Tony Melillo is going solo again.
Generra’s former creative director has launched a signature men’s wear collection that will hit upscale specialty stores this November. The designer described the philosophy behind his new line as seasonless.
“I know people who have a lifestyle that they’re not looking to buy a full-on wardrobe for winter and summer,” he said. “They buy things that can be worn year-round, in fabrics that are never really too heavy. I am not focusing as much on a season as [on] being able to develop a great wardrobe.”
He is talking about select items, such as one style of dress shirt that he will offer in 10 colors; one tailored blazer; chino pants or loosely fitted pants.
“Every piece has the ability to work in any environment,” he said.
Melillo started his career as a stylist at Esquire magazine. In the late Nineties, he made a name designing the Nova USA collection, which closed in 2000. He began consulting at Abercrombie & Fitch and took a first stab at designing a men’s collection under his own name. He wasn’t able to make that line into a financial success, however, and in 2003 he headed to Generra, where he was largely credited with reviving the Eighties brand. He left Generra last March and was replaced by Pina Ferlisi.
The new Tony Melillo collection is done in white, gray and black. Wholesale prices are $85 to $90 for pants, $275 to $290 for blazers, $75 for dress shirts and $175 to $220 for cashmere sweaters. Melillo said he would like 20 to 25 stores to carry the line the first season. The collection will be launched in New York at Bergdorf Goodman and Scoop.
The designer noted that many women have expressed an interest in a female version, or smaller sizes in the men’s line.
“I will not [do it] this time, but for sure, it made me think of the next step down the road,” he said.