06.09.2024

ZEGNA brings "VILLA ZEGNA" in NYC: Where heritage meets high society

“VILLA ZEGNA” honours the legacy of Count Ermenegildo Zegna of Monte Rubello, who was bestowed this noble title for the legacy he created as an entrepreneur, philanthropist and businessman.

By Lifestyle Editor

ZEGNA's New York story isn't just about fitting into this world of high society - it's about redefining it, much as their founder did nearly a century ago.

Photos: ZEGNA / Getty (JFK Jr. & Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy)

Picture this: The Upper East Side, a realm where whispers of "Gossip Girl" still echo through the streets, and the ghost of JFK Jr.'s charisma lingers in the air. It's here, in this bastion of ultra-privileged elite youth and "old-money" sophistication, that ZEGNA has chosen to weave its own tale of legacy and luxury.

But ZEGNA's New York story isn't just about fitting into this world of high society - it's about redefining it, much as their founder did nearly a century ago.

In 1938, driven by a pioneering spirit that would make even the most ambitious Upper East Sider take note, Count Ermenegildo Zegna embarked on a journey that would forever change the landscape of American menswear. Already the toast of Europe's fashion elite, Zegna set his sights on conquering the world's largest economy: America.

Boarding the SS Rex, a transatlantic liner as glamorous as any modern-day Upper East Side soirée, Zegna crossed the Atlantic with a mission. His destination? New York City, where he sought out Italian tailors he regarded as the "best ambassadors of ZEGNA fabrics." It was a move as bold and visionary as any young socialite's bid for the spotlight.

To commemorate this audacious venture and cement bonds with these artisanal allies, ZEGNA orchestrated a gala dinner in 1938, honoring the Professional Italian Tailors of America. This wasn't just any gathering - it was the kind of event that would have set Gossip Girl's or The Kennedy's administration phones buzzing furiously. More than a mere celebration, it became the cornerstone of a lasting partnership and marked the genesis of ZEGNA's enduring legacy in the USA.

Signs to Zegna's Italy roots abound in VILLA ZEGNA - from the founder's portrait to the founder's office in the elevator

Photos: ZEGNA

Today, ZEGNA honors this rich history by transforming an iconic Manhattan building into "VILLA ZEGNA," a three-story homage to the brand's founder. Nestled in the heart of the Upper East Side, this pop-up experience is as exclusive as the most elite private school, open for just one week and accessible by invitation only.

Located on the Upper East Side, “VILLA ZEGNA” honours the legacy of Count Ermenegildo Zegna of Monte Rubello, who was bestowed this noble title for the legacy he created as an entrepreneur, philanthropist and businessman.

With this spirit in mind, an iconic Manhattan building has been transformed into the original house of ZEGNA’s Founder. For just one week, and by invitation only, enjoy a unique experience that extends far beyond products. Consisting of three floors, the customer will move through the story of that first trip to New York City, into Oasi Zegna, then Ermenegildo Zegna’s office, followed by the dining room of Villa Zegna, and finally, to a floor of ZEGNA’s most exclusive collections. “VILLA ZEGNA” allows guests to embark on a multisensory journey of exploration and reflects ZEGNA’s new approach of interacting with its customers, offering them immersive experiences that foster emotional connections to the brand.

A dedicated private lounge will host selected clients, who can experience a tailor-made shopping session with exclusive products that are not available in the usual retail network, as well as personalised versions of the new “Il Conte” jacket. Meaning ‘Count’ in Italian, “ll Conte” pays homage to the Founder.

Wednesday's opening dinner was inspired by Zegna's 1938 New York gala dinner

Photos: ZEGNA

During the week, ZEGNA will host a series of exclusive dinners, gathering the brand’s closest friends, opinion leaders, celebrities, top customers, tastemakers, and press to celebrate this exciting moment and encourage guests to immerse themselves in the legacy of ZEGNA’s Founder.

In a world where legacy and innovation often stand at odds, ZEGNA proves that true luxury lies in harmonizing the two. It's a narrative that would make even the most cynical Gossip Girl fan believe in the power of heritage, and have JFK Jr. nodding in approval from whatever fashionable afterlife he now inhabits.

Welcome to VILLA ZEGNA - where the spirit of a visionary Italian count meets the timeless allure of New York's upper crust, creating a tapestry of luxury that's as rich and complex as the city itself.

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