History of Mills
By Raja
A great tailor-made suit starts with the choice of a great fabric. A great fabric gives your suit a perfect drape and rich natural radiance making you stand out from the crowd. Italian and British textile industries have occupied a position of distinction in the world since the late Middle Ages creating fabrics for people serious about their suiting, people who seek quality and distinction. The high demand of quality fabrics is fundamentally due to their unique characteristics such as unique creation, lightness, texture, and sophisticated production processes. Some very important textile mills who built an excellent reputation based primarily on the elegance of their fabrics are Ermenegildo Zegna, E-Thomas, Guabello, Vitale Barberis Canonico and Harrisons being the backbone of the international textile industry and shining as the world’s finest textile producers.
Ermenegildo Zegna
Four generations since 1910 of the Zegna family have led the success in textiles, through innovation, carefully balancing science with nature and craftsmanship with technology. The complete production process is carried out by Ermenegildo Zegna – from raw material selection to finishing. Over the last hundred years, the Lanificio Ermenegildo Zegna has pioneered sophisticated fabrics to become lighter, softer, more refined and with an improved performance and functionality. The mill has concentrated mainly on the production of high-quality wool, cashmere and mohair fabrics.
E.Thomas
The enchanting shores of Lake Lugano on the Italian side provided the ideal landscape for the creative mind underpinning the foundation of the mill E.Thomas, established by Mr. Ernesto Thomas in Brusimpiano in 1922. Over the years the company attracted qualified labour, thus contributing to the revitalization of the entire neighbouring area, which had been suffering economically after the first World War. From the very beginning, the destiny of the Thomas’ family has been linked to that of the surrounding territory, giving rise to a happy blend. The economy of the area started flourishing parallel to the successes achieved by the wool mill, ever since run by the Thomas’ family itself and by the offspring of the Ronchi family for four generations. The company specialized in the production of top-quality fabrics both fancy and plain made from the finest and most valuable selected Australian wool.
Guabello
Guabello mill has been making fabric history. Established in 1815 in Mongrando, a small village in the province of Biella, Guabello produces prestigious yarn full of personality, colour, and quality, making it one of the most famous woolen mills in the world. Without a shadow of the doubt, Guabello fabrics stand for luxury, elegance, and exclusivity of traditional craftsmanship.
For over two centuries, the wool mill has been creating collections that include fine pure wool fabrics available in Super 120’S, Super 130’S, and Super 150’S in different weights, aspects, and patterns. A wide range of colours and designs for work and leisure clothes.
VBC
VBC is one of the oldest mills, a place of craftsmanship that has been producing the finest fabrics for 354 years. Located about 50 miles north of Milan in the northern Biella region. Vitale Barberis Canonico continues to remain true to its origins and, by creatively renewing itself over time. The mill gets its raw material from the best breeders in the world and then woven into the most exquisite fabrics that combine traditional style and elegance with a unique degree of wearability. Vitale Barberis Canonico fabrics are textured in such a way to make them suitable for year-round wear and are woven in timeless classic designs.
HARRISON'S OF EDINBURGH
Harrisons of Edinburgh was founded in 1863 by Sir George Harrison. Harrisons established itself as specialists in Pure Cashmere suitings, jacketings and coatings. In addition, and to compliment the collection, they also became known for business and less formal suitings in Super 100's, 120's, 150's & 180's in Merino Wool.
All of the Harrisons Cashmere and suiting fabrics are woven within the United Kingdom, both in Scotland and in Huddersfield, England. Harrisons are well known for their fine Scottish Tweed collections under the name Porter & Harding, a collection of bunches ranging from 12ozs up to 18ozs, which can cater for many occasions including outdoor pursuits.
John Porter & Bill Harding founded Porter & Harding in 1947 and, shortly afterwards, became partners with Harrisons, eventually relinquishing control after Bill Harding's son Keith retired.This was to be an important moment in the company's history, acquiring other Woollen Merchants was something the company identified as a means of expanding the business, especially for the overseas markets.
It wasn't until 2010 that the company acquired their next Woollen Merchant, H. Lesser & Sons. Renowned for servicing the tailors of the West End and the City of London, H. Lesser gained a fabulous reputation amongst the very best tailors, not only within the UK, but also the rest of the world.
More recently Harrisons have acquired Smith Woollens & Co, and W.Bill which promises to be another exciting new chapter in the company's history.