Loro Piana, synonymous with Italian excellence and understated elegance, celebrates its centenary with the launch of Master of Fibres, a stunning new book written by renowned historian and journalist Nicholas Foulkes and published by luxury publisher Assouline. The book chronicles the extraordinary journey of the Loro Piana family, tracing six generations of visionary entrepreneurship, passion for craftsmanship, and a relentless pursuit of perfection.
This milestone publication, available from November 21st, delves into the Maison’s transformation from a humble wool trading company to one of the most revered luxury houses in the world. It combines extensive interviews with family members and access to the brand’s rich archives of photographs and historical documents to offer a detailed narrative of Loro Piana’s evolution.
Loro Piana: A Century of Excellence
The Loro Piana story begins in the mid-1800s with Giovanni Loro Piana, a wool merchant who laid the foundation for the family’s enduring relationship with fine textiles. The Maison officially came into existence in 1924, when Pietro Loro Piana established his wool mill in the picturesque Valsesia valley of Piedmont, Italy. This location, renowned for its pristine waters, became a critical element in producing the exquisite fabrics for which the brand is celebrated.
By the 1980s, under the stewardship of brothers Pier Luigi and Sergio Loro Piana, the Maison entered a new era of innovation and global recognition. Pier Luigi’s engineering expertise and Sergio’s impeccable sense of style complemented each other, resulting in creations like the iconic Grande Unita scarf. Together, they pioneered the use of rare and luxurious fibers such as Vicuña, Baby Cashmere, and Lotus Flower, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge textile engineering.
A Journey Through Master of Fibres
Nicholas Foulkes masterfully captures the essence of Loro Piana in Master of Fibres, taking readers on a journey that spans more than a century. From the brand’s roots in wool trading to its transformation into a global luxury powerhouse, the book highlights the Maison’s unwavering commitment to quality, authenticity, and timeless style.
Richly illustrated with 150 images, the 196-page volume is a visual and tactile delight. Encased in a luxury clamshell case and bound in Loro Piana’s Tela Sergio fabric—a cotton-linen blend favored by Sergio Loro Piana—the book is a testament to the brand’s savoir-faire. Its hand-bound pages and color plates, tipped on art-quality paper, reflect the Maison’s dedication to unparalleled craftsmanship.
A Collaboration of Masters
The collaboration with Assouline, a brand celebrated for redefining modern publishing, further enhances the book’s prestige. Founded in Paris in 1994, Assouline has built a legacy of creating visually rich and culturally significant books that are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the mind. Known for its luxurious editions, the publisher has worked with some of the world’s most respected brands, writers, and designers, establishing itself as a leader in high-end publishing.
Nicholas Foulkes, the author of Master of Fibres, brings his extensive experience and storytelling prowess to the project. Foulkes has authored nearly 30 books, including notable works for Assouline, such as Swans: Legends of the Jet Societyand The Impossible Collection of Watches. His ability to weave together historical context, personal anecdotes, and cultural insights makes Master of Fibres an essential addition to any connoisseur’s collection.
A Testament to Timeless Craftsmanship
Master of Fibres is more than a celebration of Loro Piana’s past; it is a reflection of the brand’s enduring values and vision for the future. Combining unparalleled textile engineering with exquisite raw materials, the Maison continues to create masterpieces that resonate with discerning clients around the globe.
Available in select Loro Piana and Assouline stores worldwide, as well as online at Assouline.com, the book is a fitting tribute to a century of innovation, artistry, and Italian savoir-faire. It serves as both a historical archive and an inspiration for future generations, encapsulating the essence of a brand that has set the gold standard in luxury.
As Loro Piana celebrates this landmark anniversary, Master of Fibres stands as a reminder of the power of passion, craftsmanship, and vision—qualities that have defined the Maison for 100 years and will continue to do so for centuries to come.
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