Meet Barbanera: The Italian brand every stylish man should know

Sebastiano Guardì (left) & Alessandro Pagliacci (right)

One clothing brand has been catching our attention for quite some time.

Barbanera was born in 2012 from a shared dream between two brothers and a close friend, united by a singular vision. Sebastiano and Sergio came from very different worlds, with Sebastiano working in luxury communications and Sergio in the music scene, yet they shared a common understanding of aesthetics. Their goal was to create a brand that embodies authenticity and values, a vision perfectly captured in their motto: “Truth and Culture.”

We spoke with Barbanera’s founders, Sebastiano and Sergio, about the soul of their brand and the vision behind their latest collection. Here's what we found out.

How has your relationship as brothers influenced the brand’s philosophy and approach?

Sebastiano Guardì: Being brothers made everything more intense. There’s total trust, but also heated clashes. The key has always been respect. We each have strong points of view, but we always listen to each other. The challenges? Plenty, especially being independent, but our bond always kept us together through tough moments. 

“Sergio and I grew up surrounded by art and a passion for beauty, something our father always passed down to us. Though we’re very different, we’ve always been deeply connected, and even when there were disagreements, we managed to overcome them with ease.” - Sebastiano Guardì

Together with our partner Alessandro Pagliacci, we’ve always shared the same goal: to create the best possible product. Having different perspectives has been a strength because it pushes us to work better and keep improving.

Sebastiano Guardì

Barbanera was born from a desire to express a lifestyle rather than just an aesthetic. Sergio and Sebastiano draw inspiration from music, cinema, philosophy, travel, and the iconic figures who defined their eras. Each collection is conceived as a story, a small novel to be worn.

Their contrasting personalities and the culture they have absorbed over the years flow naturally into every design. Even the names of their shoes often reference literature, a nod to the ideas and art that shaped them.

Alessandro Pagliacci

The name “Barbanera” has a strong and distinctive ring to it. Can you tell us the story behind the name and what it represents for the brand?

Sergio Guardì: Barbanera is a name that evokes mystery, legends, and freedom. It was the name of a pirate from the golden age of piracy. For us, it represents the free man: cultured, curious, and fascinated by life and its contradictions. It became the symbol of our idea of elegance: no dogmas, just identity. He was also known for his striking sense of style. And we, in the world of fashion, have always had a bit of that pirate spirit. A bold, unconventional attitude that sails against the tide.

What do you hope customers experience when they wear Barbanera?

Sebastiano Guardì: When someone wears Barbanera, we want them to feel like the most powerful version of themselves. Our goal is to evoke pride, charisma, and confidence. Whether you’re at a concert, a dinner party, or riding a Harley, we want you to feel unapologetically free and unmistakably one-of-a-kind. 

Barbanera’s footwear and clothing are made in Italy using traditional craftsmanship. According to the founders, everything starts with a vision, a feeling inspired by a scene, a song, or a particular vibe. From there, the process moves into design, prototypes, and material selection. Their shoes are crafted in Tuscany, while garments are made between Umbria and Abruzzo. Each piece can take weeks to come to life, as time is considered a value rather than a limitation.

The development of footwear begins with the creation of lasts, followed by prototyping and careful selection of leathers, chosen according to the season or the concept of the collection. The same meticulous approach applies to clothing, with a constant search for the right materials and details that give each piece its unmistakable Barbanera character.

Who is the ideal Barbanera man, and what kind of lifestyle does he lead?

“He’s a curious, cultured, untamed man. He doesn’t follow trends, but knows how to recognize beauty. He could be an artist, entrepreneur, musician, traveler. He lives intensely and doesn’t need approval.” - Alessandro Pagliacci

Your designs carry a strong storytelling element about vintage Americana. Is there a particular piece that embodies the essence of Barbanera?

Sergio Guardì: It’s hard to pick just one piece, as we love all our boots and loafers, and our Bandito pants are iconic too. But we can’t forget about other great pieces in our collection. All our boots and apparel are the truly iconic items that say it all: the West, rock energy, tailoring, and that lived-in feel. When you wear them, they speak before you even do.

Many brands chase trends, but Barbanera has always stayed true to its own identity. Sebastiano and Sergio acknowledge that independence comes with its challenges. Not everyone understands a style that sits outside the mainstream, and some of their designs have been copied along the way. Yet this has never been a concern for them. As they explain:

“You cannot steal the soul of a brand.” - Sergio & Sebastiano Guardì

How do you want the brand to be remembered in the world of men’s fashion?

Sebastiano Guardì: We want Barbanera to be remembered as a unique voice in men’s fashion. Not just a brand, but a cultural movement. A style statement, and a spirit. If even one person feels freer because of something we made, we’ll have hit the mark.

Barbanera proves that staying true to a vision can create something far more meaningful than following trends. With every piece, this brand tells a story, blending Italian craftsmanship with personality, culture, and a touch of rebellion. Their journey reminds us that fashion is not just about clothing, rather character, expression, and authenticity.

Thank you Sebastiano and Sergio for taking the time to share your insights and stories, giving us a closer look at the world of Barbanera and the passion behind every creation. Wishing you the best of luck!

Pictures: Barbanera