On a late Zurich winter afternoon, the air in front of the KA/NOA boutique on Rennweg carries the aroma of melted raclette cheese.

Bruno Grande, the founder of the Swiss-Italian brand that has opened six stores in the past seven years, is hosting a private event for clients, offering his signature cheese sourced from cows he helps support on an alpine pasture in Valais.

«Valuing the Process»

«It’s not just about the cheese,» Grande says with a warm smile. «It’s about teaching my children where things come from and valuing the process. Once a year, we visit the cheesemaker as a family.»

Muted tones: Current KA/NOA looks. (Images: Courtesy)

Grande embodies the understated elegance that defines KA/NOA. Dressed in the muted tones of his brand—soft pastels, greys, and whites—he moves effortlessly between clients and conversations.

Strategic Acquisition in Italy

His boutique is more than a store; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking timeless quality amidst the clamor of fleeting trends.

Seven years after its founding, KA/NOA has just reached a significant milestone: acquiring a stake in Equipage, an Italian trouser manufacturer that has been a cornerstone of the brand’s supply chain.

Two Families With Shared Values

For Grande, this move is more than a business transaction. «This isn’t a traditional financial investment,» he explains. «It’s about securing our supply chain, consolidating operations, and preserving the craftsmanship that lies at the heart of everything we do.»

Equipage, located in the hills of Parma, has been a trusted partner since KA/NOA’s inception. The relationship between their founding families – the Evas and the Grandes - is built on mutual respect and shared values.

Artisan Heritage in Biella

«This is as much about legacy as it is about business,» Grande says. «We’re safeguarding traditions and ensuring that this expertise continues to thrive in its rightful environment.»

Grande’s investment also carries a social dimension. «Supporting Luigi and his family ensures the continuity of a unique craft in a region rich with artisan heritage,» he reflects. «This decision reinforces the authenticity of KA/NOA’s values and strengthens the foundation for our future».
Born into an Italian family, Bruno Grande’s connection to craftsmanship and design runs deep.

Bruno Grande with Equipage's CEO Luigi Eva. (Image: Courtesy)

His Father Was a Tailor

His father, a skilled tailor, instilled in him a reverence for quality and detail from an early age. «I inherited my passion for textiles and precision from my father,» Grande shares. «I wish I could have built this brand with him, but he passed away too soon.»

Before founding KA/NOA in 2017, Grande carved a successful career in industrial design and held leadership positions in the luxury industry. Yet, his longing for something personal and meaningful led him to create KA/NOA.

Named After His Children

Named after his children, Kaia and Noah, the brand embodies his vision for slow fashion: timeless, versatile menswear crafted entirely in Italy using sustainable practices. «Every fiber, from yarn to label, is 100 percent Made in Italy. That’s non-negotiable,» he says

KA/NOA’s collections are deeply rooted in Italian tradition, sourcing fabrics from renowned manufacturers like Loro Piana, Zegna and Tallia di Delfino. These relationships, built on trust and shared values, are central to Grande’s philosophy.

Equipage's Atelier in Biella. (Image: Courtesy)

Clients From the Financial Sector

The Zurich boutique, located on Rennweg, caters to a mix of locals and tourists. Around 50 percent of the clientele are regular customers, many from the financial sector, while others come from creative fields like architecture and design.

«Zurich clients tend to be conservative,» Grande observes. «But once they discover us, they remain loyal. They’re drawn to the individuality and quality of our products—things that aren’t mass-produced or overly recognizable.»

In St. Moritz Since Last December

In contrast, the recently opened St. Moritz boutique, launched in December 2023, reflects the leisurely pace of the resort town. Situated on Plazza dal Mulin, the store attracts an international clientele.

«In St. Moritz, people are on holiday, relaxed, and more open to exploring new brands,» Grande explains. «It’s a slower process, but we’re building meaningful connections there.»

Grande views these locations as complementary. «Zurich gives us credibility as a major city, while St. Moritz allows us to connect with clients in a more personal, leisurely setting,» he says. For him, the balance of urban sophistication and resort charm is key to KA/NOA’s identity.

Italian from yarn to label. (Image: Courtesy)

Swiss Precision, Italian Passion

As our conversation winds down, Grande reflects on KA/NOA’s journey. «Our clothing is for people who know what they want without needing to shout about it,» he says.

Outside, the snow begins to fall, lending a serene backdrop to a brand that quietly marries Swiss precision with Italian passion.