By Deborah Frank
Eleventy Founder Marco Baldassari at Bal Harbour Shops.
When Marco Baldassari walks into a room, it’s not just the tailored jacket and relaxed trousers that set him apart; it’s the quiet confidence of someone who lives and breathes his brand’s philosophy. As cofounder and creative director of Eleventy, Baldassari has helped shape a movement he calls smart luxury: understated, elegant, and deeply personal. Eleventy, which Baldassari says “stands for elevate yourself,” has evolved from a local experiment launched in 2007 to a global brand. “We started Eleventy just in Italy to test the idea,” says Baldassari. “Only after a few years did we start developing it globally.” That measured growth—which began with stores in Milan, Capri, and Rome— reflects the brand’s meticulous ethos: Eleventy doesn’t chase trends. Instead, it curates timeless pieces through obsessive attention to fit, fabric, and above all, color.
Color, in fact, is a signature of Eleventy. “We’re obsessed with it,” Baldassari admits. “We test every shade 20, 30 times. Is it too pink? Too yellow? Too red? Until we get it right. Because our clients want to feel exclusive; they don’t want what everyone else is wearing.”
Eleventy is in fact sophisticated sportswear redefined, clothing that merges formal tailoring with relaxed ease, and that effortlessly transitions from day to night. “I’m wearing a tailored jacket with casual trousers right now,” says Baldassari, gesturing to his look. “Never too formal, never too casual. That’s our identity.”
It’s a balance that’s proven especially resonant in markets like the United States and Middle East, where fast-paced lifestyles demand versatile wardrobes. “The US is our most important market,” he says. “Places like New York, Beverly Hills, Miami, and now most recently at the Wynn in Las Vegas. All these markets have been incredible for us.” Today, the Eleventy retail network spans across Europe, the US and in the Middle East, and Baldassari credits his love of travel with bolstering Eleventy’s continued relevance.
“To understand a market, you have to be there,” he says. “Dubai, Riyadh, Qatar, Kuwait—I go not just for business, but for inspiration. The colors of the desert at sunset? That’s next season’s palette.” And it’s not just about business: “If you travel, invest in a guide,” he continues. “In one day, you can see what you’d never discover alone. That’s a real experience.”
As such, the brand’s appeal lies not only in its clothing style but in the lifestyle experience. With a hospitality-driven approach, Eleventy ensures 360-degree service so clients feel recognized and cared for. “We don’t just sell clothes, we build relationships, create a bond,” Baldassari notes. “Our goal is to make you feel part of the family, part of a club,” he adds. “You walk in, we remember your name, offer you a coffee, have a conversation, help you build a wardrobe that shows the best version of yourself in every aspect of your life, because when you feel good, you see the world differently. You are more confident.” And the brand’s offerings are now more holistic, with fragrances, candles, and even leisurewear rounding out the collection. “We’re not competing with Nike, Lululemon, or Alo,” says Baldassari. “But after the gym, you should still feel elegant. That’s where we come in.”
It’s Eleventy’s mission in action: Going beyond elevating clothing to empowering the way we live, one perfectly balanced outfit at a time each and every day.
WHAT’S IN HIS BAG?
Packing, like designing, is a practiced art for Marco Baldassari. “You want fabrics that don’t wrinkle, pieces that mix and match easily,” he explains. “Our cotton-cashmere blend trousers, for example, feel incredible and are perfect for travel. The soft, unstructured jacket comes out of the bag with no need to iron.” See what else this tastemaker counts amongst his travel musts:
