In their early days, Valstar was known for keeping the men of Milan dry from the rain. Today, they’re best known for the ‘Valstarino,’ a jacket made for the modern gentlemen from Italy and beyond.
A Rich Made-In-Italy History
Established in 1911, Valstar was the first company in Italy to produce raincoats. They continued to hone their craft and bring their Italian quality and flair to each of their products, establishing themselves as a highly sought-after brand touted exclusively by Italy’s best-dressed elites.
In 1935, they introduced the Valstarino, a modern take on the A1 blouson, a flight jacket worn by American fighter pilots in World War I. Unlike the standard bomber jacket, which was inspired by the A2 blouson, the Valstarino features a slim cut, making for a more polished and versatile garment. A Valstarino is easy to spot for those in the know, characterized by two front button flap pockets, horn buttons, and knitted cuffs, collar and waistband.
The first iteration of the Valstarino was crafted with hand-cut, hand-stitched suede. Though other materials have been used in iterations of the jacket since, the original remains the most iconic and luxurious, making us especially proud to carry it at The Helm.
Valstar for The Helm
