Luxury wool trousers by Vitale Barberis Canonico

The history of Vitale Barberis Canonico

Vitale Barberis Canonico, with exactly three and a half centuries of history, is the oldest spinning company in the world still in operation, having never interrupted production since its foundation in 1663. The "quinternetto delle taglie" (size book), dating back to this date, is a particularly significant historical document for the Barberis Canonico family. It is, in fact, the first official document that not only bears witness to the company's wool business, but also describes the mastery of the dyeing process.It also describes the company's mastery of the dyeing process, which at the time was jealously handed down from father to son. Between 1890 and 1906, the factory automated the dyeing process, acquiring the most efficient looms. The 20th century also brought with it the new and precious resource of electricity, allowing Giuseppe Barberis Canonico to inaugurate a full-cycle factory in Pratrivero in 1910. The company's flourishing growth led to the opening of two further factories in the Trivero area, while the exceptional quality of the fabrics produced there proved so successful that exports were no longer confined to Europe, but extended to the Americas, the English Indies and as far away as distant Heathered.

A responsible approach

The company works in harmony with nature, aiming for the lowest possible environmental impact. Water is managed sparingly and returned to nature totally purified thanks to an efficient and innovative internal system. 100% of the electrical energy used is derived from certified renewable sources. Textile by-products are recycled with a view to the circular economy, and particular attention is paid to waste treatment to encourage recycling and recovery. Noble waste from in-house production is reused as a raw material.

100% Made in Italy production

The company's 100% Made in Italy production has held ISO 9001 quality certification since 2009, and is fully traceable, from ewe to fabric. The finest Merino wool comes from the pastures of Australia and New Zealand, the cashmere from China and the mohair from South Africa. Vitale Barberis Canonico selects only the finest Australian Merino wool for its collections. They arrive in Italy ready to be spun and woven. The quality of the fabrics is no coincidence: the wools are renowned for being particularly soft, because she uses certain parts of the Australian sheep's fleece which require more work to clean and comb properly, but which, in return, are softer than the rest of her wool. This very specific technique is part of the house secrets that make their flannels, for example, interesting choices both aesthetically and in terms of comfort, with a very pleasant feel to the touch.