Fashion has long been associated with self-expression, craftsmanship, and beauty. Yet, at its most meaningful, clothing can offer something even more profound: confidence, dignity, and the courage to begin again. This powerful idea lies at the heart of One Suit at a Time, the new photographic book by Italian photographer and journalist Enzo Dal Verme, created in collaboration with art director Pierpaolo Pitacco.
Set to be presented during Milan Men’s Fashion Week at the FLA Flavio Lucchini Art Museum within Superstudio Più, the volume shines a light on an extraordinary initiative taking place in London. Through evocative photography and personal testimonies, the book documents the work of Suited & Booted, a charity that helps vulnerable men rebuild their lives and return to employment with renewed confidence.
At first glance, Suited & Booted resembles an elegant menswear boutique. Inside are carefully selected suits, tailored jackets, dress shirts, ties, and shoes from respected brands. The difference is that nothing is sold. Every item is gifted to men preparing for job interviews, career transitions, and new chapters in their lives. Alongside clothing, participants receive practical guidance, interview coaching, and encouragement designed to help them present their best selves.
Founded and led by Maria Lenn, Suited & Booted has become a remarkable force for social change in the United Kingdom. Each year, the organization supports more than 1,200 men facing significant personal and economic challenges, helping them regain confidence and improve their employment prospects. Its approach recognizes that appearance is often closely linked to self-esteem, and that feeling comfortable in professional attire can influence how individuals see themselves and how they are perceived by others.
Dal Verme first discovered the organization through a LinkedIn post. What began as curiosity soon developed into a deeper exploration. After exchanging messages and making several visits, he realized the stories he was encountering deserved far more than a single feature article. Together with longtime collaborator Pierpaolo Pitacco, he envisioned a book capable of capturing both the emotional depth and the social impact of the project.
The result is a visually compelling publication that moves beyond documentary photography. Each image reflects moments of vulnerability, resilience, and transformation. Faces, gestures, and expressions reveal the human dimension behind the act of receiving a suit. The clothing itself becomes a symbol of possibility, representing fresh opportunities and renewed self-belief.
Pitacco’s art direction brings cohesion and elegance to the narrative, allowing photography and storytelling to unfold with clarity and emotional resonance. Across its 100 pages, One Suit at a Time presents fashion through a different lens—one where style serves as a catalyst for empowerment and inclusion.
The project also carries a philanthropic mission. Published by Rodolfo Namias Editore, the book was made possible through the support of Love Therapy, the ethical fashion brand founded by the late Elio Fiorucci, together with a private donation from Mike Styles. Proceeds from book sales are directed to Suited & Booted, helping the organization continue its work and expand its impact.
In an era increasingly focused on purpose-driven creativity, One Suit at a Time offers a compelling reminder that fashion’s influence extends far beyond aesthetics. Through thoughtful imagery and authentic storytelling, Enzo Dal Verme and Pierpaolo Pitacco capture the transformative power of clothing and the human spirit.
