Author, historian, and journalist Nicolás Forques gathers facts and stories through extensive interviews with members of the Loro Piana family, and delves deep into the photographs and historical documents that are Loro Piana’s archives, highlighting unforgettable moments in the world of Loro Piana, deeply rooted in Italian know-how and craftsmanship. It takes the reader on a special journey through time. The book chronicles a century of outstanding history, from a passport granted to woolen merchant Giovanni Loro Piana in the mid-1800s to a luxury house known for its ultimate quality, elegant silhouettes, and handling of some of the world’s most precious textiles.
In 1924, Pietro Loro Piana founded a woolen factory in Valsesia, a valley on the River Sesia in Piedmont. The Sage River is known for its clear, clean water, which is essential for the production of fine textiles. The 1980s saw the efforts of Pier Luigi and Sergio Loro Piana to create unique products such as the Grande Unita scarf, which has now become a global icon. Sergio had an innate sense of style, while Pierre Luigi was an engineer with an insatiable desire for excellence and an insatiable quest for the discovery of the world’s best fibers. The siblings complemented each other perfectly, resulting in an effortless and relaxed garment with a sophisticated and discreet style and meticulously crafted materials such as Vicuña, The Gift of Kings ®, cashmere, baby cashmere, and lotus flowers. At Loro Piana, exceptional textile engineering and traditional craftsmanship combine with the finest raw materials of nature to create stunning gems for connoisseurs.
This 196-page handmade book features 150 illustrations and photographs and is housed in a sumptuous clamshell case covered in Loro Piana Terra Sergio fabric, made from cotton and linen, one of Sergio Loro Piana’s favourite fabrics. The cover is a testament to the Maison’s craftsmanship, pleasant to the touch, and a tribute to the rich sensory qualities. The book, part of Athrine’s Ultimate Collection, is hand-bound using traditional techniques and hand-applied colour swatches on art-quality paper.
The book “Master of Fibres” will be available from November 21 at Loro Piana Ginza and Athrine’s own stores, as well as Assouline.com.
About Nicholas Folkes
Writer, historian, and journalist. He is the author of nearly 30 books on history, art, and style, including the 19th-century British history trilogy Last of the Dandies, Dancing into Battle, and Gentlemen and Blackguards. He is the author of Bals: Legendary Costume Balls of the Twentieth Century (2011), Swans: Legends of the Jet Society (2013), The Impossible Collection of Watches (2014, 2022), Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso (2020), and Louis Vuitton Manufactures (2021).
About Athrine
Founded in Paris in 1994 by Prosper and Martine Athline, Athrine is the first luxury brand dedicated to culture. It began with a desire to create a new contemporary style of the book through the couple’s experienced eyes on rich stories and compelling stories. Guided by knowledge, culture, and a passion for travel, the couple has since expanded their vision to nearly 2,000 titles, including five main collections, as well as special editions, home fragrances, and unique library accessories to create exciting grand objects. Over the past 30 years, the company has established a network of international boutiques in prominent locations around the world. With a brilliant team of creative talents, including the founder’s son Alexandre, the brand continues to reinvent the concept of true luxury. Athrine’s collaborators include some of the world’s most renowned brands, artists, photographers, authors, and designers. Athrine represents an unparalleled signature style and elegant craftsmanship that is redefining modern publishing globally.
