In 2013, Letizia Caramia and Morten Thuesen are the co-founders of Older Studio, an Italian and Danish company specialising in uniforms for institutions such as Cassina and Tate Modern, as well as hotels including Chateau Marmont and The Hoxton. The couple have since carved out a sartorial niche, sourcing materials from Italy and keeping manufacturing in Europe. The studio also makes furniture.

When Monocle meets Caramia and Thuesen at their Milan headquarters, both are wearing beige-and-black outfits incorporating prototypes made for the pool staff of Hotel Belvedere Bellagio in Como. “These shorts are my daily uniform at the moment,” says Caramia, who is pregnant, adding that Prada mules are her go-to choice for comfy shoes. She pairs these with an Aino gilet made from upcycled fabrics. Thuesen, meanwhile, wears pieces from Older Studio’s recent collaboration with Japan’s Facetasm. “At the moment, my head is in the Tokyo streetwear space,” he says. “I like to layer and play with big proportions.” Nike trainers lift the silhouette while keeping him comfortable.

When it comes to their daily uniforms, Caramia and Thuesen prioritise utility but they choose jewellery for its sentimental value. Both wear rings that they designed themselves to symbolise different members of their family, made from Danish gold that has been melted down and crafted into shape in Tuscany. Caramia wears a bespoke necklace by Italy’s Panconesi, a gift from when she gave birth to their son. 

The city of Milan, where the art of la bella figura is taken to an extreme, also inspires the couple’s style. “I love how people here make an effort,” says Thuesen. “There is a level of dedication to a complete look that I admire. It’s often executed down to the socks.”
olderstudio.com