Franklin & Marshall
Franklin & Marshall is an Italian clothing brand founded in 1999 near Verona. It draws on American college style while manufacturing about 90 percent of its clothing in Italy.
| Country | Italy |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1999 |
| Founders | Giuseppe Albarelli and Andrea Pensiero |
| Headquarters | Montorio Veronese |
| Italian production | About 90 percent |
| Website | franklinandmarshall.com |
What is Franklin & Marshall?
Franklin & Marshall is an Italian clothing brand headquartered in Montorio Veronese, in the province of Verona. It was founded in 1999 by Giuseppe Albarelli and Andrea Pensiero, and it acts as both manufacturer and retailer.
History
The brand's origin story says the founders found an old jumper bearing the name of Franklin & Marshall College, the Pennsylvania school, in a London charity shop. They liked the name and built a fashion label around it, giving an Italian company an Americana identity.
Products and positioning
The label is best known for casualwear in an American collegiate spirit, with a catalogue spanning menswear, kidswear and accessories. Trade commentary has described it as Americana via Italia, a phrase that captures the pairing of US campus references with Italian production.
About 90 percent of its clothing is made in Italy, which remains a defining part of its positioning.
Why it matters
Franklin & Marshall is a clear case of a brand borrowing a foreign cultural reference and then manufacturing locally, building a distinct casualwear identity from a single found garment and a name.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Franklin & Marshall from?
Franklin & Marshall is an Italian brand based in Montorio Veronese, near Verona.
Who founded Franklin & Marshall?
Giuseppe Albarelli and Andrea Pensiero founded Franklin & Marshall in 1999.