If you happen to find yourself in this exquisite Ligurian maritime city then beat a path to Lucarda: a simply unmissable pint-sized store whose iconic golden logo, in classic yesteryear handwritten type, curves majestically above the front door. An assortment of the brand’s vibrant wares cling to a historic market stall-style wooden façade, hidden beneath the medieval porticoes of the Ripa Maris in the heart of the city’s Porto Antico. It’s where you’ll find workwear for both sexes reigning supreme, from hardy fishermen’s jumpers and wool duffle coats to Genova’s take on the boat-neck striped Breton top – which you’ll want to buy and wear in every colourway.
This Aladdin’s cave of seafaring attire and accoutrements has been in the hands of the Lucarda family since 1920. Reassuringly, not much has changed since, its original décor remains charmingly intact, preserving memories of an ancient maritime tradition. Lucarda was a go-to outfitter for shipping companies from the 1950s to the ’80s, including Traghetti del Mediterraneo, Linee Espressi, Società Italia and Lloyd Triestino, to name but a few, all of whom would outfit their ocean-faring staff in Lucarda’s revered apparel.
Its ground floor may be tiny, but once you’ve clambered its crumbling black-and-white striped Genovese-style staircase it’s positively cavernous. On this floor you’ll find retro-style changing rooms, dust sheet-covered stock and – an additional secret tip – the original management office, pretty much untouched by the advent of time and filled with a riot of faded vintage marine ephemera, from well-thumbed ticket stubs and nautical flags to miniature African face masks.
Investment pieces appear at every turn, from phenomenal pidocchiere – merino wool sweaters, essential winter wardrobe additions made in Genova and a steal at €79 – to chore jackets and all manner of jeans (Lucarda pioneered the sale of denim in Genova and has kept proud possession of an impressive back-catalogue of styles). There are also the brand’s iconic chambray-style boxer shirts with white detail stitching, and heavy-weight naval-style pea coats from Dalmard Marine, imported straight from Brittany.
Lucarda, which prides itself on the exclusive sale of 100 per cent cotton and 100 per cent wool products, was founded by Giuseppe – or “Scio Mimmo”, as he was more affectionately known – who passed away in his nineties back in 1989. The baton was subsequently handed on to his children Sergio, Giorgio and Mirella who continue to export the Lucarda Genova alla marinara style around the globe. Today fourth generation Michela, Sergio’s daughter, is front of house, alongside her daughter Elena, the fifth generation.
Via di Sottoripa, 61 R, Genova; lucardagenova.com
