Some stories stay with you forever. This is one of them.
Before XY became the platform trusted by some of the biggest names in luxury retail, before the global rollouts, the certifications, the logos on pitch decks — there was ISAIA.
ISAIA didn’t just become one of our first customers. They chose us — when we were young, scrappy, and mostly unknown. And they didn’t just dip their toes in; they went all in. POS, eCommerce, Back Office — globally. It was one of the boldest decisions I’ve ever seen a brand make, and it changed the course of our company.
That kind of trust stays with you.
I spent months in Napoli with their team — in the factories, in the boardrooms, on Gianluca’s boat in Capri (yes, it was as magical as it sounds). I’ve shared too many Sgroppinos, a few too-strong dry martinis (Gin or Jim — you decide), and lost a bet on Vesuvio. I’ve danced at ISAIA parties that would put fashion week to shame and watched a company that’s deeply rooted in tradition take risks most tech companies would shy away from.
Gianluca ISAIA is the kind of visionary who turned a white-label tailoring business into a globally recognized brand with swagger, soul, and a serious dose of southern Italian sunshine. Today, ISAIA is thriving — expanding beyond iconic men’s suits into accessories, and now even womenswear. Their “power suit” is not just fashion. It’s a feeling. It’s aspirational, but never arrogant. Always with a wink and a splash of red coral.
And then there’s Jim Shay — President, early believer, the kind of partner every startup dreams of. Jim saw something in us before the rest of the world did. He bet on us, challenged us, backed us, and brought us into the fold. I’ll never forget it.
As for Napoli itself. I’ve been fortunate to spend time in many cities, but none quite like this. You eat Michelin-level seafood in modest neighborhood spots where the menu changes based on what came in fresh that morning. You start your day with a caffè — strong, unapologetically perfect and a Sfogliatella – sweet, custardy with a bit of crunch. You snack on Castelvetrano olives that taste like sunshine and salt air. And of course… the pizza. The kind of pizza that ruins all others for you. Napoli doesn’t just feed you — it teaches you joy. Every meal, every stroll, every song from a passing scooter is a reminder that life is best lived with heart.
To the entire ISAIA team, you know who you are: thank you for your patience, belief, your grit, and your incredible hospitality, the airport and Afragola pickups and the XY branded ISAIA T-shirts. You’ve shaped not just our product, but our culture. You helped us grow up — and have fun doing it. You became family.
To this day, I walk into an ISAIA store — red chandelier, antique bar, pool table and all — and I smile. Because it reminds me why we started XY in the first place: to power brands we love, and relationships that last.
Comme se dice a Napoli — chistu è ‘nu fatto ‘e core. 💙
(As they say in Naples — this comes from the heart.)
Here’s to many more memories, more growth, and more martinis. Preferably in Capri.
With love,
Susan