“Barberino’s is certain to become a clubhouse for all the menswear peacocks that flock to Pitti Uomo in Florence every season.”
Barberino’s, named after owner Michele Callegari’s great-grandfather “Giovanni the Barberino,” is the ultimate Wes Anderson-inspired man cave where the average Joe is always treated as molto importante.
Modeled after old-world barbershops in Milan’s Quadrilatero della Moda, Barberino’s brings the Italian passion and tradition of men’s grooming to NYC. “Haircutting for men has really become an in-and-out thing,” says Callegari. “We designed our space to be calming and relaxing – a place where men can take time for themselves.” Jovanotti, the “Italian Bruce Springsteen” plays softly in the background. The walls and cabinets are painted celadon and forest green. Simone, a barber in a crisp white lab coat, greets me enthusiastically with a commanding Italian baritone. I sip a cappuccino and forget I’m in the heart of midtown. Every corner of the room is an Instagram moment. Barberino’s is certain to become a clubhouse for all the menswear peacocks that flock to Pitti Uomo in Florence every season.
I get a haircut, a facial, a beard trim and a backrub – all in an hour flat. I don’t take chances with what little hair I have left, and Simone does a great job. Simone informs me that I’ve been combing my hair incorrectly for years. The part is on the wrong side. Who knew? Simone deftly combs my hair the right way, and ecco qua! I’m a new man. – TED HILDNER
