05/03/2024
Bernardo, Bernardo! Too Young to leave us!
Last summer, I had the privilege of getting to know you a bit more. You had been featured in Plaza Uomo several times and were a regular guest at our Plaza Uomo Cocktails in Florence. Some time ago, I noticed that we had attended common events for many years through old pictures I’ve posted. We had met several times without really knowing each other. However, last summer, I was randomly invited to your atelier in Milan, and it was a great evening filled with tailoring, art, design, Italian movies—especially those with Marcello Mastroianni—and Italian style in general. We both shared an interest in history and many other things. I was invited to have dinner with you and your friends after your sartorial event and was honoured to be seated beside you. The dinner at the classic Milanese restaurant was incredibly unforgettable, surrounded by your stylish friends who introduced me to various aspects of Italian manners. For example, the wine we had made me search for it in several places until I found it. I would have never paired it with meat, but after that dinner, it became a favorite. To me, you embodied so much of Italy—a new generation of tailors, born in Napoli, naturally stylish, and with the manners of a gentleman. You chose to learn the craftsmanship of tailoring, becoming a Master Tailor and Cutter, opening your atelier Esthes Sartoria in a stylish tailoring location from the 1950s in Milan with your business partners. I was proud to become your friend, one of my new Italian friends. I believe life is too short to have regrets. Therefore, I cherish those who treat me well, perhaps letting go of those who don’t, and have faith that everything unfolds for a purpose. Italy, to me, represents seizing the opportunities that come my way; if they change your life, embrace that change. While no one guaranteed it would be easy, they did promise it would be worthwhile. You are a part of that for me, and I will always remember you.
Rest in peace, Bernardo La Guardia
23-01-1992 - 03-03-2024
/Christopher Östlund