Inspired by the historic migration of Italian families to the South Wales Valleys, the Cambrensis X Magnetic ‘Genoa’ collection celebrates 150 years of Italian heritage in Wales and the café culture that became a defining part of Valleys communities. Developed in collaboration with Magnetic and its author Anthony Rivers, the collection explores the cultural connection between Welsh industrial heritage and Italian design influence.
At the centre of the project is original artwork illustrated by Ioan Bowen-Pickett’s late great-uncle, Welsh artist Dewi Bowen, depicting a Welsh rescue miner in the style of a traditional Italian postage stamp. Titled ‘Genoa’, the image symbolises the shared history between Wales and Italy and serves as the visual identity for the collaboration.
Rooted in storytelling, heritage and community, the Cambrensis X Magnetic ‘Genoa’ collection reflects the values that shaped both Welsh mining communities and the Italian families who established cafés across South Wales - spaces that became social hubs for generations. The collection continues Cambrensis’ mission to preserve and reinterpret Welsh identity through contemporary menswear.
