Vitale Barberis Canonico

Vitale Barberis Canonico 360th anniversary in Tokyo

  • Tokyo
  • October 11th, 2023

In the 360th year of its activities, Vitale Barberis Canonico celebrated its 360th anniversary in Tokyo this year. The ceremony marked a milestone year for both Vitale Barberis Canonico and Mitsukoshi, which celebrates its 350th anniversary this year with the launch of this exclusive fabric symbolising tradition, heritage and a sustainable future. This fabric is supported by the Campaign for Wool, which was founded in 2010 by HM King Charles III (of the United Kingdom) when he was still HRH The Prince of Wales.

On 6 October 2023, Vitale Barberis Canonico celebrated its 360th anniversary at Happoen, Hakuhokan in Minato-ku, Tokyo, where Alessandro Barberis Canonico, CEO of the 13th generation of VBC, gave a speech to thank the Japanese market and was joined by Mr.Ei Kanefuji, General Manager of Sales at Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi and Yasuto Kamoshita, Representative of Office Kamoshita, who gave congratulatory speeches.

The main display showed four suits in different colours made using the exclusive “Beausoleil” 710th anniversary fabric produced exclusively for Isetan Mitsukoshi during the special year celebrating both VBC’s 360th anniversary and Mistukoshi’s 350th anniversary. In addition, six companies with deep ties to VBC – Sanyo Shokai Ltd. (Paul Stuart), Barneys Japan Co. Ltd., BEAMS Co. Ltd. , Isetan Mitsukoshi Ltd. (ISETAN MEN’S), United Arrows Ltd. and Ring Jacket Co. Ltd. (in alphabetical order, titles omitted) – cooperated with the event. These six suits reflect the philosophy and individuality of each company’s menswear, expressing VBC’s diverse world view in the Japanese market.

As a special project, with the cooperation of Arflex Japan Ltd., the iconic sofa “MARENCO”, designed by Italian maestro Mario Marenco, was presented in the 710th anniversary limited edition fabric. A sofa in the crazy pattern using “Beausoleil” also made its appearance at the exhibition.

Over 150 guests representing many of Japan’s menswear industry were welcomed on the day to celebrate this special occasion. VBC expressed its gratitude for the patronage and support it has received in Japan over many years.