sought to create a premium collection with a stronger connection to its heritage.
What changed. Trussardi introduced the high-end Trussardi dal 1911 line, designed by Milan Vukmirovic.
Aftermath. The collection became the most elevated expression of the fashion house during that period.
- 1996Development of the T-Store lifestyle formatStrategy
Trussardi was broadening from apparel and accessories into a more comprehensive lifestyle proposition.
What changed. The company developed T-Stores offering jeans, sports products, bicycles, tableware, and confectionery.
Aftermath. The concept supported the brand's international lifestyle positioning.
- 1986Creation of Trussardi JeansProduct launch
The house sought a broader casualwear and denim presence.
What changed. Trussardi launched a men's and women's jeans line.
Aftermath. The line became a continuing lifestyle expression of the brand.
- 1983Expansion into ready-to-wear and men's fragranceProduct launch
The company was moving beyond leather gloves and accessories toward a complete fashion-house model.
What changed. Trussardi introduced womenswear and Trussardi Uomo fragrance, followed by menswear in 1984.
Aftermath. The launches established clothing and fragrance as central parts of the brand portfolio.
Leadership
| Name | Title | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| Alberto Racca | CEO | 2024– |
| Benjamin Huseby | Creative directorformer | 2021–2023 |
| Serhat Işık | Creative directorformer | 2021–2023 |
| Sebastian Suhl | CEOformer | 2020–2023 |
| Maela Mandelli | CEOformer | 2019–2020 |
| Gaia Trussardi | Creative directorformer | 2013–2018 |
| Umit Benan Sahin | Creative directorformer | 2011–2013 |
| Milan Vukmirovic | Designer of Trussardi dal 1911former | 2008– |
| Eric Wright | Head designerformer | 2006– |
| Beatrice Trussardi | President and CEOformer | 2003– |
| Francesco Trussardi | Chairmanformer | 1999–2003 |
| Marialuisa Trussardi | Creative directorformer | 1970– |
| Nicola Trussardi | Chairman and principal business leaderformer | 1970–1999 |
| Maria Luisa Trussardi | Presidentformer | — |
Recent events
- 2024Miroglio Group acquires Trussardi
Miroglio Group acquired Trussardi and continued the label as an independent brand under CEO Alberto Racca.
M&ALeadership change - 2023Trussardi enters crisis restructuring proceedings
The company underwent a crisis restructuring procedure before the Milan Court. Board members, CEO Sebastian Suhl, and creative directors Benjamin Huseby and Serhat Işık resigned.
BankruptcyLeadership change - 2021Benjamin Huseby and Serhat Işık appointed creative directors
The designers were appointed to lead the creative direction of the house.
Leadership change - 2020Sebastian Suhl becomes CEO
Sebastian Suhl succeeded Maela Mandelli as chief executive.
Leadership change - 2019Quattro R acquires a majority stake in Trussardi
The Italian asset-management company Quattro R acquired 60 percent of Trussardi, initiating a new phase of ownership and management.
M&A - 2019Trussardi appoints Maela Mandelli as CEO
Maela Mandelli, previously associated with PVH, was appointed chief executive during the ownership transition.
Leadership change
Sources
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