From his university thesis in Milan to a patented innovation, Alberto Caiola reimagined the classic men’s suit for a new era of comfort and style. His journey, marked by determination, risk-taking, and a bold leap into IP protection, reveals how a young designer turned a personal challenge into a market-ready invention with global potential.
By Intellectual Property Institute Luxembourg (IPIL)For Alberto Caiola, what began as a master’s thesis at the Politecnico di Milano has grown into a patented innovation that challenges the conventional menswear. His journey blends academic inspiration, Italian luxury tailoring, and cutting-edge materials to create a suit jacket that still moves as elegantly as it looks.
Alberto’s innovation is not limited to a single garment but is a new pattern-making design that can be applied to any outerwear featuring seams between the body and the sleeves. By incorporating high-performance elastic inserts into these seams, the jacket allows freedom of movement while maintaining its tailored silhouette and impeccable structure without the feeling of constraint that formal jackets usually provide. “The need for greater freedom of movement in a garment with a rigorous aesthetic, combined with sustainable, high-performance materials, was the spark that created DES CAIOLA” he proudly states.
His inspiration came up during a workshop, where Alberto experienced precision and tradition of Italian luxury tailoring. At the same time, his courses in Materials Science and Technology introduced him to sustainable, high-performance textiles. These two influences, combined with his personal frustration at the restrictive feel of formal jackets, set him on a path toward a fresh design concept: Dynamic Elegance Suits sustainable by Caiola.
For most young designers, securing a product patent feels like an almost unattainable goal especially in fashion, where patents for garments are rare. Yet Alberto’s Master's thesis examination committee encouraged him to protect his work immediately. The University’s Technology Transfer Office helped initiate the process, but the arrival of COVID-19 has slowed progress.
The patenting journey started with some not-very-good news: Prior art searches revealed similar approaches in sportswear, requiring extensive analysis to refine the needed patent claims. The highly technical language of patent drafting was another unexpected challenge, but it was overcome with the support of patent attorneys. Besides, the financial aspect of the filing process was discouraging. “To cover the costs, I had to take out a personal loan, and as a recent graduate it was not easy” he recalls. He used that loan to fund the research, drafting, and translation required for filing.
Despite these hurdles, in February 2024, his application was granted. Seeing the words “Inventor” and “Patent holder” on the official certificate was a moment of immense pride, not only for Alberto but also for his family and friends.
With his patent in hand, Alberto turned his focus to commercialisation. Early conversations with two leading formalwear companies revealed interest, but with some hesitation, because outsourced production and niche market targeting were posing cost and margin challenges. Still, the potential of the innovation to modernise the men’s suit while preserving craftsmanship was undeniable, and Alberto was determined enough.
Now, his brand DES CAIOLA and his invention aim to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity: While on one hand, it offers contemporary style without sacrificing formality for traditional dressers, on the other hand, it offers a refined entry into the tailored world for high-end streetwear enthusiasts.
The jackets feature sustainable fabrics such as merino wool and Cupro linings, with certified suppliers ensuring both environmental responsibility and ethical working conditions.
Alberto’s vision extends beyond manufacturing: he sees licensing as the key to bringing this design to a wider market, enabling other brands to integrate comfort-enhancing technology into their collections. He is now ready to access new markets with new business partners.
Alberto’s advice to emerging designers is clear: “IP protection is essential but don’t be scared by bureaucracy or costs. If your project is valid, it will find its way. And always rely on competent professionals, their expertise can make the difference between success and rejection”. For him, patenting is not just legal protection but a commercial tool, one that validates innovation, attracts potential partners, and opens doors to new markets.
Images: Courtesy of DES CAIOLA
This Case Study was created under Creative FLIP, an EU co-funded project aimed at further increasing the long-term resilience of the CCSI in key areas such as Finance, Finance, Learning, Working Conditions, Innovation & Intellectual Property Rights.
Key Takeaways
Alberto Caiola, Fashion Designer and Founder of DES CAIOLA - With a background in industrial design and a specialisation in fashion, Alberto Caiola is a designer by vocation and an innovator by nature. He has expanded his focus to strategic innovation and business model development by combining aesthetic sensitivity, attention to detail, and a holistic vision under his company and brand, DES CAIOLA.
