PORTS 1961, the luxury womenswear label known for its refined craftsmanship and global spirit, has appointed Francesco Bertolini as its new Design Director. With a commitment to excellence and creativity, the brand is set to reach new heights under Bertolini’s leadership. His inaugural collection will be unveiled in the Spring Summer 2025 season.
Bertolini expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, āI am deeply honoured to lead the design at PORTS 1961. I am pleased to contribute my vision to the progression of the brand, which has always embraced and supported my talent. PORTS 1961ās dedication to innovation and modernity aligns with my fundamental values.ā
The board of PORTS 1961 expressed their enthusiasm for Bertolini’s new role: āWe are delighted to welcome Francesco Bertolini as our new Design Director. Since joining the company in [2019], Francesco has demonstrated his unique ability to reinterpret traditionally defined fabrics and silhouettes, perfectly aligning with the values of the brand. We are proud to see the growth of our in-house talent and we are confident that his vision will enhance and honour the history of our Maison,ā
Founded in 1961 by Canadian entrepreneur Luke Tanabe, PORTS 1961 was inspired by Tanabe’s global vision and passion for travel, which also inspired the brandās name. Originally a reflection of the jet-set spirit of global journeys, the label expanded into a luxury womenswear brand known for its unsurpassed quality and sophisticated minimalism. This distinctive character and defining narrative remain at the heart of PORTS 1961 today.
Under Bertoliniās direction, PORTS 1961 is set to blend its esteemed heritage with a fresh, contemporary edge, promising an exciting evolution for the brand. Born in Tuscany, Bertolini has an impressive background, having worked for several prestigious fashion houses including Salvatore Ferragamo, Vionnet, and Prada Group. His vision is highly sartorial and modern, seamlessly blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics.
Headquartered in Milan with a showroom situated at Via Cernaia 2, PORTS 1961 boasts a global distribution network spanning over 100 stores. Flagship locations include 251 bis rue Saint-HonorĆ© in Paris and 1576 West Nanjing Road in Shanghai, highlighting the brand’s expansive reach and international presence.
With Francesco Bertolini at the helm of its design direction, PORTS 1961 is poised for a new chapter that honors its rich history while embracing innovative and modern design. This strategic leadership change underscores the brandās ongoing commitment to excellence and forward-thinking creativity in the luxury fashion industry.
Another italian brand another man! Who is Francesco Bertolini ? Nobody heard of him before this is quite random..I am not saying they had any luck with the previous designers and creative directors.
Ciao! Iām Francesco, nice to meet you š
so what has happened with the multi year creative direction deal with karl templer and fabien baron ? Resulted into lazy photos and fat checks for the guys ?
I’m really not feeling this choice at all. It’s the same old story with PORTS 1961, just another guy leading a womenswear brand. Seriously, when are we going to learn? It feels like every time they bring in a new male designer, we get promises of innovation and a fresh perspective, but what do we actually get? More of the same that just doesnāt resonate. And now, Francesco Bertolini? His background is impressive??? Right sure but does that really translate to understanding what modern women want from their wardrobe? I doubt it. The brand claims to honor its rich history while embracing modern design, but it just feels like a missed opportunity to do something truly different. How about choosing a woman to lead a womenswear brand for a change? Maybe then we’d see something genuinely fresh and innovative. Ports needs more than just a change of designers; it needs a whole new direction if it’s going to be saved.
I do agree there should have been a woman and there should be more women in creative director positions in Milano but this is the problem of the city and it’s quite obvious for years now at least this time we have somebody younger who did not go through some stupid nepotism or hierarchy or at least I hope so all of the good luck to him and I hope he manages to make something of this brand because the brand is down in the garbage for years now
Ciao! Iām Francesco, I hope you can enjoy my work and I can show you something interesting for you! Have a good day šš
Somebody young ā¤ļø give him a chance š
Thanks a lot for your support ššš
Never heard of this brand