The Art Of The Gentleman: Christopher King’s New Standard In Italian Elegance

With a 7,000-square-foot factory in Italy and a 12,000-square-foot store, “Palazzo” in South Florida, Christopher King, a luxury lifestyle brand, is establishing a new benchmark.

Walk into Christopher King’s “The Palazzo” in Coral Gables, FL and you’ll think you’ve been transported back in time to the Italian countryside. “The Palazzo,” a sprawling 12,000-square-foot flagship serves as a retail showroom, corporate office and exclusive event space, a place where one minute you are buying a one of a kind bag, and the next you are toasting champagne upstairs at a gala or exclusive dinner. It’s all part of the experience for Christopher R. King, renowned for his impeccable standards and transformative influence in the realm of ultra-luxury, who has launched Christopher King, a namesake brand of premium leather goods and accessories as well as an artisanal home collection. Every piece is designed by King and meticulously handcrafted in his 7,000-square-foot factory outside of Florence, Italy, by Italian generational artisans.

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From collaborating with Aston Martin on limited-edition designs to producing Napa Valley’s celebrated “cult” wine, King’s accomplishments span industries yet share one common thread: an uncompromising commitment to perfection which is also reflected in the Christopher King artisanal home collection. Impeccable porcelain tableware, silver and gold flatware, plush linens and striking bespoke furniture are redefining luxury living.   We spoke with King on fashion, design, luxury, and what’s next for the brand, which has been spotted in the arms of Maluma, Justin Bieber, Kim Kardashian, and Beyonce.

HAUTE LIVING: How did you get into the art of fashion and design?

CHRISTOPHER R. KING: It was a natural progression for me. I’ve always been into fashion and I was a luxury consumer first. Even as a kid, I’d save up all my pocket money just to buy one quality shirt instead of a bunch of cheaper T-shirts. That mindset stuck with me. For me, that kind of real-world experience — being the customer — taught me more than design school ever could. I’m constantly self-teaching, progressing, and evolving. I am obsessed with learning and trying to create.

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HL The Palazzo is stunning.  How did you find it and what did you do to it?

CK: I actually discovered it by accident on a location visit and the moment I walked in, I knew this was the space. I upgraded all the lighting with Murano crystal from Italy and redesigned and curated the whole space using pieces from my own collections, alongside 19^th and 20^th century antiques, paintings and objects. The goal was to bring a true sense of Italy to Miami — a fusion of old-world craftsmanship and modern luxury.

HL: Why Miami?

CK: It’s my home now, and I wanted to fully embrace it while also supporting the community. I also believe Miami is a thriving city with incredible growth and opportunity — it has an energy that’s both inspiring and forward-moving.

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HL: What does the art of being a gentleman mean to you?

CK: The art of being a gentleman is about holding yourself to the highest standards in every aspect of life. It’s not just about personal presentation and etiquette—it extends to your core values, your ambitions, and the way you move through the world. Being a gentleman means refining your taste, sharpening your intellect, and carrying yourself with purpose. It’s about knowing that the details matter. The way you dress is a reflection of respect—both for yourself and for those around you. Investing in quality, in craftsmanship, and in timeless style is just one part of it. Equally important is the substance behind it: integrity, discipline, and a curiosity for the world. More than that, the art of being a gentleman is a way of thinking. It means being well-read, articulate, and engaged in culture. It’s about ambition — not just for success, but for a life well-lived. It’s about appreciating beauty, whether in art, conversation, or experience. And ultimately, it’s about setting a standard — not just for yourself, but for the world around you.

HL: How long does it take to make a Christopher King bag?

CK: It depends on the bag, our gentleman’s duffle 53 for example takes two weeks to create with eight artisans working on each piece. But the journey doesn’t start there—it took six years of designing, concepting, and refining to perfect. Every detail matters. No stitch is left unturned, no element overlooked. The result is more than just a bag — it’s a testament to time, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of excellence.

HL: When someone buys a Christopher King bag, what are they getting?

CK: Luxury with Soul. They’re getting the very best — exceptional quality in every detail, from the finest leather to solid brass hardware, all brought together with personal, hand-crafted precision. No element is overlooked. Beyond materials, they’re investing in integrity — the skill and dedication of our Italian artisans, who oversee each stitch with an unwavering commitment to excellence. It’s a balance of function, style, and extraordinary craftsmanship, ensuring that every bag is not just an accessory, but a legacy piece.

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HL: You also have home goods and tableware.  Can you tell us more about that?

CK: I wanted to create the everyday things that I personally love and use. I’ve always been obsessed with fine details — linen tablecloths, exquisite flatware, and beautifully crafted home pieces — so it was only natural to create my own collection. I wanted to invest beauty and quality into the rituals of daily life  — whether it be for dinner parties or simply having breakfast with my sons. Everything is made in Italy, with an extreme attention to detail, from the finest Giza cotton bed sheets to luxurious linen bathrobes. These are the pieces I indulge in, and now, I get to share that experience with others.

HL: Can you speak to your factory in Italy?

CK: Yes, I have a 7000 square-foot facility in Italy. Building this out was essential—not just for maintaining full control over production, but for ensuring the highest level of quality, longevity, and craftsmanship. I was fortunate enough to assemble an incredible team, from my CEO Alessandro to even each artisan — all authentic Italians, true masters of their craft. Our factory isn’t just a workspace; it’s a place fueled by passion, life, and excitement. That’s why we say we’re building Luxury with Soul—because every person in that space is more than just a worker, they’re part of a family. We laugh, we innovate, and, most importantly, we uphold the tradition of true handmade artistry, bringing back the kind of craftsmanship that stands the test of time.

HL: What is next for the Christopher King brand?

CK: I think it’s a little too soon to say what’s next, but what I do know is that we are steadily expanding across the US with new retail locations. More than anything, I want to continue building based on my visions and dreams, not timelines or industry trends.  I’m always pushing innovation, functionality, and craftsmanship to the highest level, ensuring that every piece is made with the best materials and never compromising on quality. There’s a lot to come. bychristopherking.com, 800 S. Douglas Rd, Miami, FL 33134

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