Zilli

The House of Zilli was founded in Lyon in 1965 and its first ever boutique was opened on New Bond Street in 1983. Specialists in luxury leather jackets, their commitment to finely made products for men has grown it into a full fashion house encompassing a full ready-to-wear line, shoes, eyewear and accessories. Exotic and unusual leathers as well as fur are a signature of the brand’s collections.

Formerly a symbol of rebellion, Alain Schimel helped to make the leather jacket a luxury style statement when he invested in the leather workshop of an Italian tailor and founded the House of Zilli, following in the footsteps of his parents who ran a small business making and selling coats. In 1982, Zilli pushed the boundaries again by introducing a crocodile skin jacket, a staple look from the brand to this day. Over the years it has expanded to key capitals across the world, dressing fashion-forward men who appreciate true craftsmanship. The business remains family owned with Alain’s wife, son, daughter, son-in-law and god-daughter all working within the business. In 2007, Alain became a Knight of the Legion of Honour in France for his entrepreneurship.

The New Bond Street boutique promises a discrete service and rarely shouts about its celebrity clients, although Gerard Depardieu was a guest of honour at their Moscow store opening party in 2017. The selection of products sold online is very limited, encouraging shoppers to seek the true brand experience with exemplary service in store.