Not Without Joy: Denim With an Italian Accent

Salvatore Lipari is on a mission “per fare bella figura”—an Italian phrase that means “to make a good impression” and is also the motto for his Los Angeles–based denim lifestyle collection, Not Without Joy.

Inspired by classic menswear, NWJ launched last year at MRket in New York and is now retailing in about 12 select boutiques globally.

Lipari’s 30 years of experience as an importer for Italian luxury and his love of vintage racecars and his goods resonate in his designs. Not Without Joy mixes sophistication and ease with classic chinos and workwear-inspired trousers. Lipari’s creative counterpart in NWJ is Stefano Aldighieri, who served as a design director for Levi Strauss & Co. as well as creative director for 7 For All Mankind. Both Aldighieri and Lipari  are originally from Italy.

“We put together a good combination of great fabrics that are woven in Italy and great fits, with interesting, subtle details that are produced in the U.S.,” Aldighieri said.

The collection references a nostalgic time where racecar drivers and “car guys” established a sort of boys’ club. Curating a cult brand, this collection embraces consumers who are “more mature—not necessarily by age but by wisdom,” Aldighieri said.

There are four fits, from a slim to a more relaxed five-pocket pant, featured in a range of blue and indigo washes. Each style is named after legendary racers. The garments are wholesale priced between $75 and $125.
Lipari acknowledges that “today’s market can be very challenging and has become increasingly difficult to make a brand stand out amongst a clutter of saturated offerings.” But new brands can break through, he added, by “offering original concepts and great products that have a soul.”

For more information, visit http://notwithoutjoy.comor call (310) 415-6662.—Sarah Wolfson