Chris Ivery, a longtime music producer and executive, always had an affinity for Sergio Tacchini, the Italian sportswear brand started in 1966 by Italian tennis player Sergio Tacchini — it was endorsed by other tennis pros including John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors and Gabriela Sabatini. 

Once Ivery noticed other heritage sportswear brands reemerging, he thought about Sergio Tacchini and his wife, actress Ellen Pompeo, and encouraged him to reach out to a friend in Italy who licenses brands. Unfortunately, someone was already in the process of acquiring the license for the North American market, but because Ivery was so passionate about the assortment — he pitched the owners a plan detailing how he wanted to elevate the collection — they suggested he work with Stefano Maroni and share the license.