Ermenegildo Zegna

Profile

Back at the turn of the previous century, an Italian gentleman who ran a successful textile mill in the Biella Alps produced a line of men’s ready-to-wear. A century later, his mouthful of a name adorns the coveted label often described as one of the world’s finest design houses. In 2004, both the line and its clientele expanded so widely that Zegna’s Manhattan store relocated to a grand Fifth Avenue space. In addition to its loyal, urbane power-broker following, the store now also attracts tourists with money to burn. Typified by sleek corporate-raider looks, the signature men’s couture collection shares retail turf with the trendier Z line, which offers a lower price point and a brighter palette of colors. The made-to-measure department on the third floor is where big-bonus brokers and other moneyed men rely on the design staff’s educated eye for a perfect fit; some prime customers even enjoy house calls from sales staff and tailors. — Susan Avery

Sales

End-of-season sales in late December and late June.

Key Departments

Formalwear

Zegna’s elegant collection includes single-button, three-button, and double-breasted six-button options ($1,900–$3,700). Grooms can also have their suit or tuxedo customized (from $2,400).