Step into Hollywood hot spot L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele and the first thing you’ll notice—besides the intoxicating scents of pizza cooking—is the warm, welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. Before long, the restaurant’s proprietor, Francesco Zimone, will greet your table, and you’ll notice he exhibits the same qualities in both his personality and in the stylish yet approachable way he dresses. The affable Italian—who favors jeans and clothing in shades of navy, gray and white, and always mixes custom-made Italian pieces into his outfits—has lived in L.A. for ages, but his style connects to his roots. “For an Italian, there are no influences in dressing,” says Zimone. “You are born with it. Strangely enough, I think L.A., being the farthest city from Italy, is also the closest in terms of style,” he explains. “If NYC resembles the Italian business attire, L.A. clearly gets closer in terms of fine living and enjoying life.”
Blazer, Eleventy; shirt, Alexander McQueen; trousers, Mason’s Italy; tie, vintage Christian Dior (a gift from his former father-in-law); shoes, Alberto Fasciani.
In three words, I would describe my style ascomfortable, warm, essential.
When I was a kid, I was well-mannered.
The best advice I ever got was to be yourself!
My motto is what feels right is right.
My smile is my strongest asset.
A deconstructed blazer and a white shirt is my go-to for evening.
The first item of clothing I bought for myself was a navy suit. It was too beautiful and fit perfectly, so I bought it without seeing the price.
My favorite watch is an IWC Pilot I bought after hearing great news.