text Monia Mlah
Italian style
Dario Mandatori and the art of custom-tailored shirts
How did your company get started?
Dan Roma opened in 1973. The art of tailoring runs in the family: my mother worked as a seamstress at Fontana Sisters and my grandfather was an ecclesiastical tailor. In the 1970s, I opened my shop in the heart of Rome, right in the area adjacent to Via Veneto, where the international stars who were part of the Roman Dolce Vita would get together in the evening, everyone from Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor.
Why the name Dan?
Dan came from combining my name, Dario and that of my first collaborator, Anita.
What are your favorite fabrics for shirts?
Each type of fabric must be high quality to exalt the different shirt patterns. Generally, however, I would say pure silk, Egyptian cotton and linen.
What do your shirts stand out for?
Definitely for their uniqueness. Our customers can choose the colors and fabrics designed by me and create something personal and matchless.
Bespoke models, handmade, with the greatest care for details.
The added value of a tailored shirt?
A tailored shirt is perfect in terms of both fit and style. It’s designed for the person who will be wearing it, a product unique in the world.
What is elegance for you?
It’s an indication of personality and style.
The third millennium man in three adjectives?
Exclusive, sophisticated and charismatic.
Your favorite places in the city?
Trinità dei Monti, Gianicolo and Palatino.
