Cosimo and Pino Cordella
Pino Cordella is descended from 6 generations of tailors. The tradition began in 1783 when an ancestor, Leonardo, from Florence opened in Copertino a little workshop of "Cordari" (named for the threads of hemp, raw cotton, twisted linen that were used to describe the tailors).
Beginning of the following century, the Cordella family moved to Lion (France), opening a very high fashion shop, translated as "Les Cordeliers". The descendants returned to Italy and started a new legacy of tailors, the Cordella.
In this century the Cordella brothers -- Armando, Italo, Antonio, and Cosimo (Pino’s father) -- emigrated to South America. After gaining success, in 1927 they opened a boutique in Santiago de Chile, "El Condor Linea Cordella", which remains today one of the most prestigious Men’s Fashion Houses.
Through the years Pino Cordella collected numerous merits and awards that include:
- 1971: Maschera d’Oro Rodolfo Valentino for his Men’s Line.
- 1971: Oscar Accademico Internazionale for Ladies Couturier.
- 1972: Oscar Accademico Internazionale for Men’s Couturier.
- 1973: Medals awarded by Town Council of Lecce for merits as a designer.
- 1972 to 1978: Consultant of IASM (Istituto Assistenza per lo Sviluppo del Mezzogiorno) Development of the South.
- 1972: Pino Cordella marries Anna Rita Quarta and opens a business baptized Linea Cordella.
- 1984: Participates at the Pitti Fashion Show with a pret-a-porter line.
- 1985: Presents the nude look version Cuperio.
- 1988: Launches "Veste della Luna" evening line themed "Space".
- 1990: Knighted into the order of the Knights of Malta for his accomplishments as a fashion designer.
Other accomplishments include:
- A Collection of Knitwear "Elizabeth by Cordella" exported in Europe as well as the United States.
- Pret-a-Porter Collection for Men and other boutique articles exported to Japan.
- Bridal gown Collection in white leather.
- In 1990, the city of New York confers Pino Cordella a Degree Honoris Causa in Economics & Business Administration to his father’s delight, and he founded the Study Center Cosimo Cordella in memory of his father to divulge information and serve as a cultural support to all activities inherent to fashion.