Loro Piana

Summary

Originally from Trivero in northern Italy, Pietro Loro Piana founded Ing. Loro Piana & C. in 1924. Pietro’s nephew Franco took over in 1941, and after the war the firm began established itself as a supplier of premium wool and cashmere textiles for a growing haute couture industry. In the 1970s, Sergio and Pier Luigi Loro Piana took up the reins, diversifying into luxury goods and developing an international retail arm.

Now the world’s foremost cashmere processor, Loro Piana prides itself on sourcing the finest, rarest raw materials, including cashmere from baby goats in northern China and Mongolia, vicuña from the Andes, extra-fine Merino wool from Australia and New Zealand and lotus flower fiber from Myanmar. The company draws on both traditions and technology to offer ready-to-wear garments and accessories made to the highest standards of craftsmanship.

History

Loro Piana was founded in 1924 in Quarona, located in Italy’s Valsesia Valley, by the Loro Piana family. Initially, the company specialised in the production of high-quality wool fabrics.

The history of Loro Piana spans over two centuries and is marked by a commitment to quality over six generations of artisans. The brand’s story begins in the early 1800s in Trivero, a municipality in the Northern Italian region of Piedmont, when the Loro Piana family decided to foray into the local wool trade. A turning point in the Loro Piana history arrived in the 1920s, when Pietro Loro Piana decided to venture beyond trading into fabric production, opting to establish a brand-new company called Ing. Loro Piana & C in 1924.

In 1941, Pietro’s nephew, Franco Loro Piana, took the reins of the business and after World War II, began to source the finest raw materials and transform them into fabrics of unparalleled quality. In the 1970s, Franco’s sons, Pier Luigi and Sergio Loro Piana, stepped up to head the company as joint CEOs. Pier Luigi focused on discovering new, rare materials, while Sergio developed Loro Piana’s international retail arm. As a result, Loro Piana’s ‘Luxury Goods’ division was launched in the 1980s.

One of the key milestones in Loro Piana’s history came in the 1980s when the brand made significant investments in cashmere sourcing. By establishing strong relationships with nomadic herders in Mongolia and China, Loro Piana ensured access to some of the world’s finest cashmere. This initiative solidified the brand’s reputation for quality and paved the way for its global expansion into markets where luxury consumers sought high-end materials and craftsmanship.

Throughout its history, Loro Piana has engaged in collaborations that combine tradition with contemporary design. Notable partnerships include collaborations with Brioni and Hermès, where Loro Piana supplied high-quality fabrics for bespoke collections. In 2016, the brand launched “The Gift of Cashmere,” a limited-edition collection that celebrated its cashmere heritage, further reinforcing its status as a luxury brand synonymous with elegance and sophistication.

Sustainability has become an integral component of Loro Piana’s ethos. The brand has implemented various initiatives aimed at preserving the environment and supporting responsible sourcing practices. For instance, in 2018, Loro Piana introduced the “Sustainable Cashmere” programme, which promotes organic farming methods and traceability within the cashmere supply chain. This commitment has garnered recognition and admiration from environmentally conscious consumers who value transparency in luxury fashion.

A significant milestone in the brand’s history occurred in 2013 when Loro Piana was acquired by the French luxury group LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) for a reported $2.57 billion. Under LVMH’s ownership, Loro Piana continued to innovate and expand, further establishing itself as a leader in the luxury textile and apparel sector.

Loro Piana’s product line has also evolved, with the introduction of a range of luxury outdoor apparel. Its renowned “Storm System” technology, developed in the late 1990s, combines luxury with functionality, creating weather-resistant garments that meet the demands of an active lifestyle without compromising on style. This blend of luxury and practicality has attracted a diverse clientele, further establishing the brand in the luxury fashion landscape.

In March 2025, CEO Damien Bertrand was succeeded by LVMH scion Frédéric Arnault. He will join Loro Piana on March 26, 2025. Arnault, a graduate of France’s le Polytechnique, previously worked for six years at luxury brand TAG Heuer before being named CEO of the LVMH group’s watch division in 2024. “His purposeful vision for the watchmaking industry anchored in quality and savoir-faire have proven to be strategic assets for the group. He also played a key role in developing the global partnership between LVMH and Formula 1,” LVMH said in a statement.

Vision

The visionary behind Loro Piana, Pietro Loro Piana, believed in the fundamental importance of quality over quantity. From the outset, his vision was centred on producing the finest luxury textiles and apparel that would hold lasting value. He sought to create a brand that epitomised luxury, making use of natural materials to craft exquisite pieces that celebrate the artistry of traditional textile manufacturing. This belief still resonates within the company’s operations, guiding its approach to sourcing and crafting finest cashmere and wool products.

Pietro Loro Piana also envisioned a brand deeply rooted in its heritage. He maintained a belief that the craftsmanship of textile production should be preserved and passed down through generations. This resulted in Loro Piana establishing not only a reputation for luxurious garments but also a dedication to upholding artisan skills. The brand’s strong focus on its Italian roots and craftsmanship continues to influence its identity and product offerings, setting it apart in the crowded luxury market.

Moreover, Loro Piana’s commitment to sustainability reflects the founder’s vision for the brand to be a pioneer in environmental responsibility. An advocate for sustainable practices, Pietro Loro Piana emphasised the need for balance between luxury and environmental stewardship. This vision is embodied in the company’s ongoing efforts to ensure responsible sourcing and production processes, appealing to a new generation of environmentally conscious consumers while honouring the brand’s legacy of excellence.

Mission Statement

Loro Piana’s mission is to create the highest quality luxury textiles and garments through meticulous craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to sustainability. The brand aims to maintain its status as a leader in the luxury market by continually investing in research, innovation, and ethical sourcing of materials. By doing so, Loro Piana strives to offer its customers unique products that exemplify elegance, functionality, and enduring quality.

Another core element of Loro Piana’s mission is to preserve the rich heritage of Italian craftsmanship through its operations. This involves not only fostering traditional artisan techniques but also investing in skilled craftsmanship that ensures the highest standards of quality in every product. The brand believes that true luxury is born from an appreciation of meticulous detail and a dedication to the art of textile creation.

Finally, Loro Piana is committed to creating a positive impact on society and the environment. The brand’s mission extends beyond commercial success; it embraces the responsibility to contribute to social and environmental sustainability. By promoting ethical practices and championing environmental initiatives, Loro Piana aligns its business goals with the broader imperative to protect the planet and foster responsible social progress.

Key Team

• Frederick Arnault – Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
• Lucia Loro Piana – Vice President
• Alessandro Loro Piana – Senior Vice President of Finance
• Jessica Mae – Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
• Teresa Scarpellini – Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO)

Products and Services

Loro Piana’s product portfolio is renowned for its premium offerings in the realms of luxury textiles and apparel. Key products include high-quality cashmere and wool garments, such as coats, suits, knitwear, and accessories, which epitomise the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship and quality. Each piece is meticulously tailored to meet the exacting standards of discerning clientele, ensuring that every item embodies the elegance and sophistication synonymous with Loro Piana.

In addition to ready-to-wear apparel, Loro Piana offers a diverse range of luxury accessories, including scarves, gloves, and hats, all infused with the brand’s signature aesthetics. The accessories complement the ready-to-wear lines, enhancing the overall luxury experience for customers. Loro Piana’s commitment to innovation is evident in its “Storm System” collection, featuring outdoor garments that are both functional and fashionable, catering to the needs of modern consumers who seek high performance in luxury products.

Moreover, Loro Piana has a distinguished reputation in the world of interior design through its textile offerings for home furnishings. The company provides a selection of luxurious fabrics suitable for upholstery and decorative elements, showcasing its expertise in textile craftsmanship. By combining quality materials with sophisticated design, Loro Piana contributes to creating elegant living spaces, reinforcing its status as a leading luxury brand across multiple sectors.

Awards and Recognition

Over the years, Loro Piana has garnered numerous accolades for its commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability. In 2019, the brand was awarded the “Sustainable Fashion Award” at the prestigious Green Carpet Fashion Awards for its pioneering efforts in implementing sustainable practices within its supply chain. This recognition emphasises Loro Piana’s dedication to balancing luxury with environmental responsibility, positioning it as a leader in sustainable fashion.

In addition to sustainability awards, Loro Piana has been acknowledged for its innovative textile technology, particularly with the “Storm System” concept. The brand received the “Best Technical Fabric” award at the Milan Textile Awards, showcasing its commitment to blending luxury with functionality without compromising on style. Such accolades highlight Loro Piana’s influence in both the fashion and textile industries, solidifying its reputation for innovation and quality.

Loro Piana’s dedication to preserving traditional craftsmanship has also been celebrated through awards reflecting its rich heritage. The brand has been recognised by the Italian Chamber of Commerce for its contributions to the preservation of artisan skills within the textile industry. This award underscores Loro Piana’s enduring commitment to its roots and the importance of craftsmanship in creating luxury products, further cementing its status as a premier luxury brand.