We’re pumped to welcome ‘The Refined Spirit’ as special guests on the Marlo blog. Contemporary Swiss brand, ‘The Refined Spirit’ seamlessly blend ethical fashion with the joys of food, lifestyle, and culture. Their unique approach draws inspiration from life’s finest moments, including our favourite beverages!

In their own words, they live by the concept of La Sprezzatura, a beautifully untranslatable Italian term, that means achieving effortless style with a hint of nonchalance. As huge fans of their brand, Marlo were thrilled to ask the founder at The Refined Spirit a few questions about their journey as a company.

1. When did The Refined Spirit launch, and where did it all begin?

I've always been a big fan of the Negroni. Back in 2019, I was searching for a cap with an embroidered Negroni glass on the front, something I could wear while enjoying a drink. When I couldn’t find one, I decided to create my own custom version. Before long, people started asking me where I got my cap, and I ended up ordering more to sell in person. Seeing how popular the cap was, I decided to share my Negroni journey on Instagram, and I wasn’t expecting such a success! I realized that the Negroni was more than just a drink—it was a lifestyle that resonated with many people. After receiving messages asking where they could get the cap, I finally launched a website called - The Refined Spirit!

2. What was your very first product, and which item is now your best-seller?

Our first product was a baseball cap featuring an embroidered negroni glass and the word "negroni." I’d say our negroni collection continues to be a strong player as we build our community around it. However, other drinks have their own dedicated fan bases too. For instance, the Spritz and Margarita are summer favorites, while wine and champagne take center stage in the winter. Ultimately, it’s about the drinks and food people connect with. These days, people want their clothing to make a statement and reflect what they love!

3. What drives your creativity and design choices?

Naturally, drinks and food are important sources of inspiration when designing new products. However, our primary inspiration comes from Italy. If you take a closer look at our best-sellers, many of them—like the Negroni, Spritz, and certain wines—are Italian. Having spent many summers in Italy as a kid, the country holds a special place in my heart, with its rich culture and inspiring people. Capturing and reflecting this carefree spirit through our products, photos or branding is at the heart of what defines The Refined Spirit. For example, this summer, we launched a collection called Stripes, inspired by the iconic Italian parasols and beach chairs that you’ll find almost everywhere along the coast!

4. What is the ultimate mission behind The Refined Spirit?

Our goal is to bring people together around the things everyone loves—sipping cocktails, sharing meals with friends and family, or soaking up the sun. We began by building our community around cocktails and have since expanded our range to include food, wine, champagne, and more. It's incredibly exciting to connect with so many people who share the same passion and appreciation for these experiences! As we continue to grow, we remain committed to celebrating the simple joys of life and creating products that resonate with those who embrace these moments. Whether it’s through a thoughtfully designed cap or a collection inspired by Italian summers, we’re thrilled to see our community flourish and evolve, united by a love for good drinks, great company, and unforgettable experiences.

5. What is your idea of the perfect weekend?

The perfect weekend is all about a blend of great food, cocktails, friends and family, coffee, the sea, and, of course, even more food! It could easily be in Italy, but so many other places capture this Mediterranean spirit. As a huge travel enthusiast, I’d be just as happy spending a weekend by the coast in Spain, France, or Greece. For me, it’s less about the location and more about the shared moments, good company, and the joy of exploring new places and flavours.