Everything began with a tie, in 1972, in a creative workshop that later became a company found in over 48 boutiques in international capitals worldwide.
Fond of neckties, Stefano Ricci decided to create his own models at a young age. The creations were enthusiastically received from their first appearance at Pitti Uomo in 1974. Thanks to this exclusive showcase, the collection of ties became distinguished for its innovative, but at the same time classic, character of its models.
Research and quality are the guidelines for the STEFANO RICCI tie collection. Each design is created personally by Stefano Ricci. Starting out as pencil hand-made sketches, the ties are based on a combination of 700 colors and their numerous variations. Hence, giving birth to the 60 to 70 patterns of each collection.
Once this laborious process is completed, the finished silk is transformed into a luxury accessory by the experienced hands of specialized artisans, who stitch by stitch create the “STEFANO RICCI Tie” made with 8000 meters of the finest silk yarn.
Stefano Ricci understands the fundamental differences between designing a neckwear collection and merely selecting a line of ties. Each necktie is completely designed and not chosen. Utilizing a particular printing technique called “serigrafia” provides these designs with additional uniqueness. Furthermore, each tie is created in-house at the production facilities on the hills of Fiesole.
There are over ten different styles that can be made in thousands of different colour combinations: from printed and pleated ties to exclusive styles adorned by hand with hundreds of Swarovski crystals. Moreover, Stefano Ricci has created the most expensive necktie in the world, not only in monetary terms but for its opulence and an incomparable quality in regard to colour.
Over the years, Stefano Ricci has surprised his customers with numerous original creations such as the “Plissé” necktie, made of pleated patterned silk. The “Multi-patchwork” tie, a unique creation of 280 tiny silk squares in different patterns, and the “Diamond” tie, made of black satin silk and 100 diamond stones. Today the “multi-patchwork” tie is considered by many as a collector’s item.
Stefano Ricci draws much of his inspiration for designs from the great country of Africa: the colours and hibernation of silence, nature and exhilaration of being in the wild. The use of crocodile for example is explained from the fondness of masculinity and the sense of survival it entails.