Approaching Clothing with Intention
In a space dominated by hype and algorithms collaboration feels less and less intentional. Cueva x Barena Venezia x Chez Ma Tante collaboration stands out for its honesty, subtlety, and soul. It’s a capsule born from genuine friendships, between a New York menswear institution, a Venetian fashion house, and one of Brooklyn’s most beloved restaurants. Together, they’ve created something that bridges function, form, heritage and modernity. The fine line between workwear and elegance.
A Return to the Beginning
Barena Venezia’s very first collection in 1993 centered on aprons, strictly functional garments tied to the rhythms of everyday work. This capsule circles back to that origin point while pushing things forward, merging Barena’s historic craftsmanship with the present-day demands of contemporary menswear.
“A collaboration between us three was developed organically,” says Davide Sambin Zara, Barena’s Chief Commercial Officer. “We felt the need to celebrate our shared values of immense passion for what we do.”
Though crafted 100% in Italy, the collection turns its gaze to New York, a city that echoes the spirit of Venice more than one might expect. “New York is deeply connected with Venice,” Sambin Zara notes. “Actually, Venice was the New York of the planet if we go back a few centuries – both cities are set on water and were epicenters of international commerce.”
From the Stove to the Street
The collaboration celebrates the culinary vision of Chez Ma Tante, the Greenpoint eatery by chefs Aidan O’Neal and Jake Leiber. Known for simple, beautifully executed dishes inspired by European pubs, bistros, and trattorias, their approach mirrors the capsule’s ethos: unpretentious, intentional, and deeply personal. With dishes like pig’s head terrine and grilled pork shoulder with lentils, Chez Ma Tante offers more than meals, it offers moments. And now, the same spirit translates into clothing: garments made for good work, good company, and good living.
Four Pieces, Three Colorways, Endless Intent
The capsule features four bespoke items, available in three distinct colourways. Each look is made up of an overshirt and pant set, accompanied by a matching shirt and apron, a deliberate nod to Barena’s original archive. Garments designed to transition seamlessly from the heat of the kitchen to the pace of the street. Built to be worn, lived in, and appreciated across settings. These pieces aren’t about flash. They’re about feel, cut for comfort, designed with care, and shaped by their utility. Whether you’re plating a dish or moving through the city, this is clothing that works with you.
Only at Cueva
This capsule will be available exclusively through Cueva, both IRL and online at cuevashop.com, and launched on Friday, May 16th. Founded by Justin Felizzari, Cueva began as an online-only venture in Fall/Winter 2020. Since then, it has evolved into a dual-location menswear destination, with outposts in Manhattan’s West Village and Brooklyn’s Greenpoint. More than a store, Cueva is a growing community, celebrating designers with distinct voices and curating collections that reflect integrity, storytelling, and style with substance.
