Malo’s Luxury Cashmere Returns to the U.S.

PetitePaulina – Malo, the iconic Italian cashmere brand, is making a bold comeback in the United States. After years of silence, the brand is stepping back into the spotlight with fresh energy. Glickman Capital’s recent acquisition and the leadership of Michelle Kessler-Sanders sparked this revival. Saks Global has partnered with Malo for an exclusive reintroduction in the U.S. The debut includes a pre-spring 2026 capsule collection available both in-store and online at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus.

But this isn’t just a product launch it’s a moment of reconnection. For years, American customers cherished Malo’s timeless pieces. This return taps into that emotional bond. The brand wants to offer more than fashion. It’s about beauty, warmth, and storytelling through luxury knitwear. This is the start of a new chapter rooted in tradition, yet tailored for modern elegance.

Michelle Kessler-Sanders Brings a Vision of Renewal

When Michelle Kessler-Sanders joined as CEO, she had a clear goal: restore Malo’s soul. In her first five months, she pushed for real change. Her mantra was “evaluate, elevate, reset.” Alongside COO Leonardo Minerva, she built a fresh creative team with global talent. They didn’t just fix the past they reimagined the future.

Michelle focused on quality first. She knew that true luxury lies in craftsmanship, not flash. She brought the brand’s signature knitwear back to life. Her mission was simple: bring Malo back to its rightful place. Not with noise or gimmicks, but with quiet excellence. She wants customers to feel something when they wear Malo. She believes beauty still matters. And she’s determined to make Malo a brand that people trust again.

A Capsule Collection That Tells a Story

Malo’s pre-spring 2026 capsule is more than a fashion line it’s a carefully crafted narrative. The 10-piece women’s collection features hooded knits, oversized cardigans, and soft crewnecks. Some pieces are hand-embroidered with Fair Isle and floral designs. The collection nods to Malo’s archives but brings a modern twist.

Michelle emphasized that the goal wasn’t nostalgia. “We didn’t look backward,” she said. “We asked ourselves what will make Malo matter again in the U.S.?” The pieces are warm, elegant, and easy to wear. Each garment feels personal. They wrap the wearer in comfort while reflecting sophisticated design. This capsule tells a story of rebirth where heritage meets fresh creativity. It proves that beauty, when done right, never goes out of style.

Powerful Imagery Brings the Brand to Life

To introduce the collection, Malo didn’t settle for standard fashion shots. They turned to British photographer Nikolai von Bismarck. He captured models wearing the capsule against serene seaside landscapes. The result is a quiet, moving campaign that highlights texture, emotion, and setting.

Creative director David Lipman shaped the visual identity. His studio led not just the campaign but also Malo’s new website and branding. The imagery invites viewers into Malo’s world gentle, pure, and refined. There’s no shouting here. The photos whisper elegance. You can almost feel the softness of the cashmere and the calm of the sea breeze. It’s a visual love letter to luxury that feels real and human.

Global Growth Starts with Careful Connections

The U.S. may be Malo’s first relaunch market, but global plans are already unfolding. The company remains headquartered in Florence. A new showroom and office in Milan will open during the Fall 2026 sales season. Today, Malo operates seven flagship boutiques across Italy and Europe, including Venice, Rome, Courchevel, and Marbella.

Malo also works closely with 175 independent retailers, mostly in Europe. Michelle sees these small stores as vital. “They know their customers before the customers even know what they want,” she explained. Malo aims to expand further in Japan and return to South Korea, where it once had seven stores. Every move is deliberate. The goal is quality over quantity finding the right locations, partners, and clients. Malo doesn’t want to be everywhere. It wants to be in the right places with the right people.

Staying True to Knitwear and Honest Pricing

Malo remains loyal to what made it iconic: knitwear. About 65% of the collection will focus on it. With two owned factories in Italy, Malo controls every step of production. That means consistent quality and a product they can proudly stand behind.

But knitwear alone isn’t enough. Michelle wants to change how the brand approaches pricing. “I believe in respectful pricing,” she said. “The market went wild. The customer pushed back.” Malo’s average knitwear piece will cost around €800. That reflects quality, not markup. Michelle believes customers understand value better than anyone. They don’t just want status they want honesty. Her approach blends luxury with fairness. It’s not about selling more. It’s about earning trust and building long-term loyalty.

Honoring a Legacy While Building the Future

Founded in 1972, Malo has always represented understated elegance. From baby llama to vicuña and Italian cashmere, their materials define excellence. With help from new owner Glickman Capital and strategic partner Naga Brands, Malo is writing a comeback story.

This isn’t just recovery from bankruptcy it’s a full renaissance. Malo blends tradition with modern relevance. They’re focused on sustainability, ethics, and timeless design. Every sweater tells a story of hands that made it, values that shaped it, and a brand that never gave up. That’s what makes Malo more than a label. It’s a legacy worth wearing.