True Art
WILFREDO EMANUEL ’ S PERSONAL CLOTHIER , DOMINIC LACQUANITI , DRESSES HIS CLIENTS WITH PASSION .
CLOTHIER DOMINIC LACQUANITI
of Rome and in their 400 years of history , they just make shoes ,” says Lacquaniti .
Even in the face of disaster , Lacquaniti ’ s compassion for others shines through in the unthinkable loss his hometown of Naples suffered after Hurricane Ian .
“ My father always advised me not to look at the dollar amount of a project , but instead to take care of the client and that will take care of the business side ,” says Lacquaniti .
That turned out to be prophetic advice . Honoring the Lacquaniti craft and caring about his clients has come full circle . Hurricane Ian all but destroyed Lacquaniti ’ s shop , but his community has stepped up to rebuild it . And to help others who lost so much in the storm , this past October , Lacquaniti hosted a two-day shoe giveaway of the items he was able to save from his store .
“ We gave away 350 plus shoes , and I just thought , the best thing would be to give them away to people who actually need them more than we do ,” says Lacquaniti . “ It felt really good to help our community , to give people a little bit of hope and a little bit of happiness .”
Working as a personal clothier to Wilfredo Emanuel , Lacquaniti says his favorite thing about the detailobsessed designer is how far he is willing to go to take a risk . “ I ’ ll say , ‘ Man , Wilfredo – I never did that before !’ and Wilfredo will say , ‘ Don ’ t worry , you ’ ll make it happen !’ so he pushes me ,” says Lacquaniti .
From suits to scarves to pajamas Lacquaniti created for the cover of a magazine , Emanuel reserves high praise for Lacquaniti ’ s talents , and the heart and soul he puts into every creation .
“ When I met Dominic , it was a perfect match … he is a true artist ,” says Emanuel . “ With his ability to map a person and who they are in their clothing , he has a way of taking every single design and making it so personal and emotional , dressing people with such great energy and passion .”
Emanuel says Lacquaniti has a magical aura that makes everyone who enters his studio instantly comfortable . He is helping Lacquaniti design his new studio after Hurricane Ian destroyed his old one , interpreting what Lacquaniti wants in order to showcase the love he has for his work .
“ COMING FROM HIS FATHER WHO WAS A FAMOUS TAILOR FOR MANY YEARS , THE THREADS OF WHAT HE DOES AS A CUSTOM CLOTHIER RUNS THROUGH HIS VEINS .”
- WILFREDO EMANUEL
“ The role he plays when someone is creating a brand and an image that includes bespoke clothing , that helps people know who you are and it makes a difference when you enjoy what you do that much ,” says Emanuel . “ Coming from his father who was a famous tailor for many years , the threads of what he does as a custom clothier runs through his veins .”
The world watched Emanuel , who is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to gorgeous clothes , become one of the most fashionable people in the design world on HGTV ’ s hit show “ Table Wars .” He is known for his attention to detail , down to the tiniest element , something Lacquaniti appreciates .
“ Wilfredo is extremely particular , even in bringing things in to be tailored , but my favorite outfit we did for him was from a gorgeous piece of dark chocolate fabric from Italy ,” says Lacquaniti . “ He was one of the first clients to understand the continental waistband , which is a higher-waisted pant , two-inch waist with double closure , two button front and two small fashion pleats .”
The offset pocket design doesn ’ t disturb the hips , he explains . It ’ s simply a straight , thin pocket off the center seam which lays flat , the classic Lacquaniti continental pant .
“ Wilfredo was the first to say , ‘ Ooh , let ’ s do a double-breasted suit !’ so that ’ s what we did ,” says Lacquaniti . “ Whatever you do , it starts with the cloth and picking things for clients , not because you want to look good , but because you want them to look good .”
WE World 44 Winter 2022 / 23