Ports International was founded in Toronto, Canada in 1961 by visionary entrepreneur, Luke Tanabe, as a premium niche womens’ fashion brand. With the help of his two talented daughters, Christine and Miki Tanabe, he had a philosophy that embraced the “changing of the times,” and was inspired by strong women entering the workplace during the 60s. He designed masculine silhouettes with feminine touches, such as a crisp white shirt with a precise cut. He coined it the No. 10 Blouse, which became the iconic piece that built the brand in the 60s and 70s in North America.

Dean and Dan Caten took over the baton from Christine and Miki Tanabe, in the early 80s, and continued to push the brand forward. With the success of the label, PORTS launched its European operations by opening a boutique in London’s prestigious New Bond Street, followed by stores in Cambridge and Bath in the 80s.

In 2004, Co-Creative Directors Fiona and Tia Cibani launched Ports 1961 as the designer luxury brand, which has grown to become an internationally recognized player in the exclusive world of designer fashion.

Today, Ports 1961 is based in Milan, Italy with the appointment of two Creative Directors. Natasa Cagalj is the Creative Director of Ports 1961 womenswear and Milan Vukmirovic is the Creative Director of Ports 1961 menswear. Made in Italy, with a truly international point of view, Ports 1961 is a mix of talent from all over the world with operations in Europe, Asia and North America.