Tessabit Luxury Boutique

Tessabit: a family-run luxury fashion chain from Como

Tessabit is a high-end chain of family-run luxury boutiques founded in Como in 1953. For over three generations, the Molteni family has built a retail business that combines a refined, contemporary selection of premium fashion brands from around the globe with the sophisticated backdrop of Lake Como. The company describes its history as a journey through style, exploration and tradition.

The first boutique opened in the heart of Como, a city presented as a destination of natural beauty and international travel. That original store reflected both the local and cosmopolitan character of the city and the family's values: tradition, beauty, quality, commitment and innovation.

From London runways to Emporio Armani

In the 1960s and 1970s, the second generation, Giampiero and Giorgio Molteni, joined the company and turned its attention to the London runways, absorbing the British moods of the 60s. Cult and emerging labels began to be showcased alongside the boutique's collection of established designers.

A meeting with Giorgio Armani at the 1978 fashion show led to the opening of the first Emporio Armani flagship store in 1982. The company also attended the first fashion shows of Missoni, Versace and Ferré, among others.

Boutique expansion and brand identity

During the 1990s, new boutique openings set a rapid pace of growth. The brand identity took shape with the T78 and T67 boutiques, dedicated respectively to formal and casual menswear, while more boutiques opened in Como, each with its own style and architecture.

In the 2000s, the company opened SET, SET UOMO and SNEAKER, boutiques entirely dedicated to accessories, with interiors described as minimal, cool and refined. In 2009, the third generation of the Molteni family began a collaboration with the e-commerce platform FarFetch.com, and the tessabit.com online store opened later that same year.

Online store and international clientele

The online store was revamped in the 2010s with a modern design and services aimed at a fashion-savvy local and international clientele. The online shopping experience integrates the selection from the physical boutiques with personal styling services, worldwide delivery and fashion news and edits.

Between 2015 and 2020, new boutiques opened in Cernobbio, Bellagio and Menaggio, described as premier luxury destinations for an elite clientele from Italy and abroad. The company also integrated physical and digital communication channels to enhance the customer experience.

Brand partnerships and special projects

In 2021 and 2022, Tessabit established partnerships and special projects with brands including Dior, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Loewe and Jacquemus, and hosted exclusive pop-up stores within its boutiques and spaces at Villa d'Este.

In 2023, the company celebrated its 70th anniversary with an event at Villa d'Este, attended by historical partners and guest stars.

Product selection for women and men

The Tessabit online catalogue is organised into women's and men's sections, each with clothing, shoes, bags and accessories. The women's clothing range includes beachwear, dresses, jackets, jeans, lingerie, outerwear, shirts, skirts, suits, sweaters, sweatshirts, tops and trousers. Shoes cover ballet flats, boots, espadrilles, heels, lace-up shoes, loafers, sandals, slingback, slippers and sneakers. Bags include backpacks, belt bags, bucket bags, clutch bags, duffle bags, handbags, mini bags, sacs, shopping bags and shoulder bags. Accessories include bag accessories, beauty cases, belts, gloves, hair accessories, hats, jewellery, key rings, scarves, sunglasses and wallets.

The men's selection follows a similar structure, with clothing, shoes, bags and accessories, plus ties and trolley bags. The site also lists a Home & Lifestyle section and a Journal.

Among the designers featured on the site are Gucci, Loewe, Valentino Garavani, The Row, Fendi, Brunello Cucinelli, Max Mara, Alaïa, Dolce & Gabbana, Roger Vivier, Balenciaga, Golden Goose, Burberry, Stone Island and Moncler.

Boutique network by Lake Como

The company states that it operates 24 boutiques by Lake Como. In addition to the original Como store, the network includes the T78 and T67 menswear boutiques, the SET, SET UOMO and SNEAKER accessory boutiques, and stores in Cernobbio, Bellagio and Menaggio.