Inside the Selection: Apuntob SS26
When “effortless” truly means something
The word “effortless” is used too often to describe clothing these days. Even we can be guilty of it! When thinking about the incredible amount of care, time, and scrutiny that is usually behind a collection ultimately graced with this esteemed adjective, the word can almost seem like an oversimplification. However, there are houses that create collections that seem to tick all of these boxes. The pieces are easy to pull off, versatile enough to be interpreted and integrated into the wardrobes of people with a wide range of styles, yet they are always distinct and even sometimes slightly daring. When thinking of brands in our own selection that are regularly described in this way, nothing quite comes to mind like Apuntob.
To understand a bit more about the brand, it’s best to get introduced to the creator, Barbara Garofalo. After training at the Accademia di Costume e Moda in Rome, she stayed in the city, eager to put her sartorial stamp on the fabric of “The Eternal City.” In 1996, she would launch Apuntob, which is a stylized version of A.B, or “Ah-punto-Bay” when pronounced in Italian. Why these iconic initials? We have many clients who have given us their theories, but it is in fact an homage to her grandmother. A maverick hat designer in the early 1900s in her own right, the initials of Angela Brunozzi would be the guiding spirit and inspiration for Apuntob as her signature emblazons the house.
Barbara Garofalo’s journey
This reference to Garofalo’s heritage was no accident. Since the founding, and now 30 years on, the idea of A.B has always been about creating a link between generations of women with the clothing on offer. Italian design has a long and storied tradition, with codes and standards that need to be upheld. Especially in a city like Rome, whose history and pedigree imposes heavily on the everyday citizen of the ancient cosmopolis. However, with Apuntob, Garofalo has embraced these principles, while at the same time challenging the conventions head-on. To Barbara, the clothing should compliment the wearer as a companion through their life. To achieve this, her eye is balanced between beauty and practicality. “The goal is not just to dress,” she says, “but to live.” With this motto in mind, she has succeeded in proposing a wardrobe that speaks to women across ages and styles.
Reinventing Italian classics
The production and style of A.B show this simultaneous reverence for tradition and eye for expression. To keep it true to her roots, everything is proudly made in Italy, of course, but she doesn’t stop there. The fabric choices are always noble, shying away repeatedly from the use of synthetic fabrics. Garofalo’s whole design style is rooted in the preservation of the classics while finding her own way to subvert them and add her own unique touches. Shirts are always cut with a blousy ease and volume for maximum movement. Skirts and trousers drape elegantly while being anchored by an elastic waistband for extra ease and comfort. Blazers and jackets are normally stripped of all superfluous details to let the strong silhouette be remarked. The color palette Garofalo leans towards can only be described as joyous.
Lusciously deep tones are often complimented by sharper, louder and brighter colors all throughout the collections. Tweeds, checks, stripes and other patterned textiles will often feature multiple colors in one fabric. She also has a knack for the eccentric detail; a frayed hem, a button made in a contrasting color, or even a removable hood on a jacket add some whimsy to the pieces. These are the unmissable touches from Barbara that make her label so special.
Why Apuntob resonates today
At RENDEZ-VOUS STORE, we have been working with A.B since the inception of our womenswear selection, as it has become one of the staples of our women’s selection, and a true flagship brand for us. The real charm has always been this unique approach from Barbara, and how she expertly transmutes an image of style that is so distinctive, yet easily wearable by many different styles. The product every season is so fresh because she is only focused on pushing the codes of the house forward, not on chasing any trends. We’ve found that this mentality has come to make the brand revered by women of all ages and a whole range of styles. When combined together in a full look, the result is, dare we say, effortless. It all comes together in this way that exudes a certain easy elegance. Soft silhouettes lusciously drape together, as bold color palettes confidently pop together, as interesting textures shine together. This is why we can’t help but have such a large selection each season.
A bold and vibrant take on the A.B Spirit
In seeing what’s on offer for this current Spring/Summer, we view this is a true tour de force of all the elements that make an A.B collection great. For our selection, we went all the way bold, not being shy about leaning into the daring patterns and vibrant colors on display. All of the collection was principally done in either cotton, linen, or a blend of the two, keeping it light yet still sturdy. Highlights from our selection include the dresses in a range of fluorescent tones, as well as the deliciously candy-striped skirts and shirts. Checks of all scales and widths show up across the collection, as bold mustards and fiery oranges juxtapose well with dusty blues and pastel shades of pink. Trousers are cut incredibly large, with some being cropped more at the knee and others going all the way down with a heavy break. It’s the kind of offering that is breezy, meant to be thrown together with ease while still looking stylish.
Perhaps that is where we find our intersection of the term “effortless” and why we associate it so strongly with Apuntob. Mixing an abundance of personality with a meticulous methodology, the end result is a piece of clothing that is beautiful because it enhances the wearer, it accompanies them. The garment does not hide them or do the talking for them. It’s this magic that makes A.B truly “effortless” to pull off by so many women, and why it will continue to be a brand bridging generations and styles together with elegance.