the
fabric suppliers
Learn more about the companies and people behind the fabric who have been creating them for centuries using passion and traditional crafstmanship.
FABRIC SUPPLIERS A-Z
ariston
IMPARATO spa distributes Men's high quality fabrics, since 1920.
The headquarter is near Naples, the heart of the style, elegance and couture worldwide. Our precious fabrics are produced exclusively in Italy and cover a wide range of compositions and fibers : wool, mohair, silk, cashmere, cotton and linen.
We work with the best clothing manufacturers and most famous boutiques and fashion houses around the world.
The family is at the helm of the company for four generations. Passion for fabrics, competence, tradition are blended to family atmosphere to create the exclusive ARISTON collection, twice a year. Research and innovation, tradition and quality are the cornerstones of the company.
caccioppoli
At the beginning of the 1900s, Vincenzo Caccioppoli decided to leave Naples, together with his eldest son Raffaele, and to start importing clothing fabrics from Italy and the United States in Bogotà, Colombia.
There he opens a shop called “Almanacen Italia” in Plaza Bolìvar. A few years later his second son, Salvatore, also joined them in Colombia.
Around 1920, with the conclusion of the First World War, Vincenzo Caccioppoli with his two sons understood that it was the right time to return to his Naples and start a business for the sale of fabrics.
Thus was born the historic Caccioppoli shop in the heart of Naples, in Piazza Nicola Amore, which is still the current headquarters of the company.
A few years later the other two sons, Cosimo and Antonio, also joined the company, thus founding the “F.lli Caccioppoli di V.zo”.
canclini
The first generational change took place in the Sixties. The outstanding experience acquired in working with a precious and luxury fibre like silk together with the tenacity and laboriously bard work that are typical of the genuine Como entrepreneurship led the family to abandon the silk sector for cotton in the Sixties. This proved to be an inspired decision since the fabrics, in the following years, began to be exported to German and French markets. At the end of the Eighties, the offices were moved to the current location in Guanzate and the second generational change took place. The business received new impetus with the purchase of cutting edge machines and the installation of new semiautomatic warehouse.
Leading brand in shirting fabrics
Today, thanks to its passion for work, dynamism, constant innovation and creativity, the company is one of the leading reference brands in the sector of high quality shirting fabrics. Canclini has reached its current position as a reference point for quality, styling, service, research and innovation in the production of Italian shirtings because its inherent passion has permitted it to achieve a dream. In a sector subject to increasingly rapid change and variations in style, Canclini has set itself certain objectives for the future.
carnet
Carnet is a division of the Ratti Group that manufactures and distributes the best fabrics all over the world for tailor’s shops, designers, emerging stylists and garment makers, representing an ideal point of reference for the realisation of made-to-measure garments for both men and women.
A wide range of fabrics, exclusive base proposals, from printing to yarn-dyed, from silk to wool. Carnet offers high-end fabrics by the metre for both men and women.
It is a partner of reference for the most important fashion brands thanks to the high quality of its products and the service it offers.
cerruti
1770-1880 THE BEGINNING OF AN ADVENTURE
In the middle of 1700, the family name Cerruti appears in the communal lists under the heading “Arti et Negotij”, a term used in those days for somebody who manufactures cloths or has cloths manufactured. From the end of 1700 to 1881 various generations of the family have worked both as self-employed, as well as skilled, expert weavers in various factories in the area, accumulating the cultural and economic capital necessary to give life to one of the most extraordinary business and personal adventures of modern times.
delfino
Over 100 years of history in the drapery business
In a local area steeped in most ancient traditions of wool production, where water flows with a special purity, the Fratelli Tallia di Delfino wool mill was established, giving rise to the celebrated fabric brand dedicated to men's high fashion, and well-respected throughout the world for its extensive experience in fine drapery. Its long history, small dimensions, sourcing of the finest raw materials and application of the best of the 'Made in Biella' tradition have made Tallia di Delfino a true excellence of Italian drapery.
dormeuil
During its 170 years of history, Dormeuil has been producing the finest fabrics on the planet, blending timeless British elegance with a touch of French chic. With an undoubtable reputation, Dormeuil is the choice of kings, presidents, Hollywood stars and connoisseurs from all over the world.
Dormeuil (pronounced “door-may”) was founded in 1842 by Jules Dormeuil with the initial objective of importing English cloth into France. Today, it is a fifth generation family firm and one of the leading providers of luxury fabrics for the five continents of the world.
Jules started his career as a fabric merchant when he was 22 years old. After a few years, his brothers Alfred and Auguste joined him in the business who were both inspired and motivated by his achievement.
In 1862, The company was named Dormeuil Frères and set up its registered office at 4 rue Vivienne in Paris. The first Dormeuil boutique in London was opened in 1871. Dormeuil established themselves as a stable provider of high-quality materials for aristocratic clothing in Paris and London. Dormeuil textiles were ordered on a regular basis by notable tailors in various locations and were used by top fashion firms to produce couture items.
drago
Everything began in 1973 when the founders of the Drago family created the historical spinning company, real referring point for the main wool mills in Biella. Over the years the company earned a major share of the market becoming leader in its field and since 1980 it has developed an efficient international sales network around the world. At the same time joined the company the sons Paolo and Daniela, that with targeted studies and innovative ideas strongly contributed to the expansion of the Group. In 1993, the Drago family acquires Lanificio Fintes, expanding so its structure and giving life to the new fabrics division. An important choice that over the years has brought Drago Lanificio in Biella to consolidate its brand, incorporating in 2001 the Lanificio Fintes within the Drago Group.
drapers
Drapers distributes fabrics that distinguish themselves through their style, quality and how the raw materials are processed, selecting them to satisfy every customer’s taste, ranging from must-haves in a gentleman’s wardrobe to the more fanciful. Additionally, special attention is paid to our service, which is characterised by assistance, rapidity and punctuality of delivery.
dugdale
In 1896, Henry Percy and Frederick Herbert Dugdale established their cloth merchants business in Huddersfield, the centre of Britain’s fine worsted industry.
Dugdale remained in the family for two generations, through prosperous times and perilous war years until it was later acquired by Keith Charnock and now chairman Rob Charnock.
ermenegildo zegna
Zegna was founded in 1910 in Trivero, Italy by a young entrepreneur called Ermenegildo - he was the youngest of Angelo Zegna’s 10 children. Angelo, a watchmaker by trade, had started weaving wool using four looms. From these humble beginnings, an 18-year-old Ermenegildo began using the looms creating quality fabrics that he described as “the most beautiful in the world”.
fox brothers
We believe the Wellington woollen business can be traced back to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, to John Were of Pinksmoor Mill. In 1772 the young Thomas Fox became a partner in his grandfather Thomas Were’s serge (cloth) making company at Trade Court, South Street, Wellington. Thomas went abroad to study languages and the woollen trade, and on his return the company was transformed from a small cottage industry into one of the most successful family-owned cloth manufacturers run by the Fox family for the next seven generations.
harris tweed
One of the most desirable wool textiles in the world, Harris Tweed, is produced in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland; on the one island with two names, separated only by a mountain range - the islands of Lewis and Harris.
The story begins with pure virgin wools which are blended together to gain the advantages of their unique qualities and characteristics. Although the wool used to make Harris Tweed is principally taken from flocks reared on the mainland of Scotland, in the early summer the island communities join together to round up and shear the local sheep to add their locally reared wool to the mainland clip.
harrisons
James & Ogilvie founded in 1827 at 123 High Street, Edinburgh, Scotland. Harrisons of Edinburgh is founded in 1863 by a 51 year Sir George Harrison through the acquisition of James & Ogilvie moving into their premises of 31 North Bridge, Edinburgh.
The Harrison Arch is built in 1888 to commemorate George Harrison's contribution to Edinburgh, while 2 Streets in the city (Harrison Road & Harrison Gardens) here named in his honor. Lear Browne and Dunsford chose Exeter as their base when they commenced trading in 1895, supplying fine quality fabrics and linings to the worldwide tailoring industry, some 111 years later (2006) they would acquire Harrison & Co.
George Archibald Harrison (the third George to head the firm after George Harrison Jr dies in 1890) begins exporting cloth to the USA. When US customers asked for a trade mark to distinguish the cloth, the Thistle was chosen. This was designed by E.S Harrison.Over time George Harrison & Co enlarges its business to include English worsteds and coatings before opening offices in London, Paris, Berlin and Brussels. After the war Harrisons & Co became partners with Porter and Harding, a firm who specialise in sports cloth. To two companies would later reunite over 40 years later.
huddersfield fine worsted
Huddersfield Fine Worsteds, who supply many of Earl of Bedlam’s fabrics, incorporates fabric names such as Broadhead & Graves, Learoyd Broth-
ers, Martin & Sons, Hunt & Winterbotham, J.J. Minnis, John G. Hardy and Hardy Minnis. Hardy Minnis is the only fabric merchant with a Royal Warrant, awarded for supplying our famous Alsport Tweed to the Balmoral Estate. Huddersfield Fine Worsteds fabrics are used by some of the world’s leading tailors and designers, such as Louis Vuitton, Paul Smith, Ralph Lauren, Huntsman, Anderson & Sheppard, and Henry Poole.
The history of Huddersfield Fine Worsteds dates back to 1830, when cloth was hand scoured in the Huddersfield village of Kirkheaton. Hardy Minnis traces its roots back to the 16th century in the village of Cam in the Cotswolds.
holland & sherry
Since 1836 Holland & Sherry has continued to supply prestigious tailors and luxury brands with some of the finest cloths in the world. Stephen George Holland and Frederick Sherry began the business as woolen merchants at 10 Old Bond Street, London, specializing in both woolen and silk cloths. In 1886 Holland & Sherry moved premises to Golden Square, at the time the epicenter of the woolen merchanting trade.
By 1900 the firm was exporting to many countries, it was around that time a sales office was established in New York. In the early part of the 20th century, the United Kingdom, Europe, North and South America were the dominant markets for the company. Amongst other distribution arrangements, there was a Holland & Sherry warehouse in St. Petersburg, Russia – a successful market prior to the revolution and now being successfully renewed.
By 1982 the business moved to Savile Row, which remains as our registered head office.
Johnstons of Elgin
Alexander Johnston established the Elgin Mill on the banks of the river Lossie over two centuries ago, founding a legacy of fine craft and exquisite fabric. By 1810, Johnstons of Elgin had quickly and firmly established themselves as a leader in the wool industry. Estate Tweeds, which were popularised by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, became coveted fabrics which we still produce to this day in our Elgin mill.
The Industrial Revolution was the transition to new manufacturing processes in the period from about 1760 to sometime between 1820 and 1840. Hand power was being replaced by machines, and working conditions were improving. The 1850s were exceptionally significant to our Johnstons of Elgin story, with James Johnston introducing exotic fibres to the business – which led to the purchasing of our first bale of Cashmere from a London supplier. The newly opened train line connecting London and Elgin, was a significant improvement for transporting raw fibre in and finished goods out to market.
loro piana
Based in northern Italy, Loro Piana produces superlative textiles and luxury goods using the world's finest, rarest raw materials. The pursuit of excellence has been its mission for six generations.
Originally from Trivero in northern Italy, the Loro Piana family began trading wool in the early 1800s. In 1924, Pietro Loro Piana founded Ing. Loro Piana & C., the current company. Pietro’s nephew Franco took over in 1941, and after the war the firm began to establish its reputation as a supplier of premium wool and cashmere textiles for a growing haute couture industry, both home and abroad. 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 very finest, rarest raw materials the world has to offer, including unique 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 time-honored traditions and state of the art technology to offer its discerning customers products that are renowned for their peerless quality. All of the company’s collections of ready-to-wear garments and accessories are made in Italy to the highest standards of craftsmanship and sartorial excellence.
piacenza
The Lanificio Fratelli Piacenza has survived economic crises, wars, occupations and fires, alternating with periods of revival and of rampant optimism, while the family’s solidity, enterprise and courage have always ensured that it plays a leading role. The Piacenza family has shown a consistent, farsighted ability to ride the crest of the wave of its times, occupying the spotlight both industrially and politically, opening a shop in Turin when the French occupation had made the mill lose markets and workers, studying and adopting innovative methods from abroad, being the first in Italy to produce patterned fabrics during the period of the Italian Wars of Independence, discovering and importing a series of noble fibres, gaining the acknowledgement and support of such important politicians as Count Cavour and, above all, creating new markets for their fabrics in France, Belgium, England, Switzerland, the Americas, the Indies and other Asian countries in Felice’s days. Without forgetting finding new stimuli to revive the company after the great depression in the thirties and again after the Second World War. Some members of the family have held important public offices: Giovanni Battista served as President of the Turin Court of Appeal and contributed to drawing up the Civil Code, while Giuseppe Battista was the King’s first civic architect and a member of the Turin Academy. Others have brought innovation to the company, giving it a new lease of life after dark days, always driven by their love of quality and of nature.
The Lanificio Fratelli Piacenza is a full member of the international hénokiens society, whose members are all family firms with at least two centuries of history to their names.
reda
The history of Reda begins in 1865 and is intertwined with that of the Botto Poala family, which has guided the company in the production of exceptional Merino wool textiles since 1919. Sustainable innovation, passion for excellence and a deeply-rooted Made in Italy tradition are the values that drive Reda in the manufacturing of exceptional-quality Merino wool textiles. The age-old passion of Reda has been passed down from generation to generation, resisting adversity over time and looking to the future with an approach that is innovative, but at the same time, respectful of the company’s past. The Reda story begins in 1865 with the founding of the historic wool mill in Valle Mosso (in the Piedmont region of Italy) by local entrepreneur Carlo Reda and is also linked to the Botto Poala brothers, descendants of a renowned textiles family. In 1919, the Botto Poala brothers acquire the historic wool mill, marking the beginning of a long road that will see Reda become an institution of the textile industry both in Italy and abroad. Today, CEO Ercole Botto Poala, with the support of his cousins, Francesco, as COO, Fabrizio and Guglielmo, promote growth through continuous innovation while respecting the traditions and history of the company.
rogna
The hallmark "Made in Italy" represents an invaluable heritage of craftsmanship that must be protected and appreciated: All Rogna fabrics are the result of a manufacturing process that takes place entirely in Italy. The final spinning, weaving and finishing are performed by our partner, Lanificio Cesare Gatti.
Lanificio Cesare Gatti, is situated in Camburzano, a small village in the heart of the famous Biella region, known for producing the world's finest fabrics.
The mill produces top-quality fabrics, excelling at Cashmere products as well as precious blends of wool with silk, Mongolian cashmere, and linen with unique features.
scabal
Scabal’s heritage English mill located in Huddersfield, the home of traditional English cloth making, has existed since the 16th century. A large majority of our collections are still woven here. As with many Yorkshire mills, the area’s soft water gives the cloths a recognizable fine finish. At Scabal we weave 80 years of passion directly into our collections, and we believe our customers can recognise the efforts of such devotion. Our teams of dedicated designers and master weavers work tirelessly to ensure that Scabal stays at the cutting edge of innovation, while staying true to our heritage.
solbiati
Michele Solbiati founds the company in Busto Arsizio. Later, he moves the weaving factory to Lonate Pozzolo, producing textiles for the workwear of his day—velvets and heavy brushed cotton.His son Leopoldo continues this tradition throughout the new century, transforming the small family business into a full-scale clothing firm.
The third generation of the Solbiati family takes the company’s reins with Peppino and Enrico Solbiati, helping his father, Leopoldo. Peppino Solbiati enlarges the company, acquiring the illustrious Bruno Pessina dyeing and cotton printing factory in Como.He introduces new viscose fibres—spun and filament rayon for womenswear—and founds Sasil in Lonate Pozzolo, exporting textiles to England, India, Indonesia and Northern Africa.
standeven
Incorporated in 1885 by our founding partners John William Standeven and Sam Earnshaw. The company’s prosperity was founded on the excellence of its manufacturing, built by the devotion of the Standeven generations.
Mr John Standeven worked over 16 hours a day and did all his own designing. The business produced 50,000 new designs each season. This solid work ethic, commitment to customers and passion for design still remain very much in the brands blueprint.
Located originally at Mixenden mill near Halifax, then to Ellen Royde Mills and then to Ladyship Mills near Halifax.
At its height the business employed 700 people undertaking all the processes from raw material to finished articles. Processes included combing, drawing, spinning, weaving and finishing. The cloths ranged from tropical goods to 32oz coatings.
Special attention was devoted to export trade and the business had a direct resident representative in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada United States of America and South Africa. Continental business was also well looked after.
Today the business still strives to be a major contender in Luxury cloth supporting tailors internationally.
On 15th October 1926 HRH The Prince of Wales, 10 years later to be crowned King of the United Kingdom, visited Standeven & Co Ltd. The prince met with employees and managers in all the many departments and was presented with two specially woven suit lengths.
thomas mason
Thomas Mason is widely considered one of the top Italian mills for dress shirt fabrics. Founded in England over 200 years ago by the enterprising industrialist Thomas Mason, the storied mill was purchased by Italy’s Albini Group in 1992. With production now based in Italy, Thomas Mason still maintains its English heritage by staying true to the historical and aesthetic qualities present in the brand’s extensive fabric archives. Thomas Mason fabrics are among the best in the world, and we’re proud to carry them prominently in our collection.
The Thomas Mason fabric mill was founded in 1796 in Leeds, England. The first fabrics were considered top quality and were widely used by West End London tailors to clothe the British aristocracy.
Through the 1800s, as Britain’s empire and wealth expanded, so did Thomas Mason’s global reach. Back in Victorian Era London, Jermyn Street and Savile Row emerged as a center for fine gentleman’s clothing. Fine bespoke suit and shirt makers such as Turnbull & Asser, Norton & Sons, and Emmett London flourished.