Lautaro Tambutto models his designs flanked by his original artwork, Photo by Marilyn Kirschner
When Ladies of Madison Avenue’s Joshua Kamei introduced me to fashion designer Lautaro Tambutto, I was immediately struck by his dedication to his craft. The 30-year-old Argentinian-born designer’s finely honed aesthetic and strong point of view, as seen on his Instagram account and eponymous website, are a testament to his passion and commitment.
Finlay wears Tambutto’s signature jacket made of 100% linen with hand stitched trims, tambutto.com
Lautaro’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, evident in his focus on natural materials, superior craftsmanship, and luxurious fabrications, is truly inspiring. His timeless, clean-lined designs, all made in New York, resonate with me owing to their refined elegance and formal correctness, predicated on impeccable tailoring.
“Fashion and the arts have always been my biggest pulse and inspiration. Re-connecting the roots and traditions of the past with the present to create a timeless point of view is my mission with the brand” – Lautaro Tambutto
Tambutto’s The Sounds of Motions Fall 2024 collection, tambutto.com
While his designs are predominantly photographed on men (there is a smattering of womenswear), they are gender fluid enough that I can imagine myself wearing his beautiful jackets, side-striped trousers, perfectly cut tuxedo shirts, and handsome riding boots. When I asked Lautaro if he was considering designing a women’s collection, he said yes. He was working on one for fall 2025, which he hoped would debut in February.
Joshua Kamei Photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Last Friday, Joshua and I visited Lautaro at his design studio/apartment in a tall high-rise on the far west side of midtown Manhattan. The beautifully appointed loft-like space speaks volumes about the designer’s adoration of the arts and his highly cultured design aesthetic. Unsurprisingly, Lautaro’s companion is Antony Todd, the renowned interior designer and event planner.
Lautaro Tambutto and Antony Todd in London
During COVID, the couple moved upstate and opened a design studio in beautiful Millbrook, New York, where Todd is based. They continue to work together on different design projects and events, including the annual Elton John AIDS Foundation party held in Los Angeles. This year, Lautaro was honored to execute his vision throughout the event.
“As I started painting red birds, I realized their symbolism—messengers from the spiritual realm, embodying vitality, passion, and resilience —aligned perfectly with the inspiration I felt. These cardinals, with their vibrant hue and quiet strength, became not just a source of artistic motivation but a reflection of the inner spirit guiding my work.” – Lautaro Tambutto
Lautaro Tambutto’s The Red Birds Artwork is a perfect backdrop for his designs
A man of many talents, Tambutto took up painting very young. His large-scale artwork decorates the white walls of the apartment. One, “The Red Birds,” features red cardinals, an homage to the symbolic red birds who repeatedly visited Lautaro in his design studio years ago. They are an ongoing source of inspiration and a recurring theme in the Tambutto collection, along with the color red.
The apartment’s centerpiece is an iconic 1917 Steinway grand piano. Lautauro’s roommate, Ilya Ramlav, is an enormously talented Russian-born concert pianist who will debut in Carnegie Hall on March 15th.
Concert pianist Ilya Ramlav playing on his 1917 Steinway Grand Piano, Photo by Marilyn Kirschner
I heard Ilya playing Beethoven’s Sonata ‘Appassionata’ III Finale as I entered the apartment. Later, Ilya serenaded us with the hauntingly beautiful strains of Debussy Clair de Lune. It’s not the wrong way to spend a Friday afternoon.
Lautaro Tambutto worked his magic at the 2024 Elton John AIDS Foundation Gala in Los Angeles
Lautaro is his best model (naturally, everything fits his lean, lithe frame), and it doesn’t hurt that Ilya and Antony are also tall, slim, and very attractive men who are perfect ambassadors for the Tambutto collection.
Lautaro Tambutto with a model draped in fabric with his The Red Birds pattern, tambutto.com
The designer was born in 1994 in San Nicolas de los Arroyos, near Buenos Aires, Argentina. He studied Fashion Design in Buenos Aires, and after his graduation, he moved to Italy to attend the Fashion Design Intensive course at Istituto Marangon Milano Fashion School.
The Canvas of Tambutto, tambutto.com
He launched his first brand, ‘L A T’, in late 2015. The brand helped Lautaro express the importance of Latin American cultures, mixing the ancestral aspects and traditions, including the use of leather, wool, and fur, with global influences, such as sports and streetwear.
Erick wears Tambutto’s velvet smoking jacket, tuxedo shorts in super Italian wool, and custom made boots handcrafted in Argentina, tambutto.com
In addition to an understated Latin undercurrent, there are vestiges of sports, athleisure, military and equestrian elements throughout Tambutto’s designs. That’s unsurprising, given that horses and riding are part of his rich Argentinian heritage. Lautaro felt the magic and power of fashion early on, and at a very young age, he knew he was destined to be a fashion designer.
Lautaro was greatly inspired by his supportive grandmother, who he calls his “partner in crime.” She passed away during COVID at the age of 82. His other muses include cultural icons like Maria Callas. At the same time, Lautaro has a fondness for rock stars.
Tambutto’s tuxedo shirt and tuxedo shorts worn against the backdrop of The Red Birds, tambutto.com
Lautaro is collaborating with Rita Melssen, Madonna’s stylist, and she has requested his pieces. For Madonna’s birthday, he made a custom piece. She has not worn it yet, but hopefully, she will. So that you know, Lautaro takes custom orders. Prices range from $450 for pants to $1900 for jackets. For more information, email info@tambutto.com.
Tambutto 100% linen jacket with hand stitched details, trousers and custom made riding boots, tambutto.com
Lautaro is focused on growing his brand. He admires Thom Browne not only for his theatricality but also for his business model. Lautaro would ideally love to see his designs in Bergdorf Goodman. “Linda Fargo is very dear to my heart. She has seen my work is has always been supportive.” He believes Millbrook, with its equestrian associations, would be a wonderful place to stage a fashion show next year.
I agree.
Latest Comments:
All so individually creative and entertaining! Marilyn, I want your skirt!
Irene and Matt are so authentic! Love that they still do the live formats where we can ask questions or…
All so individually creative and entertaining! Marilyn, I want your skirt!
Fashion changes with the times, and ways to present it must change creatively too.
Let his name live on for what HE designed so he can rest in peace.
Marilyn! What a wonderful and informative article you have written. I so loved Bendels, although (in my opinion) it was…
Irene and Matt are so authentic! Love that they still do the live formats where we can ask questions or…