A Tailored Guide to Rome with Gabriele Corvino — The Remarkable Explorers Club

Locals Only

When it comes to the craft of tailoring, few cities can rival the historic legacy of Rome. For Gabriele Corvino, who grew up in his mother’s atelier, entering the industry seemed predestined. “I won a scholarship for studying Men’s Tailoring at Accademia Nazionale dei Sartori, the first tailor academy in history,” he explains. “It was created in 1600 by the Pope.”

After three years at the academy, he decided to begin his business in front of the Quirinale Palace, in the same space where his mother had her atelier, and her mother before that. Now the young tailor looks to art and architecture for inspiration as he structures bespoke pieces and chooses colors, crafting jackets like homes for his clients.

Gabriele describes his hometown as an unforgettable summer romance, and shared some tips with us on how to enjoy its splendor like a local.

Gabriele… In a few words

A simple tailor in love with my city, Rome. My mom is a fashion designer and my dad was a hotel manager so I grew up spending my time between fashion weeks and beautiful hotels around the world.

Rome… in a few words

If you have never seen Rome in your life you can’t image the unique atmosphere of this city. It’s like a beautiful girl who steals your heart during the summer holidays. When you walk the Roman streets you are always smiling because of the beauty. In every corner you will find a piece of history, tradition, culture which cannot help but inspire you.

I can’t live without it.

stomping grounds

Rione Monti, which is the real center of the city, between Fontana di Trevi, Quirinal Palace, Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum. I live and work there, and I think it’s the best part of Rome.

lay your head

Obviously my Dad’s hotel, Fenix Hotel! I spent part of my life there. Another hotel that I love is the St. Regis, which hosts my favorite night of year, the Susan G. Komen Charity Gala.

Start your day

Breakfast at “tazza d’oro” in front of the Pantheon, walking around Piazza di Pietra and getting lost in the city’s alleys.

morning beverage

Cappuccino of course. I usually have my breakfast at home and I grab a coffee with my team when I arrive in my Atelier, but you can drink a good one in any Roman bar.

Local shopping

I support Italian artisanal shops, which can be found in all of our cities. If you want an authentic garment made in Italy, you must visit them.

Book Nook

La Feltrinelli inside Galleria Alberto Sordi, near via del Corso.

Quick Bite

If you want street food you must try a Trapizzino, which is a white pizza pocket filled with typical Italian foods like meatballs or parmigiana. You also can’t miss typical Roman pasta dishes like Carbonara, Amatriciana and Cacio e Pepe, or Roman Jewish cuisine like “carciofo alla Romana”, a fried artichoke.

*Photos: Michelle Moody // Matteo Galeazzi*

Dinner plans

Trattoria Valentino is my favorite Roman restaurant. It is very old, and they know how to do it!

If you are looking for haute cuisine I suggest Marco Martini. They have a Michelin Star and do Roman cuisine in a modern way.

Live music

Villa Celimontana Jazz Festival during the summer in a park in front of the Colosseum drinking a glass of wine. Amazing!

Night out

Drink Kong! My favorite. A beautiful cocktail bar with Blade Runner atmosphere and the best bartenders.

Date night

The terrace at Marco Martini near Circo Massimo and the Pyramid, (yes, we also have one in Rome) is a really romantic place for a date.

*Photos: Ryan Neeven // Christopher Czermak*

Must see

Galleria Sciarra. Not everyone knows it and it’s very beautiful.

Locals Only

Campo de’ fiori market. In the morning it’s the most important market in the city, and in the evening it becomes the center of night life. It’s a place where you can be a part of real Roman life. Try a slice of “pizza con la Mortadella”, a typical Roman snack of white pizza with Mortadella ham.

Italian Lesson

“Posso avere un caffè per favore?” = Can I have a coffee please?

(Yes, I know we drink too much espresso.)

Dress code

I’m a tailor so I wear a suit every day, but Rome is big so good shoes for walking around are important.

Bring home

I think the most important export we have is the Italian spirit. Smile and enjoy your life everyday!