Diego M, the family behind the brand

An outerwear brand that tells an understated and original style

DIEGO M was founded in 2003 as the personal and professional partnership of Diego Mazzi and his wife Manuela Bortolameolli. Alluring, determined and discreet, the woman behind the M makes up half of the soul of an outerwear brand that speaks of understated style and originality.

Behind the brand there’s a real family story. How did the idea of working together come about?

It was one of those generational shifts that are part of the story of so many Italian companies. My husband left the family business to set up his own brand, and he asked me to work with him. I’m from South Tyrol, and my family has always had a sustainable approach to work and production. I was working with them, but I didn’t think twice about joining Diego and contributing my know-how.

These days our two sons work in the company, each in his own area of expertise. Our daughter, the youngest, is an actor.

So it’s M for Manuela?

Yes, but also for moda (fashion), music, Milano... all my husband’s favourite things.

How do you create your collections? What are your roles?

I look after the commercial side of things; Diego is the creative one, he chooses fabrics, materials and details, and designs the garments. Naturally, we brainstorm ideas, especially when it comes to women: I know the markets, and he created the DIEGO M style. We work as a team.

What makes your garments special?

Their fabrics, their details, but also their versatility. These are pieces for the men and women of today, whose lives are busy and fast-paced. But they also need to be impeccably elegant at all times.

The Men’s and Women’s collections are very different in mood; is that a reflection of your personalities?

The DIEGO M menswear collection is the other half of the brand: on the one hand, rigour and minimalism, on the other, imagination and elegance. Both share a close focus on materials and details.

What does Made in Italy mean to you?

It’s a question of DNA: we know the fabrics, and elegance and aesthetic sophistication are part of our vocabulary. It comes naturally to us, but beautiful things well made are valued and respected all over the world.