Our brand
Discipline, precision, and elegance are the core values in the equestrian tradition of Dressage.
Following the same principles, MAISON DRESSAGE designs avant-garde body accouterments that closely trace the shapes and forms of the wearer’s body and function as an extension of the garment.
We draw inspiration from architectural design, minimalist aesthetics, and the restrictive quality of equestrian harnesses, while we handcraft each of our accessories, bags, and garments in our atelier in Trieste.
We source our materials consciously, trusting local suppliers and making sure they use ethical and sustainable methods of production.
From the finest Tuscan vegetable-tanned leather to raw brass and Italian walnut wood, most materials arrive in our atelier in raw form, as we like to treat them further ourselves and with the utmost care.
All our garments are designed and handcrafted with great attention to detail in our atelier in Trieste.
We craft our pieces mindful of our waste production while ensuring a low environmental impact.
MAISON DRESSAGE is a project by Matteo Dazzo, interior designer and photographer, and Rossella Mancini, illustrator and fashion designer.
Our history
It all started on a cold winter night...
It's 12 January 2012, we are having a drink and talk about fashion as we often do. Rossella grabs a napkin and starts drawing a female figure, passing it over to Matteo challenging him to imagine a minimalist version of a Victorian garment. Matteo adds a few elements of his own to the initial drawing and the exchange goes on for some time.
When the drawing was finished, we had a structure of a garment that would become our first harness piece. We were so excited that on that same napkin we designed the MAISON DRESSAGE logo, inspired by the book cover of a 20s French erotic novel.
Within a few days, we had already bought the tools and materials needed to start crafting our first pieces. Even if Rossella had to go back to Brazil, where she had been living at the time, our enthusiasm didn't stop. A 10.000km distance was not enough to hold us back from our project.
The equestrian discipline of Dressage has always inspired us as the ultimate expression of horse training. We are fascinated by how an animal as powerful as the horse can execute perfectly supple and light movements. In MAISON DRESSAGE, following the same values of simplicity and restraint, we use leather, a strong and timeless material, to craft elegant and sophisticated wearable delights.
In 2015 Rossella returned to Trieste, and MAISON DRESSAGE found its home. We opened our atelier at the heart of Trieste - just above the ancient Roman Theatre and with a great sunset view. Just pass by or book an appointment. We will be happy to welcome you!
Our philosophy
MAISON DRESSAGE heartily embraces the principles of slow-fashion, handcrafting timeless pieces that can be worn throughout the seasons. We exclusively utilize high-quality, durable materials and low-impact methods of production, following traditional techniques handed down over generations.
CRAFTSMANSHIP
Creating a MAISON DRESSAGE product is a long process in which experimentation, imagination, and acute attention to detail play a central role. Being a team of two allows us to control the design, creation, and production processes, as we are the only ones involved in them.
We design and handcraft every model exclusively in our atelier, starting from rough sketches and ideas. Using CAD technology, we define the model and then produce a first paper pattern and a prototype. We use this prototype as a tester to check the model’s wearability, adjustability, and functionality. Taking into consideration these factors, we produce a final paper pattern and subsequently a final prototype. Following this creative process, we strive to develop a new collection per year, constantly enriching it with new pieces.
We base every collection on a precise concept and inspiration, and we carefully handpick a variety of diverse materials to bring each design to life. Noble woods, raw brass, flowy fringes, and precious pearls give each collection a unique character.
SUPPLIERS AND MATERIALS
Since the very beginning, we have fostered strong relationships with our local suppliers choosing only the finest raw materials.
We source our vegetable-tanned leather from Tuscany, Italy, from tanneries known for their centuries-old expertise, as well as, their traditional and sustainable methods of production. We primarily work with tanneries certified by The Genuine Italian Vegetable Tanned Leather Consortium, further guaranteeing the quality, sustainability, and ethical production of our leather.
Vegetable tanning is a process based on the use of natural tannins from trees and plants. Vegetable-tanned leather does not contain azo-dyes, PCP, nickel, chrome VI, or any other toxic substances. The Consortium-certified suppliers also commit to using only discarded by-products of the food industry so no animal is killed for its skin.
We use 100% raw brass for the closures and details, while our Vincenza-based galvanizer provides us with expertly plated gold or rhodium parts.
Inspired by the maritime city of Trieste, we also use mahogany wood, traditionally utilized for the finest parts of a ship. We also use raw Italian walnut, one of the most exceptional woods, because of its exquisite wood-grain patterns that accentuate the curved shape it is subsequently given.
All materials arrive in a raw state at our atelier, where we combine them to handcraft the final product. We rigorously control, refine, and hand-cut leather in our atelier. We hand-cut, oil and hand-curve wood, using a mould on which the wood laths are positioned and steamed until they bend- a traditional method of shaping wood that requires time and precision. Finally, we treat and solder raw brass by hand to prevent oxidation.
We have also chosen to use recycled polyester thread, and modelling techniques that minimise the use of chemical adhesives, to further lower our impact on the environment.
In MAISON DRESSAGE we pride ourselves on controlling every single step of the production process. From the design of the models to the selection of materials, to the creation of each piece in our atelier. This way we ensure that each product is unique, made with utmost attention to detail and using only the finest quality, raw materials.
Where to find us
MAISON DRESSAGE ATELIER
Via Donota 36/c Trieste
CREVATIN jewellery
Piazza Cavana 7/a Trieste
NOZZOLI
Via magnagrecia 37, Rome
CACHE-MIRE
Rue des capucins, Mons Belgium
DECEMBER THIEVES
Charles St. 51, Boston USA
Online
ob-fashion.com
jewellstreet.com
vousmonsieur.com
PIERRE
Rue Grimaldi, 41 Principality of Monaco