Carlo Nussio: Vintage menswear, Tudor watches and Italian style
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Carlo Nussio is part of a generation that approaches vintage with a more personal perspective. Originally from Udine in northeastern Italy, his style blends American workwear, classic tailoring, and well-worn pieces collected over years of travelling. He gravitates toward clothes that show age naturally like faded fabrics, worn textures, and details shaped by time and use.
Outside of his work as a certified tax advisor, Carlo spends much of his time searching for vintage pieces, whether in New York, Santa Fe, or smaller stores he discovers while travelling. His wardrobe moves easily between Levi’s 501 redlines, Alden penny loafers, old trucker caps, and rugged outerwear.
For this edition of #ManoftheMonth, we spoke with Carlo about the pieces he keeps returning to, daily routines, watches, fragrances, and the objects he carries every day. From worn Tudor bezels to a Montegrappa fountain pen, his interests reflect a preference for things that improve with use rather than disappear with trends.
Here's what we found out.
Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
Carlo Nussio: Hi DART readers, it’s a pleasure to be here. I’m Carlo, 29 years old, from Udine, a small town in northeastern Italy. I’m passionate about vintage clothing and spend a lot of my time travelling in search of interesting garments, especially rugged workwear pieces. Every time I wear a distressed chore jacket, I find myself thinking about the lives it may have lived before reaching me, and that’s what fascinates me most about vintage. Outside of this passion, I also work as a certified tax advisor.
How do you usually start your day? Do you have any routines or habits?
Carlo Nussio: My morning routine is pretty consistent. I start the day by taking my dog out, grabbing something to drink, and then heading to the gym. I really enjoy training in the morning because after a hard workout, the rest of the day feels much smoother and more focused.
What defines your look?
“I’d say my style is a mix of two worlds: vintage and tailoring. I like rugged workwear pieces, but I always combine them with something more refined. For example, pairing 1960s Foremost jeans with cordovan Aldens and a navy blazer. That balance defines my look the most.” - Carlo Nussio
You like wearing hats. Do you have a favorite one, and is there a story behind it?
Carlo Nussio: I love wearing hats, especially trucker caps during the summer. My favorite one is an orange cap with a “Safety First” train patch that was originally issued to railway workers on the Los Angeles–Santa Fe line. I found it in a vintage store in Santa Fe while travelling with my father, so besides the hat itself, it also carries great memories from that trip.
What’s your favorite sunglasses brand?
Carlo Nussio: I really like Jacques Marie Mage, but recently I’ve been getting more into Japanese brands as well, especially Masunaga. The craftsmanship is outstanding, and the quality you get at that price point is very impressive.
Do you have a favorite shoe or loafer brand?
Carlo Nussio: I love Alden penny loafers. That said, I also wear Red Wing Pecos boots a lot also. I know they’re not loafers, but they’re just too comfortable to leave out of rotation.
What are your favorite watch brands?
Carlo Nussio: Definitely Tudor. I like the balance they strike between a vintage aesthetic and modern construction. What I particularly appreciate is the aluminum bezel, it naturally ages, scratches, and develops character over time. I like when the things I wear start to tell their own story.
Do you have a favorite local tailor you’d recommend?
Carlo Nussio: @sartoria_salino is first and foremost an excellent tailor, but also a great friend.
Over time, his approach to buying vintage has evolved. In the beginning, he used to source most of his pieces online, but nowadays he prefers to save that for when he is travelling. He gravitates more towards in-person visits, where handling the fabrics and hearing the stories behind each piece directly from the sellers adds another layer of meaning to the experience. In New York, his go-to addresses include @Raggedythreats and @GrandStreetLocal.
When it comes to pieces that have stayed with him over the years, there are a few he keeps returning to again and again. A classic raglan coat in heavy herringbone wool remains his winter staple, while several pairs of Levi’s 501 redlines continue to circulate through his wardrobe, timeless pieces that never really leave rotation.
Do you switch fragrances with the seasons, or stick to one signature scent? Which one?
“I always stick to one fragrance, Creed Himalaya.” - Carlo Nussio
Your everyday essentials. What three things do you never leave the house without?
Carlo Nussio: I never leave the house without a Montegrappa refill pen, my prescription glasses from Peter and May, and a wallet in black alligator leather.
If he is heading to the south of Italy for a week, he keeps things simple and effortless. He packs linen shirts for the heat, light and breathable, along with Chamula sandals for long days by the coast. He adds a pair of relaxed Polo Ralph Lauren baggy shorts, a tote bag, and a well-worn baseball or trucker cap. Sunglasses are always with him, and he never forgets a swimsuit, just in case the day ends by the sea.
In your view, what are the timeless pieces every modern gentleman should invest in, regardless of trends?
“A modern gentleman should invest in a pen. It’s a simple object, but also a great conversation starter and something that lasts a lifetime.” - Carlo Nussio
Do you have a hidden gem in Italy you love to escape to?
Carlo Nussio: I don’t have one specific place, but I’m very drawn to the coastal areas of my region, they have a special energy. I especially like Trieste, Sistiana, and Duino, where you find great beaches and food.
What does your perfect day off look like?
Carlo Nussio: My perfect day off is spent at my country house with my girlfriend, my dog, and friends. I really appreciate the quiet of the countryside, because it helps me reset. There’s always something to do, whether it’s gardening or fixing things around the house. That kind of manual work is what truly relaxes me.
Pictures: @illcutz, @lorenzo_sodi, @bluefadesaway, stlyedumonde
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