My dear fashionistas, welcome to another fashion adventure on the Mr.M blog! When you travel, always simply make some specific divisions of cities. There are some cities that simply attract you because of their exceptional architecture, and on the other hand, there are cities that attract you because of their unusual atmosphere. I must admit that Brussels belongs to both groups at the same time. When I decided to make this fashion story right there, I couldn’t even imagine how perfectly the city itself would fit into what I intended to tell. Because this is not just a story about clothes, this is a story about two completely different worlds of fashion that, just like the winding lines of Brussels Art Nouveau, perfectly intertwined into one whole. Italy and France. Milan and Nice. Emporio Armani and Façonnable. Each of these names carries the weight of decades of tailoring tradition, and together they make up the outfit I wore on that special day in the Belgian capital. Let me take you through every detail, every thread and every story behind these pieces.

Marko Tadić, founder of Mr.M by Marko Tadić luxury menswear blog, wearing Emporio Armani dark navy 3D-texture knit trousers and white Icon polo-neck sweater against an ornate Art Nouveau facade in the Ixelles district of Brussels, Belgium.
Full-body fashion editorial of Marko Tadić from Mr.M by Marko Tadić blog in a complete Emporio Armani and Façonnable outfit on the cobblestone streets of Brussels, surrounded by Victor Horta-era ironwork architecture.

BRUSSELS AS A FASHION RUNWAY: A CITY THAT INSPIRES

The Belgian capital is rarely mentioned in the same sense as Paris or Milan when it comes to fashion. However, this very city has served as a crossroads of artistic movements that have shaped the whole of Europe for more than a century. Back in 1893, the architect Victor Orta completed the famous Tassel House, a work that is considered the founding stone of the Art Nouveau movement. From that moment on, Brussels became the capital of that artistic direction, with almost a thousand buildings in that style still adorning its streets today.

Walking through the neighborhoods of Iquel and Saint-Gilles, one encounters at every turn facades with sinuous lines, plant motifs in wrought iron and stained glass windows that transform ordinary daylight into something almost magical. It is this aesthetic, the combination of elegance and functionality, decoration and substance, that perfectly reflects the philosophy I wanted to convey with this outfit. Just as Art Nouveau erased the boundaries between art and everyday life, so a well-designed outfit erases the boundary between comfort and style.

Brussels is also the seat of European institutions, a city where the cultures, languages ​​and traditions of the entire continent meet. Here, the cosmopolitan spirit is felt in every square, in every buffet, in every gallery. It is this combination of old and new, formal and relaxed, that makes it the ideal background for fashion content that appeals to men with a refined taste for refined and sophisticated everyday fashion.

Marko Tadić, Mr.M by Marko Tadić luxury lifestyle blogger, wearing the Emporio Armani Icon collection white polo-neck sweater in relief-knit virgin wool, photographed against the golden stone facades of central Brussels in soft autumn daylight.

EMPORIO ARMANI: THE ITALIAN HERITAGE OF A VISIONARY

In order to understand Emporio Armani, we must first go back to the creator himself – Giorgio Armani. Born in 1934 in Piacenza, northern Italy, Armani originally studied medicine at the University of Milan. After three years of study and mandatory military service, fate took him in a completely different direction. In 1957, he began working as a window display and salesman at Milan’s La Rinascente department store, where he honed his eye for fabrics and tailoring.

There he learned how to display clothes in a way that attracts attention and arouses desire. He then moved to Nino Cerutti’s atelier, where he designed men’s clothing. That experience was crucial, it taught him the precision of cut and the depth of knowledge of materials that would later become trademarks of his work. Later in 1975, together with his business partner and lifelong companion Sergio Galeotti, he founded the Giorgio Armani house. According to some sources, they got the initial capital by selling their Volkswagen car. Thus began one of the most memorable stories in the history of fashion.

Armani’s revolution lay in his approach: he softened the image of the man and strengthened the image of the woman. He used women’s fabrics for men’s clothing and created the so-called power suit for women. His minimalist, deconstructed approach to silhouettes, especially jackets and suits, redefined elegance in a contemporary form. The 1980 film American Gigolo, in which Richard Gere wore Armani creations, cemented that connection between fashion and seduction for an entire generation.

Marko Tadić, founder of Mr.M by Marko Tadić, wearing the Façonnable suede monton bomber jacket in dark navy with Spanish merino wool lining, photographed exploring Brussels' architecturally rich Saint-Gilles quarter.
Close-up detail of Façonnable shearling jacket's signature zigzag stitching under the collar and embossed logo worn by Marko Tadić of Mr.M by Marko Tadić, highlighting the Nice-born brand's artisan craftsmanship dating back to Jean Goldberg's 1950 atelier.

THE BIRTH OF EMPORIES: STREET FASHION FOR ALL GENERATIONS

Emporio Armani appeared in 1981 out of a very specific need. Armani himself once explained that he saw a gap in the market where young people yearned for something fresh and new, and he wanted to offer it to them. The word emporio in Italian means emporium or store of various products, and that name perfectly describes the idea of ​​the brand: a place where everyone can find something for themselves, at a more affordable price than the main line, but with the same refined taste and refined style.

The brand’s logo in the form of an eagle divided by horizontal lines with the designer’s initials was created almost by accident. In an interview with Italian Vogue, Armani told how he drew it while on the phone with Galeotti, who urgently asked for a decision on the logo. He drew something without much thought, and that spontaneous drawing became one of the most recognizable symbols in the world of fashion. It is interesting that the eagle looks to the east, which led many to interpret that it is a tribute to the American market, but Armani himself denied it, it was a matter of pure intuition.

Marko Tadić from Mr.M by Marko Tadić blog wearing a cohesive quiet luxury outfit combining Emporio Armani and Façonnable two European menswear icons united in a single editorial look shot in Brussels, Belgium.
Marko Tadić, luxury men's fashion blogger and founder of Mr.M by Marko Tadić, standing before the ornate facade of Victor Horta's iconic Art Nouveau townhouse in Brussels, capturing the intersection of fashion and architecture.

Emporio Armani and the eponymous main line were the only two ready-to-wear collections that Armani personally designed and both featured prominently at Milan Fashion Week. Over the decades, the brand’s campaigns have graced some of the world’s most famous faces, from David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo to Megan Fox and Rihanna. With the restructuring of the brand in 2017, the Armani Collezioni and Armani Jeans lines were integrated into Emporio Armani, which further strengthened this line’s position within the fashion empire.

GIORGIO ARMANI: A LEGACY THAT LIVES ON

Giorgio Armani died on September 4, 2025, at his home in Milan, at the age of ninety-one. It was the end of an era, but by no means the end of a fashion story. The man who began his career as a window display and ended up building a fashion empire with more than 500 stores worldwide has left behind a legacy that goes far beyond clothing. His last act was endorsing a collection to celebrate the brand’s fiftieth anniversary, just days before his death.

The family and employees took over the management of the company according to the plan that he had carefully devised during his lifetime. All boutiques are closed on the day of the funeral as a sign of remembrance, including the entire city of Milan. This very fact shows how deeply this man influenced not only the industry, but also the identity of a city. When I wear Armani pieces today, I feel that weight of heritage and responsibility to treat each piece with the respect it deserves.

EMPORIO ARMANI TROUSERS WITH A THREE-DIMENSIONAL EFFECT: THE ART OF ULTIMATE KNITTING

The first Emporio Armani piece in this outfit are pants made of a mixture of wool and jersey knit with a three-dimensional texture effect. Dark blue in color, with elastic properties that allow complete freedom of movement, these trousers are a perfect example of what the Armani group has been doing for decades, combining visual appeal with practicality to wear. A blend of wool and jersey gives them a structure that holds their shape throughout the day, yet provides a softness reminiscent of a home wardrobe.

The three-dimensional effect of the knitted fabric is particularly pronounced in natural light, which I noticed myself while walking through the streets of Brussels. Every change in the angle of the light revealed a new dimension of texture, like the play of shadows on the facades of the Art Nouveau buildings around me. It’s exactly the kind of detail that distinguishes mass production from thoughtful design. The price of these pants is 510 euros, which puts them in the category of wardrobe investment that pays off many times over.

Texture flat-lay of the Façonnable shearling jacket's brushed lambskin exterior contrasted with merino wool interior lining, styled by Marko Tadić of Mr.M by Marko Tadić, shot on a dark oak surface with soft natural light.
Detail close-up of Emporio Armani 3D texture knit trousers in dark navy worn by Marko Tadić of Mr.M by Marko Tadić — the interplay of shadow and light on the wool-jersey blend fabric echoing the organic lines of Brussels Art Nouveau buildings.

EMPORIO ARMANI SWEATER FROM THE ICON COLLECTION: VIRGIN WOOL IN THE SERVICE OF ELEGANCE

Another key piece from the Emporio Armani range is the polo collar sweater from the iconic Icon collection. Crafted from virgin wool, this sweater features an embossed knit that gives the impression of sophisticated simplicity. The white color emphasizes the clean lines and quality of the materials, while the polo collar provides that extra degree of formality that makes it suitable for both business and casual occasions. Virgin wool, as a material, has exceptional thermoregulatory properties, it warms when it’s cold and it cools when it’s warm.

The Icon collection represents the heart of the Emporio Armani identity, pieces designed to last for seasons and even years. These are clothing items that are not subject to passing trends, but serve as the mainstay of every wardrobe. The embossed knit on this sweater gives it character without the need for bold patterns or graphic elements. Simplicity here is a conscious stylistic decision, not an absence of ideas. This is exactly what Armani has always preached: less is always more.

Marko Tadić of Mr.M by Marko Tadić blog in a Giorgio Armani tribute editorial wearing the Emporio Armani Icon collection on the streets of Brussels, honoring the visionary Italian designer who passed in September 2025.
Marko Tadić, Mr.M by Marko Tadić founder, showcasing the menswear color palette of Emporio Armani dark navy 3D-knit trousers, white virgin wool polo-neck sweater and white ASV sneakers against the grey Belgian limestone of a 19th-century Brussels building.

EMPORIO ARMANI SNEAKERS WITH AN ECOLOGICAL SIGN OF THE FUTURE IN EVERY STEP

The third Emporio Armani piece in this outfit is sneakers from the ASV line, made of recycled nylon with details of regenerated saffiano leather. The ASV label stands for Armani Sustainability Values, making the brand clear that the future of fashion cannot bypass the issue of sustainability. This is not just a marketing story, back in 1996 the Armani group presented the first jeans made of recycled denim at the Innovation Fair at the Museum of Science and Technology in Milan.

The nylon used in these sneakers is obtained from pre-consumer and post-consumer waste, including fishing nets pulled from the sea and plastic bottles. The saffiano details are made from regenerated leather, which means that no new animal material was used in their production. The group is a signatory to the Fashion Pact, a document signed by leading international fashion houses at the G7 summit in August 2019, with the aim of protecting the planet. The price of these sneakers is 260 euros, which makes them an affordable gateway to the world of responsible luxury fashion.

The white color of the sneakers complements the white sweater perfectly, creating a visual vertical that elongates the silhouette. At the same time, the contrast with the dark blue pants gives the outfit depth and dynamism. This is a classic example of how three pieces of the same brand can be combined without the risk of monotony, precisely thanks to the variety of textures and materials.

Side profile editorial of Marko Tadić from Mr.M by Marko Tadić in a Façonnable bomber jacket and Emporio Armani trousers, walking through the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert arcade in Brussels, Belgium.
Emporio Armani ASV line white sneakers made from recycled nylon and regenerated saffiano leather, worn by Marko Tadić of Mr.M by Marko Tadić blog, positioned on historic Brussels cobblestones, symbolizing conscious luxury menswear.

OUTFIT

Shearling Jacket: Façonnable

Sweater: Emporio Armani

Trousers: Emporio Armani

Sneakers: Emporio Armani

Marko Tadić, founder of Mr.M by Marko Tadić luxury blog, wearing the Emporio Armani Icon polo-neck sweater in sculptural relief-knit virgin wool, photographed against the wrought-iron window grilles of an Art Nouveau residence in Brussels.
Marko Tadić of Mr.M by Marko Tadić blog spotlighting sustainable menswear — Emporio Armani ASV sneakers made from ocean-recovered fishing nets and recycled plastic bottles, photographed on Belgian cobblestones.

FAÇONNABLE: THE SPIRIT OF THE FRENCH RIVIERA IN THE HEART OF BRUSSELS

The crown of the whole outfit is a monton jacket made of flipped leather from the Façonnable brand. To understand why this piece is so special, we have to go back to Nice, in the south of France, back in 1950. That year, master tailor Jean Goldberg opened a small shop on Parade Street, where he made tailored suits and tuxedos. Its quality quickly attracted the attention of movie stars who came to the nearby Cannes festival. Legendary actors such as Cary Grant and Tony Curtis were dressed by Goldberg, in his signature style that combined classic tailoring with a modern twist.

In 1961, son Albert Goldberg took over the workshop and made key changes. After visiting the New York store of Brooks Brothers, he decided to switch to ready-to-wear and renamed the company Façonnable, a word derived from the French verb façonner, which means to shape or create. Albert Goldberg is considered the originator of the term sports chic, a full decade before Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. The brand quickly spread through Monte Carlo, Cannes, Saint Tropez, Lyon, Marseille and Paris, carrying the spirit of the Cote d’Azur wherever it went.

In 2000, Façonnable was sold to the American chain Nordstrom for 170 million dollars, and in 2007 to the Lebanese private fund M1 Group for over 210 million dollars. Despite various changes in ownership, the design and production headquarters remained in Nice, preserving the brand’s French heritage. Today, Façonnable continues to represent what it has always been: a refined expression of the Mediterranean lifestyle where classic cuts meet the cheerfulness and lightness of the coast.

Marko Tadić of Mr.M by Marko Tadić blog in a men's fashion editorial at Brussels' Cinquantenaire Park a confident navy and white Emporio Armani and Façonnable ensemble framed by the monumental triumphal arch.
Fashion detail shot of the Façonnable shearling jacket's double zip closure and branded gunmetal buttons, featured in a Brussels editorial by Marko Tadić, founder of Mr.M by Marko Tadić menswear blog.

FAÇONNABLE SHEARLING JACKET: THE MASTERPIECE OF SUEDE LEATHER

This suede leather jacket with a Spanish merino wool insert is a real gem. Stylishly shaped in a bomber shape, with a double zip and side pockets with branded buttons, it combines robustness with refined softness. Merino wool on the inside and around the collar provides an exceptional feeling of warmth without unnecessary weight. Suede leather on the outside exudes luxury that doesn’t shout, but speaks softly.

The distinctive zigzag stitching under the collar and the embossed logo on the outer band speak to the attention to detail that has been a hallmark of Façonnable since the days of Jean Goldberg. This jacket cannot be washed or ironed, it requires a gentle dry cleaning, which is common for pieces in this range. The original price of 1190 euros testifies to the kind of craftsmanship that goes into its making. The material is 100% tumbled lambskin, which makes it one of those things that only gains character over time.

In the context of the entire outfit, this jacket functions as a connecting element that unites all the other pieces. The dark blue color matches the Armani pants, while the softness of the material contrasts with the structured knit of the sweater. The Shearling jacket is a piece worn from autumn to spring, and in coastal cities even during cooler summer evenings. This is exactly the type of investment that justifies every cent invested.

Marko Tadić from Mr.M by Marko Tadić blog embodying Italian precision and French elegance combining Emporio Armani's Milan studio craftsmanship with Façonnable's Nice-born Mediterranean sportswear aesthetic on the streets of Brussels.
Marko Tadić, founder of Mr.M by Marko Tadić, demonstrating investment dressing philosophy four luxury menswear pieces from Emporio Armani and Façonnable styled as a season-agnostic quiet luxury wardrobe.

HOW I BLENDED THE TWO WORLDS OF FASHION IN BRUSSELS

Mixing brands in one outfit requires understanding their shared values. At first glance, Emporio Armani and Façonnable seem like an odd couple: one from Milan, the other from Nice, one part of a huge fashion empire, the other a smaller family brand with a history of haute couture craftsmanship. However, both brands share the same essential philosophy: quality materials, clean lines, timeless elegance and respect for the man who wears their clothes.

The key to a successful combination lies in the harmony of colors and textures. Dark blue as the leading color connects the pants and the jacket, while the white color of the sweater and sneakers brings freshness and contrast. Texturally, we have four different experiences: the three-dimensional knit of the pants, the embossed virgin wool of the sweater, the brushed leather with merino wool of the jacket and the smooth recycled nylon of the sneakers. Each material tells its own story, but together they form a coherent narrative about a man who knows what he wants and doesn’t blindly follow trends.

Marko Tadić of Mr.M by Marko Tadić blog posing in front of the glazed Art Nouveau facade of the Old England building in Brussels, the Emporio Armani Icon sweater's white relief-knit softly reflected in the historic glass storefront.
Fashion editorial portrait of Marko Tadić, Mr.M by Marko Tadić founder, in a Façonnable suede monton bomber jacket gazing toward the Brussels skyline from the Mont des Arts viewpoint, evoking the spirit of European understated elegance.

BRUSSELS WALK: WHERE FASHION AND ARCHITECTURE MEET

The images for this story were created in the heart of Brussels, where every corner offered a new visual dimension. Brussels is a city that rewards the attentive observer who stops, looks up and notices a detail that others miss. This kind of attentiveness is reflected in the attitude towards the wardrobe. A good outfit, like good architecture, does not ask to be noticed by force. Instead, it draws the eye with its subtlety of proportions and quality of workmanship.

Walking past Victor Orta’s buildings, I thought about how Art Nouveau artists strove to have art present in every aspect of everyday life from furniture to doorknobs. Similarly, brands such as Emporio Armani and Façonnable strive for clothing to be not only functional, but also an expression of personal identity. In this sense, the fashion blog post that originated in Brussels is no coincidence. This city, with its unique blend of cultural heritage and cosmopolitan present, is the perfect metaphor for the style I appreciate.

Marko Tadić, founder of Mr.M by Marko Tadić luxury men's fashion and travel editorial blog, consulting a city map on a Brussels café terrace in a full Emporio Armani and Façonnable outfit, embodying the slow, intentional travel-fashion aesthetic.

THE PHILOSOPHY OF SMART INVESTMENT IN THE WARDROBE

All the pieces in this outfit share one thing in common: longevity. None of them are bought because they are fashionable this season, but because they will be relevant in five years. Over time and careful storage, the Monton jacket made of turned leather patinas and gains character. A wool sweater with a polo collar works equally well under a jacket or on its own. Pants with a three-dimensional texture can be combined with a shirt for a more formal look or with t-shirts for a more relaxed approach.

Sneakers made of recycled nylon, on the other hand, represent a step forward in thinking about what luxury means in the modern world. Armani himself has said that the philosophy behind his brand has always been sustainability, offering clothes that last and can be worn for years. According to him, the question of ethics comes even before strategy. That thought especially resonates today, when an entire industry is facing the need for change.

The less is more approach is not only about design but also about the number of pieces in the wardrobe. It’s better to have twenty pieces that work perfectly together than a hundred that sit unused. This outfit is a living proof of that principle, which consists of four pieces, two brands, one coherent story.

Marko Tadić of Mr.M by Marko Tadić blog in a classic European menswear composition dark navy and white color blocking in Emporio Armani and Façonnable pieces, photographed at golden hour on a Brussels boulevard lined with fin-de-siècle Baroque facades.

CONNECTION BETWEEN BRUSSELS, MILAN AND NICE

If we imagine Brussels as a stage, Milan would be a celebrated director, and Nice a multi-awarded scenographer. These three cities, each in their own way, shaped what we consider European elegance today. Milano gave the world the deconstructed jacket and the idea that a suit doesn’t have to be tight to be beautiful and attractive. Nice, on the other hand, offered a relaxed Mediterranean aesthetic where sporty cut meets high fashion. Brussels, for its part, was the cradle of the artistic movement that proclaimed that beauty belongs to everyday life.

This outfit rests precisely on that triangle. Armani pants, sweaters and sneakers carry the spirit of the Milanese workshop, where every stitch is carefully planned months in advance. The Façonnable tumbled leather jacket brings the warmth of the southern French coast, where the craft of tailoring has been passed down from father to son for generations. Brussels, as the place where these photos were taken, closes the circle and reminds us that fashion, in its best form, has always been a form of applied art.

WHY IS THIS OUTFIT MORE THAN ORDINARY CLOTHING?

Every time I choose what to wear for a photoshoot, I think about the story I want to tell, the message I want to convey to the people who will read my fashion story. This time the story was about the meeting of two great traditions: Italian precision and French lightness. It was about a city that created an artistic movement based on the idea that beauty must be present all around us. It was about brands whose founders started with almost nothing, and left a mark that lasts for decades after them.

Giorgio Armani once said that his only regret in life was that he spent too many hours working and too few hours with friends and family. That statement reminds me that fashion, no matter how beautiful it is, should always serve life, not the other way around. So, the next time you’re choosing what to wear, remember that it’s not just about the brand or the price. It’s about how you feel in your own skin, about the stories you carry with you and about the places that inspire you. Brussels taught me that elegance doesn’t have to be aggressive and overemphasized. Just like the art nouveau facades that quietly change on the streets of this city, true style is recognized in the details that are noticed only by those who know where to look. I hope that in this text you have found something of that quiet luxury that inspires me every day. Until the next fashion story and the next city, beware of passing fast fashion trends and be authentic, don’t forget to wear your favorite clothes with the good intention of showing the world who you are without speaking.

How did you like my outfit today? I really tried to prepare this post with lots of love and I hope you like it! If you have any questions, comments, suggestions or messages for me, you can write me below in the comments. Of course, as always, you can contact me via e-mail or social networks, which you can find on the CONTACT page. See you soon in new fashion adventures on the Mr.M blog!

With Love from Brussels,

Mr.M

Marko Tadić, founder of Mr.M by Marko Tadić luxury lifestyle blog, wearing Emporio Armani ASV recycled nylon sneakers photographed beside a historic Brussels Art Nouveau building plaque, juxtaposing fashion innovation with architectural heritage.
Marko Tadić of Mr.M by Marko Tadić blog presenting his autumn menswear layering formula — Emporio Armani 3D-knit trousers, Icon wool polo-neck and ASV sneakers under a Façonnable lambskin monton jacket, photographed in Brussels.

This post is sponsored by Façonnable and Emporio Armani brands. This post is my personal and honest product review.

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Benedict
Benedict
26 days ago

Marko, this is an exceptional fashion story. The way you paired the Emporio Armani Icon polo-neck sweater with the Façonnable shearling jacket is masterful two completely different design philosophies united by colour and texture. I own a similar Façonnable piece from their 2023 collection and can confirm that the lambskin only gets better with age. The Brussels Art Nouveau backdrops elevate the whole shoot to something you’d expect in a glossy magazine. Truly inspiring work.

Wolf-Dietrich
Wolf-Dietrich
26 days ago

Hallo Marko, was für ein großartiger Beitrag! Die Geschichte über Giorgio Armani, der ursprünglich Medizin studiert hat und dann als Schaufensterdekorateur bei La Rinascente anfing, fand ich besonders faszinierend. Es zeigt, dass große Karrieren manchmal die unerwartetsten Anfänge haben. Die Kombination aus dunklem Blau und Weiß steht dir ausgezeichnet und passt perfekt zu den Brüsseler Fassaden. Eine Frage: Wie fällt der Icon-Pullover von der Größe her aus eher normal oder sollte man eine Nummer größer nehmen?

Cornelius
Cornelius
26 days ago

What a wonderfully researched post. I had no idea that Jean Goldberg opened his first Façonnable atelier on Parade Street in Nice back in 1950, or that Cary Grant was among his clients. That heritage really shows in the quality of the shearling jacket you’re wearing. The zigzag stitching detail under the collar is the kind of craftsmanship you rarely see anymore. Your photography against the Victor Horta ironwork is stunning.

Ramón
Ramón
25 days ago

Marko, me encanta este post. La combinación de Emporio Armani y Façonnable es algo que nunca habría pensado por mi cuenta, pero viéndolo en tus fotos tiene todo el sentido del mundo. Tengo unos pantalones de Giorgio Armani de la línea principal y puedo confirmar que la calidad del tejido es excepcional. Me interesa mucho la chaqueta de Façonnable ¿el cuero de cordero es muy pesado para llevar todo el día o es ligero como parece en las fotos? El precio de 1190 euros me parece razonable para una pieza así.

Alistair
Alistair
25 days ago

Marko, your closing paragraph about fashion serving life rather than the other way around really struck a chord. I’ve been building a capsule wardrobe over the past few years and the philosophy you describe twenty perfect pieces rather than a hundred unused ones is exactly what I live by. The Emporio Armani ASV sneakers made from recycled fishing nets are fascinating. I appreciate that you included the price points for each piece, it helps tremendously when planning purchases.

Philippe
Philippe
25 days ago

Cher Marko, en tant qu’habitant de Nice, je suis particulièrement touché par ton hommage à Façonnable. Cette maison fait partie de l’identité de notre ville depuis 1950 et Albert Goldberg a véritablement inventé le concept de sports chic bien avant Ralph Lauren. Ta veste en mouton retourné est magnifique et les photos prises dans le quartier Saint-Gilles de Bruxelles mettent parfaitement en valeur le cuir suédé. Bravo pour ce travail remarquable.

Neville
Neville
25 days ago

Fantastic fashion outfit post, Marko. The shot of you at the Cinquantenaire Park triumphal arch is particularly striking the monumental architecture frames the outfit beautifully. I own several Emporio Armani pieces myself, including a navy blazer from the Icon line, and can vouch for the quality of their virgin wool. Your observation about the three-dimensional texture of the trousers changing with the light is spot on; I’ve noticed the same with textured knits. Brussels was clearly the right choice for this shoot.

Vittorio
Vittorio
25 days ago

Caro Marko, bellissimo articolo. Come italiano, sono orgoglioso di vedere come hai raccontato la storia di Giorgio Armani con tanto rispetto e accuratezza. Il dettaglio sulla sua morte nel settembre 2025 e sulla chiusura di tutte le boutique il giorno del funerale mi ha commosso profondamente. Milano ha perso un vero gigante. La tua scelta di abbinare i pezzi Emporio Armani con la giacca Façonnable dimostra una grande sensibilità nel mescolare tradizioni sartoriali diverse. Le foto davanti agli edifici Art Nouveau di Bruxelles sono spettacolari.

Christoph
Christoph
25 days ago

Marko, ein hervorragender Beitrag über zwei Marken, die ich sehr schätze. Ich besitze selbst mehrere Emporio Armani Teile und muss sagen, dass die Icon-Kollektion tatsächlich zeitlos ist. Was mich besonders interessiert hat, war die Information über die ASV-Linie und die Tatsache, dass Armani bereits 1996 recycelte Jeans vorgestellt hat das war mir völlig neu. Wie bequem sind die Sneaker zum Laufen durch die Stadt? Brüssel hat ja bekanntlich viel Kopfsteinpflaster.

Henrietta
Henrietta
25 days ago

Marko, what a gorgeous post. As a woman who often buys menswear pieces for my husband, I found the detailed descriptions incredibly helpful. The Façonnable shearling jacket at 1190 euros sounds like a wonderful investment piece, and I love the detail about the Spanish merino wool lining. The fact that it requires gentle dry cleaning rather than washing tells you everything about the quality of the materials. I’ve bookmarked this for his birthday thank you for the inspiration.

Adriaan
Adriaan
25 days ago

Hallo Marko, wat een prachtige post. De manier waarop je de twee merken hebt gecombineerd is echt indrukwekkend. Ik heb zelf een paar Emporio Armani broeken en de kwaliteit is inderdaad uitstekend. De foto’s in het Ixelles-kwartier van Brussel zijn schitterend die Art Nouveau gevels vormen het perfecte decor voor dit soort modecontent. Heb je de Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert ook gebruikt als locatie voor foto’s? Op een van de beelden lijkt het alsof je daar loopt.

Malcolm
Malcolm
24 days ago

Marko, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the history behind both brands. The anecdote about Armani drawing the eagle logo while on the phone with Galeotti is wonderful some of the best design decisions are made spontaneously. I recently purchased a pair of Emporio Armani trousers in a similar dark navy and they’ve become my most-worn piece. Your point about investing in fewer, better pieces resonates strongly. How would you style this outfit differently for a slightly more formal dinner setting?

Gonzalo
Gonzalo
24 days ago

Querido Marko, este post es una obra maestra. Me fascinó la historia de Façonnable y cómo pasó de un pequeño taller en Niza a ser vendido a Nordstrom por 170 millones de dólares. La conexión que haces entre la arquitectura Art Nouveau de Bruselas y la filosofía de diseño de Armani es muy inteligente ambos buscan la belleza en lo cotidiano. Las fotos en el Mont des Arts con la vista del skyline de Bruselas son espectaculares. Sigo tu blog desde hace tiempo y cada post supera al anterior.

Archibald
Archibald
24 days ago

Superb work as always, Marko. The fashion-meets-architecture concept works brilliantly here. I was in Brussels last autumn and walked through those exact streets in Ixelles admiring the Art Nouveau facades, but I never thought of them as a fashion backdrop until seeing your photos. The white Emporio Armani polo-neck against the golden stone facades creates a beautiful contrast. Your tribute to Giorgio Armani is dignified and moving.

Lucien
Lucien
24 days ago

Marko, superbe travail! Le parallèle que tu fais entre l’Art Nouveau et la mode est brillant les deux cherchent à effacer la frontière entre l’art et la vie quotidienne. J’ai acheté une veste Façonnable l’année dernière dans leur boutique de la rue Paradis à Nice et je peux confirmer que la qualité est exceptionnelle. Une question: est-ce que le pull polo-neck en laine vierge Emporio Armani gratte un peu au début ou est-il doux dès le premier port? C’est toujours ma préoccupation avec la laine.

Rupert
Rupert
24 days ago

Marko, reading this post reminded me why I follow your blog. You don’t just show clothes you tell the complete story behind them. The detail about Richard Gere in American Gigolo cementing Armani’s connection between fashion and seduction is a perfect historical touchpoint. I particularly liked the photo taken in front of the Old England building the reflection of your white sweater in that Art Nouveau glass facade is a beautiful artistic moment.

Heinrich
Heinrich
24 days ago

Lieber Marko, wunderbarer Post! Die Façonnable Shearling-Jacke sieht fantastisch aus. Ich kannte die Marke bisher nur oberflächlich und wusste nicht, dass Albert Goldberg den Begriff Sports Chic geprägt hat ein ganzes Jahrzehnt vor Ralph Lauren, das ist bemerkenswert. Die dunkelblaue Farbpalette des gesamten Outfits mit dem weißen Kontrast ist zeitlos elegant. Deine Fotos vor den Brüsseler Jugendstil-Fassaden sind wirklich auf dem Niveau professioneller Modemagazine. Weiter so!

Giacomo
Giacomo
24 days ago

Caro Marko, che post straordinario. Sono un grande ammiratore di Emporio Armani e possiedo diversi capi della collezione Icon. Il maglione a collo polo in lana vergine che indossi è davvero elegante la semplicità del bianco con il punto in rilievo è esattamente ciò che Armani intendeva con il suo “less is more”. Mi ha colpito molto anche la tua riflessione sulla sostenibilità con le sneaker ASV il fatto che il nylon provenga da reti da pesca recuperate dal mare è un passo importante. Quanto sono comode per camminare tutto il giorno?

Stuart
Stuart
23 days ago

Marko, excellent post. The way you structured this moving from brand history to specific garment details to styling philosophy is really effective. I was particularly interested in the Armani ASV sneakers at 260 euros. The sustainability angle is compelling, but I’d like to know how they hold up after several months of regular wear. Do the recycled materials feel as durable as conventional ones? Your colour blocking of navy and white is a combination I’ll definitely be adopting this season.

Augustin
Augustin
23 days ago

Marko, bravo pour cet article magnifique. La section sur la philosophie d’investissement dans la garde-robe résume parfaitement ma propre approche de la mode. Avoir vingt pièces qui fonctionnent ensemble plutôt que cent inutilisées c’est exactement ça. J’apprécie aussi ta mention du Fashion Pact signé au G7 en 2019, cela montre que tu ne parles pas seulement de mode mais aussi de responsabilité. Les photos au Cinquantenaire sont superbes.

Desmond
Desmond
23 days ago

What a comprehensive and beautifully written piece, Marko. I’ve been looking at the Façonnable shearling jacket for a while now and your review has convinced me to make the purchase. The detail about the 100% tumbled lambskin developing a patina over time is exactly what I want from an investment piece. One practical question: how does the jacket perform in light rain, given that suede is notoriously delicate? Brussels can be quite unpredictable weather-wise.

Carlos
Carlos
23 days ago

Hola Marko, qué artículo tan completo. Me ha impresionado especialmente la historia de cómo Giorgio Armani y Sergio Galeotti vendieron su Volkswagen para conseguir el capital inicial de la marca es una historia de emprendimiento increíble. La combinación de texturas que describes el tejido tridimensional de los pantalones, la lana del jersey, el cuero de la chaqueta y el nylon de las zapatillas crea un efecto visual muy sofisticado. Las fotos en las calles de Bruselas capturan perfectamente esa idea del quiet luxury.

Tobias
Tobias
23 days ago

Marko, ein fantastischer Beitrag! Besonders gefallen hat mir die Verbindung zwischen den drei Städten Brüssel, Mailand und Nizza als Metapher für den Stil. Ich besitze selbst eine Façonnable-Jacke aus Wildleder und kann bestätigen, dass die Verarbeitung erstklassig ist. Die Fotos im Brüsseler Stadtzentrum sind wunderbar besonders das Bild vor den goldenen Barockfassaden bei Sonnenuntergang. Wie pflegst du das Wildleder der Jacke im Alltag? Hast du ein bestimmtes Imprägnierspray das du empfehlen kannst?

Emilia
Emilia
22 days ago

Hallo Marko, geweldige post! Ik koop regelmatig mode voor mijn man en dit artikel is ongelooflijk informatief. De Emporio Armani broek met driedimensionaal textuureffect voor 510 euro klinkt als een uitstekende investering. Ik vind het ook heel fijn dat je de prijzen van alle stukken vermeldt dat is iets wat veel modebloggers niet doen. De foto’s in Brussel zijn prachtig en ik ga zeker je reisverslag over de stad ook lezen. Bedankt voor de inspiratie!

Quentin
Quentin
22 days ago

Marko, your mention of Armani’s quote about spending too many hours working and too few with friends and family is a poignant reminder that resonates deeply. This post goes far beyond a simple outfit review it’s a thoughtful reflection on craftsmanship, heritage and values. The Façonnable jacket against the cobblestones of Brussels creates such an evocative image. I’ve shared this with several friends who appreciate quality menswear.

Massimo
Massimo
21 days ago

Caro Marko, post eccezionale come sempre. Da milanese, la storia di Armani la conosco bene, ma il modo in cui l’hai raccontata qui è fresco e rispettoso. Il dettaglio sul logo dell’aquila disegnato durante una telefonata con Galeotti è un aneddoto che adoro le grandi idee nascono spesso nei momenti più inaspettati. La giacca Façonnable ti sta benissimo e il taglio bomber con la lana merino spagnola è perfetto per le mezze stagioni. Bruxelles come sfondo per questo editoriale è stata una scelta azzeccata.

Jonathan
Jonathan
21 days ago

Brilliant post, Marko. I must say the detail about Emporio Armani being launched in 1981 to fill a gap for younger consumers while maintaining Armani’s refined taste is a business lesson in itself. The restructuring in 2017 that absorbed Armani Collezioni and Armani Jeans into Emporio was a smart move that strengthened the line considerably. Your outfit proves that Emporio can hold its own alongside heritage brands like Façonnable without looking out of place.

Étienne
Étienne
21 days ago

Marko, article formidable! En tant que passionné de mode masculine, je suis impressionné par la profondeur de ta recherche sur les deux marques. Le fait que Façonnable ait conservé son siège de design et de production à Nice malgré les changements de propriétaires de Nordstrom au groupe M1 témoigne de l’importance de l’héritage français dans l’ADN de la marque. Les sneakers ASV d’Emporio Armani m’intéressent beaucoup aussi. Est-ce qu’elles taillent normalement ou faut-il prendre une demi-pointure au-dessus?

Roland
Roland
21 days ago

Hallo Marko, dein Beitrag hat mich wirklich beeindruckt. Die Parallele zwischen Art Nouveau und Mode beide streben danach, Kunst in den Alltag zu integrieren ist eine brillante Beobachtung. Ich war letztes Jahr in Brüssel und habe die Victor-Horta-Gebäude bewundert, aber dein Post gibt ihnen eine völlig neue Bedeutung als Kulisse für Modefotos. Der Emporio Armani Icon-Pullover in Weiß mit Polokragen gefällt mir besonders gut er strahlt eine ruhige Eleganz aus.

Sebastian
Sebastian
21 days ago

Marko, fantástico artículo. Me ha gustado mucho tu filosofía de “less is more” aplicada al armario masculino. Cuatro piezas, dos marcas, una historia coherente eso es exactamente lo que debería ser la moda para hombres maduros que saben lo que quieren. Tengo varias prendas de Emporio Armani y siempre me han dado un servicio excelente. La historia de Façonnable y su conexión con el Festival de Cannes y las estrellas de cine de los años 50 añade un toque de glamour irresistible. Felicidades por el post.

Percival
Percival
17 days ago

Marko, what struck me most about this post was the photo of you consulting a city map on a Brussels café terrace. It captures perfectly that slow, intentional approach to both travel and fashion that your blog embodies. The Façonnable jacket looks incredibly natural in that setting. I also appreciated learning that Armani signed off on a fiftieth anniversary collection just days before his passing what dedication to one’s craft. This is the kind of content that makes your blog essential reading.

Jeroen
Jeroen
16 days ago

Marko, wat een mooi verhaal achter de kleding. Ik vond het heel bijzonder dat je de geschiedenis van beide merken zo uitvoerig beschrijft van Jean Goldberg in Nice tot Giorgio Armani in Milaan. Het idee dat mode een vorm van toegepaste kunst is, net als Art Nouveau, spreekt me erg aan. De donkerblauwe en witte kleurcombinatie is tijdloos en de Façonnable jas met merino wol ziet er heerlijk warm uit voor de Belgische herfst. Complimenten voor de fotografie.

Crispin
Crispin
14 days ago

Superb fashion story, Marko. The shot from Mont des Arts with you gazing toward the Brussels skyline while wearing the Façonnable bomber is absolutely cinematic. I’ve been considering the Emporio Armani trousers with the three-dimensional knit effect and your description of how the texture changes with the light has pushed me toward purchasing them. At 510 euros they’re positioned perfectly for an investment piece. Would you say they work equally well with a more structured blazer for business settings?

Alessandro
Alessandro
11 days ago

Caro Marko, questo articolo è un tributo bellissimo sia ad Armani che a Façonnable. Il tuo modo di intrecciare la storia della moda con l’esperienza personale e l’architettura di Bruxelles è unico nel panorama dei blog di moda maschile. Sono rimasto particolarmente colpito dal fatto che il gruppo Armani ha presentato i primi jeans in denim riciclato già nel 1996 quasi trent’anni fa. La moda sostenibile non è un trend recente come molti pensano. Continua così, il tuo blog è una fonte d’ispirazione continua.

Gerald
Gerald
9 days ago

Marko, I must compliment you on how naturally you blend brand storytelling with personal style. Too many fashion bloggers either write pure advertisements or ignore the heritage entirely. You’ve found the perfect balance. The Façonnable shearling jacket is the clear star of this outfit the dark navy suede with merino wool interior looks exceptionally luxurious. The fact that it was photographed in the Saint-Gilles quarter adds character that a studio shoot could never replicate.

Laurent
Laurent
8 days ago

Marko, quel magnifique article pour clore cette série bruxelloise. Ta réflexion finale que la prochaine fois qu’on choisit quoi porter, il ne s’agit pas que de la marque ou du prix, mais de comment on se sent dans sa peau est profonde et vraie. J’ai été touché par l’hommage à Giorgio Armani, un homme qui a transformé notre façon de voir l’élégance masculine. Les photos dans les rues de Bruxelles, entre l’Art Nouveau et les façades dorées, sont absolument magnifiques. Merci pour ce contenu de grande qualité.