In the vibrant neighborhood of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, a new kind of friendship is flourishing—one that blends menswear, culinary art, and Italian craftsmanship. Local menswear brand Cueva teams up with European-inspired eatery Chez Ma Tante and renowned Italian atelier Barena Venezia for a unique clothing collaboration that honors community, tradition, and functionality. This three-way partnership brings together bespoke apparel inspired by kitchen utility and Italian heritage, capturing the spirit of two iconic cities linked by history and commerce.
Brooklyn neighbors unite: Cueva and Chez Ma Tante
Nestled side-by-side in Greenpoint for less than a year, Cueva and Chez Ma Tante have quickly forged a genuine connection beyond mere proximity. Founded by designer Justin Felizzari, Cueva is celebrated for its refined menswear steeped in casual sophistication. Just next door, Chez Ma Tante serves up thoughtfully prepared, European-inspired dishes crafted by founder and chef Jake Leiber alongside Chef de Cuisine Gabriel Borges. Their shared love for craftsmanship—whether sartorial or culinary—has fostered a vibrant camaraderie between the two local institutions.
This budding brotherhood of fashion and food is about more than just neighborhood ties; it’s rooted in shared values of community and creativity. Days spent browsing Cueva’s curated selections often end with nights immersed in the rich flavors of Chez Ma Tante’s ever-evolving menu. It was only natural for these kindred spirits to seek collaboration beyond friendship, uniting their passions to create something tangible and lasting.
An Italian connection: Barena Venezia joins the fold
To elevate the partnership, Cueva and Chez Ma Tante enlisted Barena Venezia—an esteemed Italian atelier with a deep legacy of craftsmanship and timeless design. Founded in Venice, Barena Venezia traces its origins to 1993 with a debut apron collection, reflecting a utilitarian ethos that marries function with elegance. This heritage made Barena the ideal collaborator to bring the project’s vision to life, blending Italian artisanal excellence with Brooklyn’s modern sensibility.
Barena’s Chief Commercial Officer, Davide Sambin Zara, emphasizes the cultural synergy between New York and Venice, noting that “New York is deeply connected with Venice. Actually, Venice was the New York of the planet if we go a few centuries back. Both cities are set on water and are/were the epicenter of international commerce.” This historical parallel enriches the collaboration, grounding it in shared narratives of trade, diversity, and craftsmanship.
The collection is fully crafted in Italy, marrying the ateliers’ technical prowess with the casual, community-driven spirit of Greenpoint. This triad of collaborators thus bridges continents and disciplines to produce a collection that is both rooted in tradition and distinctly contemporary.
The collection: Functionality meets fashion
The Cueva x Chez Ma Tante x Barena Venezia collaboration features four bespoke pieces, each offered in three nuanced colorways. The collection pays homage to Barena’s original apron designs by centering around kitchen-friendly, functional garments that also translate seamlessly to everyday wear.
At the heart of the lineup are three full looks comprising overshirts and matching pant sets, each paired with coordinating tees and aprons. These pieces blend utilitarian design with refined tailoring, a nod to both the culinary origins of the apron and the sartorial sophistication that Cueva champions.
The aprons aren’t merely symbolic; they emphasize the collection’s focus on craftsmanship and purpose-driven design. By elevating the apron—a traditionally humble garment—into a style statement, the collaboration redefines notions of elegance and utility, much like the modern Black dandyism movement does for identity and fashion.
Where to experience the collaboration
The Cueva x Chez Ma Tante x Barena Venezia collection is now available for purchase at Cueva’s New York locations in the West Village and Greenpoint. Whether you’re a Brooklyn local or a visitor seeking a piece of this cross-continental creative exchange, the collection invites you to partake in a celebration of friendship, craftsmanship, and community.
This collaboration is more than just clothing—it’s a story of connection, heritage, and shared passion spanning food, fashion, and culture. It reflects the spirit of Greenpoint and Venice alike: communities shaped by water, commerce, and the creative exchange that flourishes when neighbors become collaborators.
