Why this Italian fashion store is a must-visit this winter

Surrounded by the majestic snow-capped Alps, Milan is utterly romantic in winter. And with fewer tourists this season, you can easily fill your days exploring Italy’s fashion capital from its iconic monuments and museums to designer boutiques – without the typical crowds. But if you really want to wear this dream getaway, Italian knitwear shop Malo – known for its decent cashmere – is a must-visit. The brand’s new winter collection is a bevy of buttery soft pieces designed in classic minimalist styles for the ultimate cold weather glamour.

Handmade and hand-embroidered with the finest Italian threads—each piece is like a wearable work of art—so cozy maxi jackets, cardigans, chic dresses and more. We talked with Malo’s Nancy Marchini on the inspiration behind the new luxury line and the meticulous craftsmanship that has made the brand an Italian favorite for more than five decades.

How would you describe the new collection and what was the inspiration? The new “Authentic Charme” winter collection is a tribute to natural beauty, the essence that makes you look and feel beautiful. Like Malo itself where the unique charm and fascinating details of our pieces speak for themselves. These are limited edition items with timeless style, to be delivered over time.

We imagine the collection to live perfectly in the “less is more” style of minimal, modern New York lofts, or luxury Northern European apartments with large bright spaces, but steeped in the rich history of Italy .

How does Italy inspire the collection’s designs and materials? Everything we produce has a taste of Italy, and we are extremely proud of it. We are an Italian company with over 50 years of history – the first to introduce cashmere yarn in Italy. Our knitwear products are produced in Malo, where the Italian traditions of the art of knitting have remained intact for more than five decades. Malo in Latin means “to prefer” or to know how to choose something in particular.

How would you describe the color palette? The winter collection follows the brand’s iconic milky white hues (Malo has been known as the “White Knight of Kashmir”). The palette also includes timeless grays, blues, beiges and various shades of brown combined with other seasonal tones.

Can you share more details on the textures/materials? We always use the best natural cashmere yarn, “white on white”, derived from Hirkus goats herded in the cold Mongolian plains which – thanks to the harsh winter temperatures – creates this warm and soft layer. In addition to cashmere, we use soft wool, silk mixed with cashmere and other fine fabrics.

Describe the process and how long it takes to create each piece. Each piece begins with a handmade sketch by the designer, followed by many steps of care and attention. Malo has preserved the old historical, mechanical looms within the production premises. This slow knitting process allows the yarn to be stress free creating soft, high quality knits.

The knitting stages are carried out manually, hour after hour to “assemble” the sweaters and create a single garment. Even the washing and ironing phases are done with dedicated personnel and certified eco-sustainable products.

As if you needed more of an excuse for an epic shopping spree in Milan, shop the full collection online…and prepare your closet for the ultimate Italian souvenir.