C.P. COMPANY

The history of C.P. Company

C.P. Company is a clothing brand known for its innovation, functionality and design. Founded in 1971 by Italian designer Massimo Osti, C.P. Company burst onto the fashion scene at the height of the casual and sportswear movement, quickly becoming an industry icon. The history of C.P. Company began with the menswear brand Chester Perry, founded by Massimo Osti in 1971. The brand initially specialized in sweaters and sweatshirts, but soon expanded to include jackets, shirts, and pants. In 1975, the brand was renamed C.P. Company, taking its name from designer Carlo Pedretti, who had collaborated with Osti. C.P. Company pioneered the use of technical and innovative materials in clothing, such as nylon and polyester, and was one of the first brands to use garment dyeing to create unique and distinctive effects. The company is also famous for developing the Mille Miglia fabric, a water- and wind-resistant nylon fabric that has become a staple of the C.P. Company jacket collection.

Perfectly combining tradition, innovation and performance

In 1979, C.P. Company transformed the mountaineers' nylon down jacket into an urban jacket. The down jacket became an irreplaceable alternative to the wool coat that, until the 1970s, was the dominant winter jacket style in Italian cities. C.P. Company's starting point for the transformation was the replacement of nylon, the material of which these jackets were usually made, with a more refined fabric: a gabardine, which was extremely light and soft, was treated to make it water-resistant while maintaining the tactile characteristics of cotton. The filling consisted of a cotton padding specially developed by Bayer for the athletic industry. Such was the success of this innovation that an inflatable geodesic dome was quickly installed next to the company's warehouse, inserting a sign of modernity into the Emilian countryside. The purpose of the dome was to store thousands of bulky jackets waiting to be shipped. Each season these jackets changed and were transformed, with new fabrics and patterns added. Real goose down, which was very expensive at the time, later replaced cotton filling. Urban down became a constant presence in C.P. Company's collections, which, in the 1990s, would be called "Continuative Garment," the special series of pieces that shaped the brand's identity. The jackets with detachable hood. Exterior: waterproof cotton. Inside: wool with tartan pattern. Buttons inspired by American college rings.

Sportswear garments that make their mark.

In 1987 Massimo Osti had, in his archive of clothing items, a protective hood worn by the Japanese Civil Defense Forces, similar to a balaclava with a front zipper closure and two lenses sewn into the fabric at eye level. Osti was interested in the idea of making a jacket with lenses sewn into the fabric. The problem of preserving the integrity of the fabric around the perimeter of the lenses was solved by a frame specifically created by the Italian company Baruffaldi, the world leader in sports lenses. The first prototype was a four-pocket, Saharan-style field jacket that featured lenses sewn into an extended collar, which later became known as the Explorer Jacket. Following further research into protective hoods used by the military, C.P. Company created several prototypes during 1987. Gasproof clothing, a new inspiration, gave him the idea of moving the lenses from the collar to the hood itself. The shapes of this new version of the Goggle Jacket harken back to the multifunctionality of Swiss field jackets, whose smart pockets fulfill several tasks. Another lens is added to the sleeve to allow you to look at your watch.

Dyeing the finished garment

Lightweight men's jackets feature a full-zip front closure, double-opening chest pocket and adjustable hood with C.P. Company's iconic Goggle lenses. Made of Chrome-R, a fully recycled version of multi-filament nylon fabric that offers a nearly impermeable barrier against water and wind and environmentally sustainable processing. Developed exclusively for garment dyeing, Chrome R withstands the pigmentation process by generating lighter, more vibrant tones. Other lightweight men's jacket features a classic-cut collar, full zipper closure, two chest pockets and sleeve pocket finished with exclusive C.P. Company Lens detail. It is made from Taylon P fabric, which is composed of monofilament nylon and taslanized nylon to make the garment water-resistant and easy-drying with a metallic, matte texture. Garment dyeing, done exclusively on the finished product, gives added color depth and intensity.

Garments made to last

Long-sleeved polo shirts have multiple features. Three-button closure, classic-cut collar and a chest pocket finished with the C.P. Company logo. Long-sleeved polo shirts are made of medium-weight cotton jersey obtained by open-end spinning to ensure comfort and versatility, while garment dyeing is done to give greater depth and color intensity. Different are short-sleeved polo shirts with a two-button flap, classic collar and exclusive C.P. Company logo embroidered on the chest. Made of stretch cotton pique for a flexible, versatile fit and high breathability. Short-sleeved crew-neck T-shirt with small C.P. Company logo on the chest. Made of 30/1 cotton jersey that offers a durable fit and high breathability. T-shirts may also feature graphic prints on the back depicting the iconic Goggle lens hood in a dark print. These men's T-shirts feature a classic crew neck cut with ribbed fabrication and short sleeves. The men's Bermuda shorts are practical and functional with attached belt loops and side and back pockets. They are finished with the distinctive C.P. Company Lens detail on the leg, and the ultra-lightweight matte cotton stretch fabric they are made from. Stretch Sateen, offers a comfortable fit that lasts a long time. Garment dyeing gives added depth and color intensity. Or, men's knee-length bermuda shorts that feature the distinctive C.P. Company Lens detail on the left side, an elasticized drawstring waistband, front pockets and two mirrored zippered leg pockets. These Bermuda shorts are made of Chrome-R, a fully recycled version of multi-filament nylon fabric that offers a nearly impermeable barrier against water and wind and an eco-friendly workmanship. Developed exclusively for garment dyeing, Chrome R withstands the pigmentation process by generating lighter, more vibrant tones. The men's swimsuits feature a full mesh inner lining, practical pockets, an elasticized waist, and are finished with the exclusive C.P. Company Lens on the left leg. They are made of Flatt Nylon, a water-resistant fabric emeryed through a high-pressure buffing process that makes them soft to the touch and together with garment dyeing gives a slightly faded effect.

The father of sportswear

The C.P. Company collection includes not only jackets, but also pants, shirts, sweaters, and sweatshirts. The materials used range from cotton to merino wool, leather to microfiber, and each piece is made with the attention to detail that has made the brand famous. In addition to clothing, C.P. Company also has a line of accessories, including hats, bags, scarves, and gloves. Again, attention to detail and technological innovation are at the heart of the collection. C.P. Company's success is not limited to the fashion world. The brand has also been an important source of inspiration for streetwear culture, and many of its pieces have become true collector's items.