Carmen Basilique

Carmen Basilique brings haute knitwear to the heart of Lugano, on Via Nassa. Dresses, skirts, jackets, coats and trousers combine glamour, discretion, simplicity and comfort: knitwear as timeless modernity — precious, comfortable and versatile. Each season brings new models while staying faithful to the house's idea of elegance. The 2021–22 collection works in cashmere, Silka knit and silk — from the ribbed Silka roll-neck to the Cassis ruffle dress and the oversize Kate cardigan.

A graduate of Istituto Marangoni in Milan, Carmen Abrate has worked in fashion for more than twenty years before turning to couture knitwear. Every new piece begins with a conversation over coffee or tea: she guides each client through yarns, cuts and colours to create something that is theirs alone.

Made in Italy by artisans hand-picked by the designer. Pieces can be made to measure: measurements, colour and design details are adapted to the client, or a garment can be designed from scratch in the Lugano showroom.

Cashmere, wool, silk, linen and cotton are sourced from Italian mills with a traceable supply chain. Bespoke production avoids overstock: pieces are made for a person, not for a warehouse.