In Conversation With: The Fabricateurialist

A Trusted Voice in Fabrics and Menswear

Over the past few years, you’ve become a trusted voice in the world of luxury fabrics and menswear, but how did your own interest in this space develop in the first place?

My interest in fabrics and menswear originally comes from a strong connection to Italy through our family's consumer goods business. From a young age, I was exposed to a world of well-dressed individuals—meeting business partners and attending my first trade shows in Italy as a teenager.

What struck me early on was how Italians always seemed just a little more put together than their international counterparts. The cloths of their suits played with light, they wrinkled less, and the fit was better. This sparked a curiosity that led me to explore the fabrics and craftsmanship that set their style apart.

 

Your content has resonated deeply with both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to menswear. What do you think has been the key to connecting with such a broad audience?

I aim to meet people where they are — there’s no prior knowledge needed. I also try to avoid being 'snobbish' or elitist about luxury, because in the end, whether someone shops at the mall, a local boutique, or a global luxury maison, my audience simply wants to understand what they’re buying. I try to expose them to the full spectrum of fabric and fiber qualities, explaining their properties in a way that’s approachable.

I also put a strong focus on small, specialized brands like Carissimi, that focus on doing one thing exceptionally well. I think there is a curiosity among my audience to try something new when they hear about the craft and fabrics behind these brands.

 

Building a High-Quality Wardrobe

What advice would you give to someone who is looking to build a wardrobe of high-quality, enduring pieces?

I would start by understanding your wearing and maintenance habits and educating yourself on what works best for them. This includes finding fits and cuts that suit you and choosing materials that are appropriate for your climate. For example, if you’re living in Singapore, I’d recommend fresco wool over tweed. Similarly, while an S200 suit is exceptional, it’s probably not the best choice for someone building a high-rotation capsule wardrobe. Not everything is for everyone, and that’s perfectly fine.

"Except for ultrafine merino wool from Carissimi, of course!" he adds with a laugh.

 

 The Half-Zip in Grey from The Signature Collection

Discovering Carissimi

Earlier this year, Carissimi’s Signature Collection was featured on Fabricateurialist’s channels. The collection raised a large interest among the audience, and in this article, we continue this conversation.

How did you come across Carissimi in the first place?

I first discovered Carissimi on social media when the brand was just starting out. What caught my interest was their 37-gauge knitwear—an incredibly fine gauge I hadn’t seen before. I reached out to try it out and was very impressed by the craft once I received it.

We got into a long conversation with the founder Jonathan and quickly realized we shared the same interest in quality craftsmanship and fabrics, which turned out to be just the start of a conversation that has continued ever since.

The founder of Carissimi, Jonathan Sundqvist, in the knitwear factory in Umbria

A Collection of Exceptional Quality

What stood out to you with The Signature Collection from a technical perspective?

The combination of an exceptionally high gauge count and ultrafine merino wool yarn struck me as unique. It made me wonder why this hadn’t been more widely recognized. The fabric is so fine that its hand feel is closer to the merino cloths typically used in tailoring, while retaining the elasticity of knitwear.

For a consumer, how do you see or feel these features in the final product?

You can sense the quality in the yarn – it’s exceptionally soft and comfortable. It can be worn directly on the skin, and you might even forget that you’re wearing a sweater. I think the expression ‘second skin’ feels very fitting to describe the experience when wearing this knitwear.

The fine details of Carissimi's 37-gauge knit

 

Final Thoughts

Do you have any final thoughts that you’d like to share with our readers?

There are so many independent luxury brands out there that deliver unique products made to the highest possible specifications that deserve everyone’s attention. If you keep your eyes open, you will be surprised how many brands will come across your radar, some of which you may fall in love with, others that you may recommend to a friend.

And don't keep it to yourself - the world needs more people to know about all of these brands that make better, more luxurious, and intentionally manufactured products.

 

 

About Fabricateurialist

Fabricateurialist is a content creator specializing in fabrics, menswear, and luxury clothing. Across platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, he offers detailed reviews, comparisons, and educational content that demystifies the world of high-end clothing. With a focus on technical precision and a touch of humor, his work resonates with style enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. His lighthearted yet informative approach has made him a go-to source for anyone interested in the intersection of quality, craftsmanship, and luxury. Beyond his work as a content creator, he works day-to-day as a strategist and Venture Capital advisor in the CPG sector.