Edited by Luana Martino
In the universe of contemporary male elegance, the brand MARSĒM redefines the concept of "gentleman"with an innovative approach that combines classicism and rebellion.
Founded by Antonio Semeraro and Mario Monaco, the brand proposes a new 'unassembled' wardrobe, where lines, proportions and textures create a casual and confident balance.
Through timeless fabrics such as flannel, velvet and wool, MARSĒM celebrates the modern metrosexual man, mixing elements of tradition and boldness in a style that knows how to be rock and gentle at the same time. We met with the two creators of the brand to ask them about their entrepreneurial project.
What was the inspiration behind the founding of MARSĒM Italy? What prompted you to create the brand?
Antonio Semeraro: MARSĒM follows, stylistically speaking, what we consider today, the attitude and dress-code that contemporary men and women must have: that is, a classic style but with that different 'twist' that we wanted to emphasise by focusing on the proportions of the clothes, the clean lines and the study of volumes.
Our inspiration - in each collection - is that of a rock-gentleman, a man (and now also with the women's collection) a woman who translates the classicism and tradition of a tailored suit into a rock, over and above all self-confident language.
What are the core values of your brand and how are they reflected in the products you create?
Mario Monaco: The quality of the fabrics - for example, fresh Marzotto wool - remains the central point of every MARSĒM garment.
We are obsessed with perfection in all its forms: top-range materials, impeccable stitching, and targeted and precise packaging and delivery at all times.
For us, the product is our shop window, our philosophy, our card and that is why we pay the utmost attention to every stage of the creative process... from the moment the garments leave our workshops to be delivered to the boutiques where we are present or to be photographed by stylists for Italian and foreign editorials.
How does MARSĒM Italia distinguish itself from competitors in the design and furniture sectors?
Mario Monaco: Frankly, we look little at what the market calls competitors.
We started from the very beginning with our own idea of men (the women's collection came after a few seasons) and with great commitment, perseverance, passion and love for what we do, we carried it forward.
This is not to say that we do not have our eyes always open to what is happening in the fashion world where - it sounds like a trite phrase - but those who sit back and do not grasp the changing times fail to move forward.
Can you tell us some details about the creative and production process behind your products?
Mario Monaco: We are a complete working duo. Antonio mainly follows the style and the whole mood process of the collection while I mainly take care of the management, always in coordination with him in the management and supervision of the MARSĒM project.
How do you choose materials and what criteria do you follow to ensure quality and sustainability?
Antonio Semeraro: The choice stems from scouting and a search on our part and that of our collaborators for workshops and tailor's shops scattered throughout Italy that read and fully embrace our vision of the product in all its segments: from the quality of the fabrics, to punctuality in production and deliveries, we are constantly on the move in discovering new craft and industrial realities.
What are the main challenges you have faced in growing the brand?
Antonio Semeraro: There have been and still are challenges, always and in any case, starting from having embarked on an entrepreneurial path in a market - the fashion market - now saturated with all kinds of brands up to the Covid period, which was very tough but
we did not lose heart.
Do you have a specific target audience or target group for your creations?
Mario Monaco: Our target group is not determined by the age of our customers because what interests us is mainly their personality, which has to be distinct, strong and unconventional. Personalities like Mick Jagger or Lenny Kravitz are our inspiration.
The Rock Gentleman of the contemporary male wardrobe.
What has been the project or product you are most proud of so far and why?
Antonio Semeraro: Over the last few years we have slowly started to dress MARSĒM various celebrities who have chosen our style for photocalls, editorials and events, and from the many requests for Spring-Summer 2025 we have just presented MARSĒM No Smoking Please, a 'capsule' collection of evening tuxedos for men and women that is already very successful and we are very proud of it.
How do you imagine the future of MARSĒM Italy? Are there any new directions or projects you are working on?
Mario Monaco: We have several ongoing projects on which we are working hard and will present them later. Our Rock-Gentleman and our Gentle Woman will amaze you again.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a business in the design world?
Antonio Semeraro: The advice is to follow one's beliefs, one's instincts, one's passion without letting oneself be frightened by the difficulties and obstacles that are inevitably present every day. It is not easy but to realise one's own
dream is possible.
What was the creative process that led you to develop this mix of classic and rock, and how did you manage to turn traditional garments into a wardrobe against the grain?
Antonio Semeraro: In addition to our passions: music, rock in particular, our love of travelling to discover new cultures, customs and contact with people, the street,. observing and being curious about everything is always the winning formula.
