Lucarda is a clothing store located beneath the medieval arcades of “Ripa Maris,” in the heart of Genoa’s old historic center—a Ligurian city where the scent of the sea blends with the sounds of the port, a vital hub connecting the entire Mediterranean. But Lucarda is also a family-run, traditional, and historic store. It has been managed by the Lucarda family since 1920. It all started with Giuseppe, who, after arriving from Schio in fabric shop on Via XX Settembre—a large store with seven entrances, known as (the shop with seven doors). Later, his son Mimmo, after learning the craft in the returning from the war, opened a small clothing store in Sottoripa in 1920, selling dockworkers and sailors, as well as casual and sportswear for all Genoese. And so, Veneto, opened a “da-e sette porte” family shop and workwear for the Lucarda legend was born. After Mimmo, his children Sergio, Giorgio, and Mirella expanded the store’s reach, bringing its name and products to the world, dressing “Genoa in maritime fashion.” Today, Michela, daughter of Sergio, and her daughter Elena, represent the fourth and fifth generations of the family.
The Store of the Seafaring People
Fashion with the Scent of Salt Air
Lucarda was the first store in Genoa to sell jeans, along with its famous “Boxer” shirts, which were even showcased at Galeries Lafayette in the 1900s. It also introduced vibrantly colored men’s trousers, double-breasted navy jackets, striped boating t-shirts, and the legendary “Pidocchiere”— coarse wool sailor sweaters. But above all, Lucarda was a key outfitter for the port and major shipping companies in the 1950s, ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. Companies such as The Italian Line, Traghetti del Mediterraneo, Linee Canguro, Linee Espressi, Lloyd Triestino, and Tirrenia were just some of the maritime operators that relied on the store for their crew’s uniforms—whether for engine officers, deck officers or captains.
Lucarda dressed everyone
One century of history in Genoa
Lucarda dressed everyone—from dockworkers to fishermen, from ship crews to the children of shipowners. Over time, the city of Genoa has recognized Lucarda as a fundamental landmark for a certain style of clothing, as well as a historic milestone that shaped local fashion and trends for a century. Because of its deep connection to the sea and the port, Lucarda has been officially designated a “Historic Store” by the City of Genoa and the Chamber of Commerce. This legacy has earned it the nickname: “The Store of the Seafaring People.”
The shop preserves the charm and memories of an ancient maritime tradition, maintaining strong ties with the past and its history; even today, it remains true to its origins: old shelves, black and white striped walls in the Genoese tradition, and—once you climb the stairs of the historic building—a true “scagno” (traditional office), with wooden walls adorned with relics from the era of ocean liners, as well as family photos and objects from many parts of the world. A living part of Genoa’s history, at Lucarda the past and present intertwine to tell stories of the sea, its people, and the identity and history of a century and a city.
Over 100 Years of History
Our Brands
Lucarda, Boxer, La Gritta
Our three brands have marked entire generations of Genoese, leaving an indelible mark on memory. In the 20th century, our productions ranged from workwear to casual clothing with a maritime inspiration: from the Lucarda double-breasted jackets, to the Boxer worker shirts, and the colorful pants by La Gritta. Today, we proudly preserve this valuable heritage, while looking toward the future by constantly seeking new styles and fabrics. Our values, however, remain unchanged: Made in Italy, quality, and innovation.
