ABOUT

On October 28th, TONY 1923 was born. A brand grounded in sportswear and influenced by music, culture and its namesake inspiration.  

Designed by industry veteran, Melissa Battifarano, TONY 1923 is named after her late father who raised her as a single parent and 1923 being the year he was born. A suave and fashionable Italian-American gentleman, his love of bold styles, ornate jewelry and who gives a f*ck attitude was a driving force in the creation of the sportswear line, birthed at a time when cozy and comfortable fashions trump all. Merge that with some throwback music: think early 80’s to 2000’s tristate KTU jams mixed with HOT 97 and you have the makings of the brand’s debut vibes.

 Battifarano has spent decades in the fashion industry and has grown as an American designer given her work for brands such as Tory Burch, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Ralph Lauren and Sean John. Most recently, she was the Design Director of the Fenty Puma by Rihanna brand and VP of Design of Savage x Fenty. Her work has been seen and applauded on the runways of NY and Paris and in media outlets worldwide.

 A champion of young designers and specifically female led creatives, Battifarano leads the brand as the head of design and CEO and assembled a group of intelligent and savvy female industry influencers and leaders to collaborate on the launch of the brand and its entire operation. It was especially important for Battifarano to showcase a different perspective in this streetwear market, and along with that perspective bringing styles to the market with exceptional fit, delicious fabrics and inclusive view on street style.

 TONY 1923 is a love letter to her father, her chosen family, and New York City. From his love of fast, black cars, large gold chains, anything trimmed in black lambskin, to wearing a bit too much jewelry, a bit too much cologne, fur coats and snake skin shoes - Tony was the opposite of “less is more” and Battifarano sees the inaugural collection as a perfect complement to her father’s sense of style.