Loro Piana
Superlative Raw Materials
Sourcing the finest raw materials often requires traveling the world. Loro Piana journeys to the most remote corners in pursuit of excellence because their commitment to continuous improvement means that perfection remains the ultimate goal.
About Cashmere
Loro Piana cashmere is among the rarest and most luxurious in the world. Its uniqueness comes from the remote regions of Mongolia and northern China, where proud herders raise Hircus goats. To survive harsh winters and severe summers, these extraordinary animals develop remarkable coats that provide effective protection against the elements. Their undercoat is composed of extremely fine fibers, about 14.5 microns in diameter, minimizing thermal osmosis due to its dense concentration. Thanks to these properties, cashmere is one of the finest and most valuable fibers in the world, with extraordinary temperature-regulating qualities.
The Gold of Mongolia
Mongolia produces the finest portion of this highly prized fiber. By working directly in the country, Loro Piana has established privileged relationships with the herders who raise the cashmere-producing Hircus goats. Once a year, the valuable wool is carefully combed in a process that is completely harmless to the animals. Each goat yields 450–500 grams of raw fiber annually; after removing coarse outer hairs, this is reduced to a maximum of 250 grams. Only the finest cashmere is used to create Loro Piana yarns and fabrics.
The Queen of the Andes: Vicuña
The high plains of Peru and Argentina are home to the world’s finest and rarest animal fiber: the vicuña, a small member of the camel family once revered by the Incas. Loro Piana is now the world’s leading processor of vicuña. The finest fiber legally harvested from an adult animal averages just 12.5–13 microns in diameter. Fibers are collected every two years, and each adult produces roughly 250 grams of wool, which, after removing coarser hairs, is reduced to just 120–150 grams. Feather-light and incredibly soft, this precious raw material gives fabrics an exceptionally unique touch.
The Treasure of Oceania: Merino Wool
Loro Piana also travels to Australia and New Zealand, where Merino sheep have found their ideal habitat. Their wool is among the world’s finest, extremely soft, fine, and lustrous. Superfine Merino is rare and valuable. Out of the 75 million sheep currently in Australia, only 18 million produce wool finer than 19 microns. Each year, Loro Piana proudly purchases the “Record Bales,” the finest wool bales produced annually in Australia and New Zealand. The very best receive a special award, fostering competition among the farms.