Italian designer tailors success in China

Gintoli displays his products in the studio in Zhucheng city, East China's Shandong province, June 30, 2015. [Photo/IC]

It is not every day that a tailor from half the world away decides to set up a shop in China. But that's exactly what 45-year-old Raffaele Gintoli did.

Gintoli, born to a family of tailors, decided to settle down in Zhucheng city, East China's Shandong province, after travelling to many countries and witnessing the opportunities that China offered and the difficulties his home country was facing due to the economic slowdown.

The fourth-generation tailor in his family honed his craft at Polytechnic University of Milan after learning the art from his grandfather and father.

A suit tailored by him can cost anywhere from hundreds of yuan to 10,000 yuan depending on the fabric and design.

His craftsmanship has spread through word of mouth, with customers coming to him to experience the Italian designing and stitching and seeking his advice on details of the suit and help in getting the perfect fit.

As a senior tailor Gintoli not only makes suits, but also trains apprentices in China. By teaching them, he wants the stitching skills and the philosophy behind the designs to spread across the country.

Gintoli said he is witnessing an increasing appreciation of tailored suits in China and a rise in the purchasing power. He added that his craftsmanship was recognized and respected in the country.