The story of Gallo – a historic brand representing Italian craftsmanship excellence – is a brilliant example of how talent can turn anything, even a pair of men’s socks, into a cult product! Gallo’s adventure began in Milan in 1927 when the Colombo family started a small quality hosiery factory. Since then, the brand has stood out for its attention to detail, use of fine yarns and ability to innovate while keeping the roots of Made in Italy craftsmanship alive.
The origin of an icon
After the war, Ambrogio Colombo, born in ’23, moved production to Desenzano del Garda, where the only factory is still located, and founded Siam (Società Anonime Industrie Manifatturiere). At this time, the company made only men’s socks, grey and blue, classic and quality, thanks to fine materials, because they had to meet only one requirement: to last a long time. Colombo, however, sensed that industrial yarn production needed a recognizable brand and bought the Gallo brand.
The sixties and the socks with holes
Ambrose was a pioneer and an innovator. In the 1960s, he launched a line of handmade socks dedicated to children with an internal elastic band, but the real innovation was that they had a cut-work design. Initially, they were a flop. However, they caught the attention of a historic store in Bologna that realized their potential. From there, the company took off, proving that boldness pays off.
Another novelty introduced by Ambrose was baby socks, the smallest ever made: until then, in fact, sizes started from six months of age.
The ingredients of success
The company continues to grow and make the highest-quality socks from fine materials such as Egyptian cotton, merino wool, silk, and cashmere. It uses Bentley looms (yes, that’s right, the Bentley of luxury cars) that allow for distinctive workmanship. The only means of making itself known is by word of mouth: the first advertising campaigns came only in the 1970s.
The multicolor revolution
In the 1990s, after several years without making a profit, Ambrogio passed the baton to his son Giuseppe, who realized that Gallo’s socks”from the point of view of workmanship could not be surpassed, thanks to the quality of the raw materials. I could not change the shape – that was the shape coming from the looms. I could work on texture, colours and patterns. In those days, the looms worked with up to three colours – I wanted to use more and use the canvas like I was a painter .”
It is the beginning of a real revolution. Socks become multicoloured, with stripes of different proportions or small designs, transforming from a predictable accessory to a significant detail that allows you to assert your personality on any occasion. Iconic, never-before-seen products to be collected or paired with serious double-breasted suits are born. Socks that are instantly recognizable, so beautiful that they are given as gifts and proudly displayed.
Craftsmanship and innovation
“Gallo’s history shows that we have always considered men’s, women’s and children’s socks as improvable products for which to find innovative production solutions and exclusive materials,” Colombo said. So, innovation combined with attention to detail and craftsmanship: each pair of Gallo socks is designed to ensure a perfect fit, with no bulky seams and superior wear resistance.
The details that make a difference
Gallo socks are not simply an item of clothing; they are a personality statement; they are style icons. With their unmistakable blend of tradition and innovation, they prove that even the smallest details can make a big difference.
Today, Gallo, led by Giuseppe Colombo, still manufactures in the historic factory in Desenzano sul Garda (BS), employs 200 people, has dozens of stores in Italy, makes tens of millions of euros, and sells online worldwide.
Congratulations to those who turn reality into emotions and bring Made in Italy to the world!
Learn more about other outstanding Made in Italy companies in fashion and clothing.