Twinset
Borletti Group and Quadrivio · Italy
Twinset is an Italian premium womenswear brand founded in 1987 by Simona Barbieri and Tiziano Sgarbi and known for feminine knitwear. In June 2025 the private equity firm Carlyle sold the company to the Borletti Group and the Italian investment firm Quadrivio, returning it to Italian ownership.
| Founded | 1987 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Simona Barbieri, Tiziano Sgarbi |
| Owner | Borletti Group and Quadrivio (since 2025) |
| Previous owner | Carlyle (2012 to 2025) |
| Segment | Premium womenswear |
| Website | twinset.com |
What is Twinset?
Twinset, often written Twinset Milano, is an Italian fashion brand for women. It is associated with a romantic, feminine look built on knitwear, lace, prints and soft tailoring, complemented by bags, shoes, accessories and lines for girls.
History
The company was founded in 1987 by Simona Barbieri and Tiziano Sgarbi, and its knitwear origins reflect the manufacturing tradition of the Carpi area in Emilia-Romagna. The name refers to the classic matching cardigan and jumper.
The US investment firm Carlyle entered the capital in 2012, increased its holding to 90% in 2015 and acquired the remaining 10% in 2017. A first sale process in 2020 was paused during the pandemic. In June 2025 Carlyle completed the sale of Twinset to the Borletti Group and the Italian private equity firm Quadrivio, through Quadrivio's Made in Italy Fund, in a deal reported at about 200 million euros.
Products and positioning
Twinset positions itself in the premium contemporary segment. Its core categories are:
- Knitwear, the brand's historical speciality
- Dresses, blouses and skirts with feminine detailing
- Outerwear and tailoring
- Bags, footwear and accessories
- Collections for girls
Business model and distribution
The brand sells through its own boutiques, shop-in-shops, multi-brand retailers and its online store. Reporting on the 2025 sale put the network at about 100 stores. According to Milano Finanza, 2024 revenue exceeded 200 million euros. Alessandro Varisco led the company as chief executive from 2015; at the end of 2025 the press reported that Gabriele Maggio, formerly of Elisabetta Franchi, was expected to take over, which had not been confirmed at the time.
Why it matters
Twinset shows how private equity has shaped mid-sized Italian fashion companies over the past decade, from Carlyle's long holding period to the return to Italian investors in 2025. Its next phase under new owners will be watched as a test of how Made in Italy funds develop premium womenswear brands internationally.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Twinset?
Since June 2025 Twinset has been owned by the Borletti Group and the Italian private equity firm Quadrivio. They bought the company from Carlyle, which had controlled it since the mid 2010s.
Who founded Twinset?
Twinset was founded in 1987 by Simona Barbieri and Tiziano Sgarbi. The brand began with knitwear, which remains central to its identity.