The medallion: a silent signature since 1907
Summary
Discover the historic medallion design
A story that begins in 1907 and becomes a signature
Its story begins in 1907, when Carlo Fumagalli returned to Como with a small leather notebook purchased from an antique dealer near the port of Genoa. Among travel notes, sketches, and commercial annotations, a curious circular motif repeatedly appeared—drawn by hand. A simple design, elegant and balanced. Unexplainably memorable.
It was never intended to become a textile pattern, yet some marks are not meant to remain on paper. For years, that drawing was preserved in the Fumagalli archives, where master draftsmen from Como continued to reinterpret it. The original geometries were softened, the floral details gained depth, and the motif gradually began to acquire the personality that still distinguishes it today. It was a slow, almost imperceptible evolution—like all things destined to last.
The 1930s: the moment it was recognized
In the 1930s, the Medallion began to appear on ties commissioned by professionals, entrepreneurs, and gentlemen of Northern Italy. It was not the most striking design in the collection. It was the one connoisseurs recognized instantly.
In an era when elegance relied on detail rather than logos, the Medallion became a discreet signature—a motif chosen by those who preferred to be recognized for their taste rather than for what they wore.
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A rare balance
Its secret lies in its proportions. Too small, it would lose character; too large, it would become overpowering. At its ideal scale, however, it achieves something rare: it draws the eye without ever disrupting the harmony of the whole. It accompanies, it does not invade. A quality difficult to explain, yet immediately recognizable—and likely the reason it remains one of the most appreciated designs among lovers of classic accessories.
Over the decades, colors have evolved, printing techniques have changed, and collections have followed one another. The Medallion has remained: not identical, but faithful to itself.
Examining pieces preserved in our archive reveals how each generation has left its trace—a different shade, a softer line, a refined detail. Never a revolution, always a refinement. Perhaps this is precisely the reason for its longevity. The Medallion was never designed to capture attention for a season.
It was refined over time to accompany those who wear it for many years. Many choose it initially for its colors, others for the richness of its design. Yet over time, the reason changes. They discover it pairs with more garments than expected: with a navy jacket, a tailored suit, even a relaxed weekend blazer. That it retains its character without ever appearing excessive. And that, after years, it still feels as current as the day it was purchased.
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Perhaps this is why the Medallion continues to return in our collections. Not because it belongs to the past, but because it continues to feel entirely at ease in the present.