Meet Max Stanco of Newport Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Max Stanco.

Hi Max , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m Max, founder and designer of Max Stanco.

My journey didn’t begin in a fancy showroom or a fashion house. It started in the attic of my childhood home in Long Island, New York. After the 2008 financial crash, I found myself in a difficult place sending out resumes, chasing opportunities that never called back. I had a degree, ambition, and responsibilities to manage on my own. But I also had creativity, and a need to make something real.

I wasn’t embarrassed to sell my sketches and artwork on eBay., as I started I was proud of it. It was practical, efficient, and honest. I needed financial stability, yes, but more than that, I needed peace of mind. Some people assumed I was just a starving artist sitting at home. I wasn’t. I just wasn’t showing everything to everyone. I was building something quietly, with intention.

Orders started coming in. My sketches, my small handcrafted pieces, they resonated. That momentum gave me the confidence to keep going. Eventually, I saved enough to rent my first studio, in Roslyn, NY not far from home, with a dramatic view of the Long Island Sound,. That space became my small sanctuary. For a designer, inspiration and well-being are everything. That view gave me both.

I’ve always believed that design is personal. It’s not just about aesthetics, it’s about emotion, memory, and meaning. That belief led me back to Italy, to Avellino (known for good red wine and black truffles), where my family is from. I worked with local tailors and artisans to create my first full lines. It was a return to roots, old world Italian charm, but also a leap forward. I wanted to build something that felt timeless, not trendy, something that carried soul.

A defining moment came (unexpectedly) through a simple phone call. I was visiting the Marches Region and reached out to Santoni. By chance, Ilenia Santoni herself answered. I introduced myself as a young designer and entrepreneur, and something about the conversation sparked her curiosity. She invited me to meet that same day.

What followed were a few visits that gradually became more personal and friendly. Ilenia saw something in me, the talent, the vision, and encouraged me to pursue my own brand. She even offered me a position within the Santoni corporate structure. It was an incredible opportunity, and I was genuinely amazed by it. I appreciated it deeply.

Sadly, Ilenia passed away young. That loss affected me more than I expected. But it also encouraged me quietly, powerfully to pursue what we had talked about in her offices. To continue building what I started. To trust my instincts and follow my talent.

That decision didn’t close doors; it opened new ones. In life, you never know, I may one day find myself as the creative director of an Italian or American fashion house. What matters is staying true to the journey while remaining open to evolution.

Today, Max Stanco is more than a label, it’s a philosophy. Refined materials, sustainable practices, and timeless design. Luxury not as excess, but as intention. Each piece is crafted to resonate, quietly, confidently.

Los Angeles has always inspired me. The sunsets, the neon fuchsias, the palm trees, it’s chill, stylish, and effortless. Our logo features two LA palms as a tribute. We’re currently looking for a location for our next shop in LA, something with a modern Palm Springs desert vibe, or a Pacific elegance touched by Italian modernity. A space that feels cool, relaxed, and welcoming, for energetic and lazy cats alike.

Recently, I’ve started traveling through remote regions of India, adventuring, learning, and collaborating. I’ve discovered high-talented artisan clusters working with exquisite hand embroidery, and I’m now developing new collections that include women’s pieces. These designs pay tribute to the classic style of Giorgio Armani, a name I’ve often been compared to back in Italy, while embracing the eclectic, regal artistry of India’s cultural heritage. It’s a fusion of restraint and richness, minimalism and majesty.

But beyond design, what matters most to me is people. I care deeply about equality, compassion, and respect. We all carry our own turmoils, and often, others don’t see them. That’s why kindness matters. Life is short. None of us are taking anything with us. What truly lasts is how we treat each other. Love and respect aren’t just ideals, they’re choices. And if we choose them, we can be the start of something better.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not smooth, but definitely meaningful.

There were moments when I had to make decisions that didn’t look glamorous from the outside. I’ve worked alone, managed responsibilities back home, and built things from scratch without a safety net. There were times when I had to be resourceful, not just creatively, but emotionally. I’ve had to balance ambition with reality, and that’s not always easy.

I’ve faced skepticism, especially early on. People didn’t always understand what I was trying to build. There were financial pressures, moments of isolation, and the constant challenge of staying inspired while navigating uncertainty. But I’ve learned to trust the quiet work, the behind-the-scenes effort that doesn’t get posted or praised, but moves things forward.

What kept me going was the belief that style isn’t just about clothes, it’s about character. And every struggle added depth to the vision. I wouldn’t trade the hard parts, because they gave the brand its soul.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a designer, but more than that, I’m someone who’s always been drawn to beauty with meaning. I specialize in creating timeless pieces, leather goods, footwear, accessories, and now women’s collections, that feel refined but never loud. People often say my work has a quiet elegance to it, and I think that comes from how I approach design: with intention, not excess.

What I’m most proud of is that I built this from the ground up. No investors, no shortcuts, just persistence, curiosity, and a lot of late nights. I’ve worked with artisans in Italy, and now I’m collaborating with embroidery clusters in India, blending classic tailoring with rich cultural artistry. I’ve been compared to Giorgio Armani back in Italy, which is flattering, but I’m always trying to bring my own perspective, something that feels both global and personal.

What sets me apart is the philosophy behind the work. I care deeply about health and the environment, so I avoid plastics entirely. I use natural fibers, buttons made from mother of pearl or corozo, and leathers that are sustainably sourced and chemically free. It’s about creating beauty without compromise, pieces that feel good, look good, and do good.

At the end of the day, I want people to wear Max Stanco and feel like they’re part of something thoughtful. Something lasting. Something that respects both the skin and the planet.

How do you think about happiness?
Creating something beautiful from nothing makes me happy. So does good health, nature, and knowing my work respects both.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.maxstanco.com
• Instagram: @maxstanco