NonChalance

Three generations and elegance in Rome: David Cenci talks about his family history

In a few brief words, can you tell us about your century-long history?

In 1926, my grandfather moved to Rome from Gubbio, armed with a passion for fashion and textiles. He was a visionary and, at the same time, a true entrepreneur. He chose via Campo Marzio for his small shop, where he sold tailor-made shirts, pajamas and suits. Since then, we’ve always kept our main shop there, gradually expanding until we eventually took up this entire former convent, a place full of charm and history. We also have a store in New York since 1982 and another in Milan since 1991.

What does elegance mean in a man?

Wearing clothes that he chooses with nonchalance, even if they’re quite the opposite. It’s a precise behavior, one that was called sprezzatura during the Renaissance. Today, we’d call that self-confidence.

The three pieces every man must have in his wardrobe?

A blue blazer – no, two: a lighter version for spring and a cashmere version for winter – a woven, cashmere sweater, perfect for the entire year, and a pair of impeccable Italian- or English-made shoes.

Is female elegance synonymous with extravagance?

Women must dare, have a modern twist. That could be a colour, an accessory, a never-before-seen pairing.

Cenci’s style in New York: what’s it like?

Absolutely Made in Italy: sophisticated and understated elegance.

Can you give us a small itinerary for Rome that you like, ending with a meal?

A walk from Trinità dei Monti to piazza del Popolo, passing by Villa Borghese and the Pincian Hill, stopping for a few minutes in front of Caravaggio’s paintings in the Church of S. Maria del Popolo and ending with an excellent lunch at Pietro, on via di Gesù e Maria, a lesser-known but delicious trattoria.