In celebration of its 100th anniversary, Loro Piana proudly introduces Master of Fibres, a meticulously crafted book written by historian and journalist Nicholas Foulkes and published by Assouline. This exquisite volume not only chronicles the incredible journey of Loro Piana, a brand synonymous with Italian luxury and craftsmanship, but also captures the remarkable story of a visionary family of entrepreneurs whose legacy has spanned six generations.
A Legacy of Visionary Craftsmanship
Master of Fibres offers an in-depth exploration of Loro Piana’s evolution from a wool trading business to the prestigious Maison known for creating the world’s finest textiles. Through interviews with the Loro Piana family and a deep dive into the brand’s archives, Foulkes paints a vivid portrait of a company that has built its reputation on excellence, savoir-faire, and a relentless pursuit of perfection.
The book spans over a century of history, beginning in the mid-1800s with Giovanni Loro Piana’s passport granted as a wool merchant, to the establishment of Loro Piana’s renowned wool mill in Valsesia in 1924 by Pietro Loro Piana. Set against the backdrop of the serene River Sesia in Piedmont, the region’s pristine waters proved essential for creating the exquisite textiles the company became known for.
A Partnership of Perfection: Pier Luigi and Sergio Loro Piana
The 1980s marked a pivotal moment in Loro Piana’s history when brothers Pier Luigi and Sergio Loro Piana transformed the company into the luxury Maison we recognize today. Pier Luigi, with his engineering genius and insatiable thirst for discovering the finest fibers, and Sergio, with his innate sense of style, perfectly complemented each other’s strengths. Together, they crafted a sophisticated, understated style that celebrates effortless elegance.
Their groundbreaking work with extraordinary fibers such as Vicuña, The Gift of Kings®, Cashmere, Baby Cashmere, and Lotus Flower redefined the world of luxury textiles. Each piece from Loro Piana reflects a blend of virtuoso textile engineering and timeless craftsmanship, creating masterpieces for discerning connoisseurs of luxury.
An Exquisite Collector’s Item
This 196-page hardcover volume is as much a work of art as it is a tribute to Loro Piana’s heritage. Housed in a luxury clamshell case, the book’s cover is made from Loro Piana’s signature Tela Sergio fabric, a cotton-linen blend that was a personal favorite of Sergio Loro Piana. This tactile cover exemplifies the Maison’s commitment to savoir-faire and adds to the book’s sensorial experience.
The book is part of Assouline’s Ultimate Collection, meticulously hand-bound using traditional techniques, with 150 illustrations and color plates hand-tipped onto art-quality paper. Each page offers an unforgettable glimpse into the world of Loro Piana, blending history, craftsmanship, and luxury in a timeless masterpiece.
A Global Release for Collectors and Enthusiasts
Master of Fibres will be available starting November 21st in select Loro Piana boutiques, Assouline stores worldwide, and on Assouline.com. This limited edition is a must-have for anyone who appreciates the artistry of luxury textiles and the storied history of one of the world’s most prestigious fashion houses.
About Loro Piana
Loro Piana is a symbol of Italian excellence, known for its understated elegance and exceptional quality. Since its founding, the Maison has remained committed to offering sublime beauty and authenticity to a discerning global clientele, while upholding an unwavering focus on service excellence.
About Nicholas Foulkes
Nicholas Foulkes is an esteemed author, historian, and journalist with a distinguished portfolio of works on history, the arts, and style. His books include Bals: Legendary Costume Balls of the Twentieth Century and The Impossible Collection of Watches, among others.
About Assouline
Founded in Paris in 1994, Assouline is a luxury publishing brand that redefines modern publishing with its visually rich stories and compelling narratives. With a prestigious roster of collaborators, Assouline continues to lead the world of high-end publishing with nearly 2,000 titles in its collection.
