Loro Piana: The Pinnacle of Italian Craftsmanship
The story of Loro Piana began in the early 1800s in Trivero, Italy, when the Piana family entered the wool trade. However, it was in 1924 that Pietro Loro Piana formally established the brand as a high-end textile business. Over the decades, the company built a reputation for sourcing and producing the world's finest raw materials, focusing on rare and high-quality fibers like baby cashmere, vicuña, and the finest merino wool.
Exquisite Materials: The Heart of the Brand
Loro Piana’s reputation rests on its ability to work with the world's rarest and softest natural fibers. Here are a few of its most iconic materials:
Baby Cashmere - Loro Piana was the first brand to introduce baby cashmere, an ultra-rare fiber obtained from the underfleece of Hircus goat in Mongolia. Only 30 grams of usable fiber can be gathered from each goat, making it one of the rarest and softest materials in the world.
Vicuña: The “Gold of the Andes” - Vicuña wool is often referred to as the “fiber of the gods” due to its exceptional softness and rarity. Loro Piana played a key role in the conservation of the vicuña species, helping to regulate ethical shearing practices in Peru and Argentina to protect this delicate animal while ensuring the continuation of the trade.
The Finest Merino Wool - The brand is known for using the world’s highest-quality merino wool, sourced from specially selected sheep in Australia and New Zealand. Loro Piana has even developed a Super 170s, 200s, and 250s merino wool, offering an ultra-lightweight yet warm fabric used in their luxurious tailoring.
Lotus Flower Fabric - One of the most unique offerings from Loro Piana is its lotus flower fabric, handwoven in Myanmar. This delicate textile is known for its breathability, softness, and exclusivity, making it a true rarity in the luxury market.
Luxury Meets Innovation
While Loro Piana remains deeply rooted in traditional craftsmanship, the company has also embraced modern innovation. The brand has developed proprietary fabric treatments such as:
Storm System® – A treatment that makes natural fibers water- and wind-resistant without compromising softness and breathability.
Rain System® – A protective treatment applied to wool and cashmere to increase durability against the elements.
Green Storm System® – A more sustainable version of the Storm System®, using plant-based and eco-friendly treatments.
Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
Loro Piana is not only committed to excellence in craftsmanship but also to sustainability. The brand has taken significant steps to ensure the ethical treatment of animals and fair practices in fiber production. It actively collaborates with communities in Mongolia, Peru, and New Zealand to support traditional herding methods and ensure responsible sourcing.
Additionally, Loro Piana has invested in conservation projects, such as preserving endangered species like the vicuña and promoting reforestation efforts in its supply chain.
For those who understand and appreciate true luxury, owning a Loro Piana garment is about experiencing the heritage, craftsmanship, and exclusivity that define the world’s finest textiles.
