Kiton
Ciro Paone S.p.A. · Italy
Kiton is a private Italian luxury menswear house founded in 1968 near Naples by Ciro Paone. It is run by the family company Ciro Paone S.p.A., with Antonio De Matteis, the founder's nephew, as chief executive since 2007 according to Wikipedia.
| Founded | 1968, Arzano near Naples |
|---|---|
| Founder | Ciro Paone (died 2021) |
| Operating company | Ciro Paone S.p.A. (private) |
| Chief executive | Antonio De Matteis (since 2007) |
| Revenue | About 160 million euros in 2022 (Wikipedia) |
| Website | kiton.com |
What is Kiton?
Kiton is a private Italian luxury fashion house known for handmade Neapolitan tailoring. The official site is operated by Ciro Paone S.p.A. and stresses artisanal passion and precision. The range covers suits, shirts, outerwear, knitwear, polo shirts, swimwear, jeans and trousers for men and women, plus bags, belts, ties, gloves, hats, sunglasses, shoes, fragrances and the KNT line. Bespoke services, a tailoring school and a fabrics section are also offered.
History
Wikipedia states that Kiton was founded in 1968 in Arzano, near Naples, by Ciro Paone, who died in 2021 aged 88. The parent company, Ciro Paone S.p.A., dates to 1956. The main steps reported are:
- 1995: launch of womenswear.
- 2009: purchase of the Carlo Barbera woollen mill in Biella.
- 2013: start of retail in India.
- 2015: launch of eyewear and a San Francisco store.
- 2018: launch of KNT, an athleisure line.
- 2023: opening of a flagship store in Seoul.
Ownership and leadership
Kiton is private. The Paone and De Matteis families run the company, according to Wikipedia, and Antonio De Matteis has led the group since 2007. The article does not name individual owners.
Business model and distribution
Wikipedia reports five company-owned factories, including Arzano for main production, Fidenza for knitwear and Biella for fabrics. At the end of 2022 Kiton sold in 73 countries through more than 60 monobrand stores and about 300 wholesale accounts, with around 850 employees and revenue of about 160 million euros in 2022.
Why it matters
Kiton is among the best known Neapolitan tailoring houses and one of the clearest examples of vertical integration in Italian menswear, with its own tailoring, knitwear and fabric production. It competes with Brioni, Isaia and Zegna in the high end of men's tailoring.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Kiton?
Kiton is privately held and operated by Ciro Paone S.p.A., run by the Paone and De Matteis families. Antonio De Matteis, the founder's nephew, has been chief executive since 2007.
Where is Kiton from?
Kiton is from Naples, Italy. It was founded in 1968 in Arzano, near Naples, by Ciro Paone.