Ermenegildo Zegna

Apart from being a well known name in the fashion world, Ermenegildo Zegna is also a man who accomplished a lot more than just men's fashion design.

At only 20 years old, Ermenegildo Zegna took over his father's small textile business in the northern village of Trivero in Italy. In 1910, starting out with just three looms, he founded the Lanificio-the wool mill that still bears his name. Ermenegildo Zegna became the first to put his own name on fabrics, creating a quality brand for consumers.

At the time, England and Scotland dominated the textile market, but the young entrepreneur was determined to outclass his competitors. His focus on impeccable quality in raw materials, design, machinery, processes and workmanship gave him a worldwide reputation for some very fine fabrics, which by 1938 were being exported to over 40 countries.

Committed to bringing new life to the mountainous area around Trivero, Ermenegildo Zegna built a hospital, sports facilities and a school, he reforested the slopes and linked the villages with a scenic road-the spectacular Panoramica Zegna. His deep ties to the land and its people were inspirational: his environmental and social awareness has been passed down through the family for generations, and his aim to be second to none in the quest for excellence is still the central philosophy of the company and the cornerstone of its success.

Ermenegildo Zegna remains one of the few fashion remaining family-run fashion houses, the flair for luxury menswear proudly handed down from father to son for four generations today. The collections present the public with some classic, elegant pieces, alternating with the tasteful sportswear lines introduced upon the arrival of this youngest Zegna generation into the business.

Find fashion by Ermenegildo Zegna @ the following eshop: