Range Rover & SHARP
For Toronto-based menswear brand Libero, “family is forever” isn’t just a saying — it’s a guiding principle that touches every piece of the company.
Founded in 2018 by Adam Appugliesi and Kadeem Johnson, who passed in 2019, Libero blends North American and European influences to create menswear that’s at once modern and timeless. With his Italian heritage and time spent in the European country in his late teens, Appugliesi wanted to infuse high-quality menswear with the style and culture of his roots. The result makes for quality-over-quantity collections made up of sophisticated classics with a European twist.
“Timelessness is central to Libero’s philosophy,” says Appugliesi. “We aim to create products that are not only fun and infused with our team’s energy, but also subtle and wearable both today and in 30 years.”
Appugliesi takes that longevity seriously. While you’ll most certainly find personality and unique flare in each of Libero’s pieces, what you won’t find are fly-by-night trends that go out of style in a blink. This commitment is maybe best embodied by Libero’s lead model: Appugliesi’s father, who oozes cool, classic and timelessness in each of the brand’s pieces.
“The concept of family is our biggest inspiration for Libero’s commitment to timelessness,” says Appugliesi. “Family is present for you now and will be there for you forever.”
But Libero’s popularity is anything but all-in-the-family. In fact, the brand’s pieces have been spotted on A-listers like Kit Harrington and Steph Curry, on the streets of New York or on the small screen. Appugliesi says that these moments are what the brand strives for — but not because of the validation or the confidence boost that comes from these compliments.
“They represent our desire to be part of enduring experiences,” he says, while proving to its customers just how diverse Libero can be. “While my dad embodies the essence of Libero, demonstrating how anyone can wear Libero and look stylish, at the same time, celebrities in Libero offer our customers a glimpse into the brand’s versatility. It shows how Libero appeals to everyone from a construction worker to a Hollywood star.”
So far, Libero has been available through its website, online retailers and pop-ups but, according to Appugliesi, that’s about to change. Coming later this fall, customers will be able to visit Toronto’s Uncle Otis to experience Libero in-person. “Details are still to be sorted, but we’re excited to have Uncle Otis as our first retailer and kickstart that relationship with a celebratory pop-up this fall,” says Appugliesi.
While its inception was rooted in personal experiences and family values, Libero’s commitment to creating classic, high-quality menswear has resonated far beyond its origins. As Libero prepares to make its debut in Toronto’s Uncle Otis this fall, it marks a new chapter in its story – one where the legacy of family and dedication to craftsmanship continue to drive its success.
But whether Libero’s timeless pieces are sported by celebrities or your dad, the brand stays true to its vision to connect generations. “Our goal is for Libero to outlast us and remain a constant presence for future generations,” says Appugliesi.
