Half a century later, the brand is now helmed by the third generation – Guido Caponi, Loretta's grandson, who returned to the family business after completing a law degree. His mother, Lucia Caponi, is still in charge of design as the brand's creative director.

"You're going to get a degree, then come back," Guido recalled his mother saying after he had finished high school and was working in storage in the atelier – and she was right.

After 50 years in the bespoke business, the brand finally released a ready-to-wear collection last year – and spring/summer 2018 marched into Hong Kong this October, marking its first stop in Asia, with a collection mixing heritage pieces inspired by the family's private collection from the Renaissance period with new items including lingerie, robes and houseware linens.