Some men buy suits. Others have them made. And then there’s the Michael & Giso groom—one who doesn’t just wear a suit but commands it. At this Amsterdam-based atelier, tailoring isn’t just about precise stitching; it’s about creating garments that exude confidence, personality, and timeless sophistication.
From a Poorly Fitting Shirt to a Luxury Menswear Empire
For co-founders Michael & Rolf, the journey into luxury menswear started with frustration—a frustration every man has felt at least once: a poorly fitted shirt. Back in the day, buying a shirt meant choosing a collar size, which determined the fit of the entire piece. The result? Either oversized and billowy or way too tight.
Determined to change the game, they launched Michael & Giso with one simple mission: fit should always come first. Their first batch of tailored shirts was a revelation—despite the terrible packaging, the fit was perfect. That moment wasn’t just the start of their business; it was the beginning of a revolution in modern menswear.
The Turning Point: Expanding Beyond Shirts
Though they started with tailored shirts, Michael & Giso’s real turning point came in 2017 when they expanded their offerings to full wardrobes. This wasn’t just about suits—it was about crafting an entire look, where every detail, from lapels to pocket squares, told a story.
Their branding truly took off in 2020 when they collaborated with photographer Jeroen Noordzij, who helped translate their craftsmanship into a visually compelling brand identity. What began as friendly collaborations soon evolved into high-end campaigns, solidifying Michael & Giso as a go-to name in luxury menswear.
The Philosophy of Tailoring: More Than Just Fabric and Fit
At Michael & Giso, tailoring isn’t just a service—it’s an experience. The team believes that a suit should reflect the personality of the man wearing it. That’s why their process always starts with conversation.
“Before we even talk about fabric, we want to know who you are. What do you do? What’s your day-to-day life like? The best suits aren’t just tailored to your body, but to your lifestyle.”
Beyond personal style, fabric selection is king. Sourced from the finest Italian and English fabric mills, every material is carefully chosen to match the client’s identity. And because no two men are alike, every detail is customizable—from the width of a lapel to the precise millimeter of sleeve length.
Sprezzatura: The Effortless Elegance of Menswear
Michael & Giso have a soft spot for Sprezzatura, the Italian art of looking effortlessly stylish—even when every detail has been meticulously planned.
“We always ensure the design reflects the character of our grooms, but we love adding a touch of Sprezzatura. A well-placed tie, a subtle pocket square—these details take a suit from good to unforgettable.”
Twice a year, the team heads to Pitti Uomo in Florence, the global playground for men’s fashion. This immersion in classic and cutting-edge menswear inspires their collections and keeps them ahead of trends while maintaining timeless appeal.
Personalization: A Suit as Unique as the Groom
For many grooms, a wedding suit is more than just clothing—it’s a symbol of their love story. Michael & Giso take this to heart, incorporating deeply personal elements into each bespoke suit.
“We had one groom whose tradition with his partner was gifting each other flamingo trinkets from their travels. So, we lined the back of his vest with flamingo-print fabric—a hidden but meaningful tribute to their journey.”
Personal touches go beyond fabrics. Engraved wedding dates, initials, or even heartfelt messages can be sewn into the jacket lining. Accessories, too, hold sentimental value—whether it’s heirloom cufflinks or a vintage pocket watch, Michael & Giso ensure every suit carries a unique story.
Balancing Timelessness and Trend
The Michael & Giso philosophy strikes a balance between classic tailoring rules and modern trends.
“Certain elements should never change—like jacket length and visible shirt cuffs. But we also embrace evolution. For example, we’re seeing a rise in comfortable, oversized tailoring and high-waisted pleated trousers. When done right, these trends give a suit a modern, stylish edge while maintaining its elegance.”
Even within the realm of timelessness, they love pushing creative boundaries. One groom, marrying in Corfu, wore a mint-green tuxedo—a daring yet sophisticated twist on classic formalwear.
Dressing the Groom and His Crew
A well-styled groom should complement—not clash with—his wedding party. Michael & Giso offer styling for groomsmen and close family, ensuring a cohesive yet non-uniform look.
“Your groomsmen don’t need to match perfectly, but their outfits should flow with your aesthetic. If you’re wearing a beige suit, earthy tones for them create a refined, harmonious effect.”
Their services even extend beyond tailoring—helping grooms plan full-day wedding styling trips, offering restaurant recommendations, and creating an immersive pre-wedding experience.
Advice for Grooms: Finding the Perfect Suit
For grooms unsure where to start, Michael & Giso recommend focusing on three key things:
- Know what you DON’T want – It’s easier to rule things out than pinpoint what you love.
- Limit opinions – Too many guests at fittings lead to overwhelming choices. Bring only one or two trusted people.
- Consider future wearability – A versatile, well-made suit should work beyond your wedding day.
They also encourage open communication with your partner about outfit choices. While many couples keep their attire secret, discussing color palettes and formality ensures a cohesive look.
Beyond the Wedding: A Suit for Life
Michael & Giso pride themselves on making suits that last long after the wedding day.
“A suit shouldn’t just be a ‘one-time wear.’ We help our grooms style their wedding suits for other occasions by swapping out accessories and shirts. A well-made suit should be part of your lifelong wardrobe.”
With an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, personalization, and timeless style, Michael & Giso aren’t just dressing grooms—they’re shaping the future of luxury menswear, one tailored suit at a time.
For the modern groom who values style, story, and craftsmanship, Michael & Giso is more than a tailor—it’s an experience.
27 februari 2025
Published
They aren’t just making suits—they’re redefining what it means to wear one. With a sharp eye for detail and an obsession with fit, they turn fabric into statement pieces that feel as effortless as they are iconic.
