Despite the pervasiveness of all things casual, the facts remain: no system of dressing is quite as versatile or universally acceptable as suiting. Last June, during a week-plus in Italy for the menswear shows, I discovered just how so and, after more than a decade of reporting on nearly every womenswear trend known, I quickly became a convert. While my personal wardrobe may have evolved, suiting for women, of course, isn’t new. Iconic examples abound, from Yves Saint Laurent’s Le Smoking to Armani’s loose takes that made trousers for women permissible evening attire. Now, L.B.M. 1911 is officially stepping into the womenswear game.
L.B.M. 1911
A Pitti Uomo mainstay, L.B.M. 1911 (Luigi Bianchi Mantua) has garnered a cult following over the last two decades, which style director Giovanni Bianchi felt was ripe for expansion. “After 20 years of developing the men’s collection, it was essential to leverage our expertise to establish a women’s line," Bianchi tells Robb Report, citing the many requests he fielded, both from women through social media and from retail partners who highlighted the need for such an initiative. “We embarked on the creation of a women’s collection that stands strong on its own while seamlessly complementing our existing men’s line," adds Bianchi.
That means timeless elements fused with contemporary trends and tailored silhouettes that celebrate the female form rather than work against it. The new lineup features essential pieces—blazers, suits, outerwear, and trousers—reinterpreted through a feminine lens. Crafted from premium wools and linens, with a color palette that spans crisp whites to burnt orange, the collection ensures day-to-night versatility. Intricate jacquards, decorative buttons, and the brand’s signature lapel pins add a touch of individuality to each piece, allowing expressions of personal style to shine through.
L.B.M. 1911
“Our aim is to extend the excellence of men’s tailoring into womenswear, providing women with a stylish and versatile wardrobe that empowers them in all aspects of their daily lives—while upholding the quality and refinement that define the brand’s heritage," says Bianchi, singling out an ivory linen vest and trouser set with a Lurex pinstripe as the ideal marriage of relaxed elegance and contemporary style. “Women demand practical, elegant, and functional pieces that enable them to manage their numerous professional and personal responsibilities effectively," he adds. “They want tailored, comfortable outfits that exude power and confidence while remaining easy to wear. A suit fulfills this need perfectly."
From the article by Naomi Rougeau
