Max poglia: A Member Spotlight
Max Poglia, Director & Owner of Poglia & SmokedBone
SmokedBone Beverly Slippers - Photographer @lorenzo_sodi
Q. How did your adventure in the fashion world begin?
I never really saw myself in fashion, but I’ve always been around it. I’m the creative director and owner of Poglia, a New York- and Florence-based lifestyle brand known for high-end knives and objects. While Poglia has always had a presence in select boutiques and beautiful stores worldwide, my journey started long before that—four years in Milan, twelve in New York. Being surrounded by fashion and design naturally led me to create SmokedBone, but with a much more playful and lighthearted approach. SmokedBone was designed in New York and is crafted here in Tuscany.
Q. What does SmokedBone mean?
The name SmokedBone originally came from a line within Poglia that literally featured smoked bone, but I found it incredibly sexy as a name on its own. It plays on the idea of desire, the tipping point at the edge of indulgence, or that euphoric moment of satisfaction—right after sex, when you light up a cigarette, when you are smoked bone.
As a brand, it translates into slippers and robes meant to be worn over a tuxedo for the best parties or naked in the late morning for your first coffee and late checkout.
Legendary Smoked Bone party at House of Nine - Photographer @lorenzo_sodi
Q. People are still talking about your party at House of Nine for the brand launch. What inspired you? What do you think worked well?
I think people have forgotten what makes a great party. House of Nine itself helped a lot—with all its velvet, music, and bold rooms, it brought back that lost nostalgia. But great party isn’t just about beauty or a luxurious location—it’s about the edge. I believe the edge makes the party. It’s about mystery, freedom, and the feeling that something is happening, and if you’re not there, you’re missing out. It’s about create the magic.
The best parties have an energy that keeps people curious, dancing, where every room holds a new surprise, a certain sex appeal, a vibe you can’t quite define. That’s the SmokedBone vibe. That’s what we aimed for. Most of the branded parties I attend, I don’t leave with much. But everyone at SmokedBone party left knowing exactly what the brand is about.
Q: There was a piece from SmokedBone at Sanremo. Who did you dress?
We had Rebecca Baglini, one of Italy’s top celebrity stylists, attending the party. She loved the vibe of the brand and asked us for a full look, requesting custom pieces for Alessandro Cattelan, featured in Grazia Magazine, as well as for Shablo, as seen in Vanity Fair.
