A Diciannoveventitre / A1923

The man behind the brand — originally called Augusta, now sometimes A Diciannoveventitre, or A1923 — is artist Simone Cecchetto. He’s also an original member of Carpe Diem, the studio created by Maurizio Altieri devoted to old-world craftsmanship and experimental treatments with leather. The looks have been a smash with the avant-garde (sometimes called “streetwear” or “dark fashion”) clothing set, sold by specialty purveyors such as H. Lorenzo in Los Angeles, Archive in San Francisco, PNP in Florence, Vertice in London, Anchoret in Beijing, Hide-M in Munich, and Darklands in Berlin (among others).

A DICIANNOVEVENTITRE / A1923 by Simone Cecchetto explores the properties of materials and construction through the exploration of new territory. Reinterpreting existing techniques A1923 pays homage to the work of true artisans and their devotion to craftsmanship. Through the production process of leather and construction, the product communicates the value of time.

The quality of the boots and sneakers produced by A Diciannoveventitre is outstanding. Often made of thick vegetable tanned (horse) leather, all pieces are built to last and the brand’s claim is “Handmade in Italy, Do not handle with Care”. Price tags are accordingly. But what you gonna get for that money is a high-end handcrafted product that might last you a lifetime – if you handle it with a little bit of care at least.