As it was two centuries ago in Signa, under the shadow of the Grevi chimney, hats are still being made today. Having survived armed conflicts and industrial changes, the chimney stands as the most vivid reminder of that ancient way of crafting hats, when the straw used for weaving was locally sourced, and the unfinished hats were left to dehumidify in the sun.
Since then, much has changed in this craft, but the memory of its artistry remains ingrained in the DNA of those who can think beyond their time, nurturing passions to pass on to the future.
This is the vocation of Grevi, a family that has upheld the art of “beauty and fine craftsmanship” since 1875. The story of Attilio Grevi, the family pioneer, is particularly touching. As a young man, he began working at the already well-established firm “Felice Marinesi & C” alongside its founder, Felice Marinesi, and his partner, Ulderigo Fantacci. Together, these three men managed to preserve that ancient heritage, rooted in manual skill and astute management, while maintaining mutual respect.
Today, the fourth generation of the Grevi family continues to uphold the brand’s tradition in major international markets. Since the 1980s, Roberta, Silvana, and their brother Giuseppe have led the “Grevi” line, offering designs where elegance and eccentricity are the hallmark elements of the brand. The Grevi style is characterized by harmonious and imaginative shapes crafted from high-quality, unconventional materials—natural and sustainable ones like Manila hemp, paper, raffia, palm derivatives, velvets, and waterproof fabrics. This is a conscious journey, acknowledging tradition as a treasure to preserve, yet recognizing that it must also embrace responsibility and kindness toward nature.
However, a successful company does not limit itself to manufacturing products alone. Relationships and connections are essential ingredients to ensure the company’s image reaches everyone through cultural and artistic phenomena of great social appeal.
For years, the Grevi company has understood the evocative power of cinema, and cinema, in turn, has recognized the artistry of Grevi hats. The creations of this decades-old company can be admired in acclaimed films such as Valmont (1989), Pretty Woman (1990), Tea with Mussolini (1999), Under the Tuscan Sun (2003), Georgia Rule (2007), and the more recent series Medici: Masters of Florence (2016–2019).
