Angelo Litrico

Angelo Litrico was the first of 24 brothers and sisters born into a poor Italian family in Catania in 1927. He was unable to complete his studies for financial reasons, so found employment with a tailor in his city of Catania, Sicily.

He is credited with introducing fashion shows for men's clothing. The company he founded bears his name, and its apparel is sold at European retailers, including the chain C&A.

When in his teens, he went to Rome and worked with tailoring firms. Rossano Brazzi, the Italian filmstar saw him wearing a tuxedo of his own design at the Opera, and became his first important customer. He became so successful that he bought the shop he was working at, and kept it all his life.

In the 1950's, he was the first to hold fashions shows of menswear along with womenswear garments. In 1957, he was invited to show in Russia. After the visit Litrico sent Kruschev some clothing and a pair of shoes. These were the famous shoes which Kruschev later banged on the table when he visited the United States. This act added even more to Litrico's fame.

In 1986 Angelo Litrico died, at around the age of 60, but his fashion house lives on through the work of his younger brother Franco and his sister Giusi.