Behind Our Fabrics

Vitale Barberis Canonico

Est. 1663

Dark wool fabric hanging from industrial machinery

Yellow Italian building with green ivy and mountains

RegionBiella, Italy

Employees–

Est.1663

OwnedFamily-run, 13th generation

Mill typeWool mill

FabricsCircular Flannel, Tropical Wool, S110's

Established in 1663, Vitale Barberis Canonico is a true standout among its peers. Their constant regard towards the future has allowed them to evolve with a sense of coherence and style.

As the world’s oldest fabric mill that has been family-run for 13 generations, Vitale Barberis Canonico has set itself apart by adapting to changing eras, embracing new trends and instituting new technology while remaining true to themselves and maintaining the attention to quality & detail that has given the “Made in Italy” mark its legendary status.

White wool bales stored in a factory with yellow safety barriers

Vitale Barberis Canonico is the oldest wool mill in the world, and it distinguishes itself by marrying the concept of classic with a twist. ”
Francesco Barberis, VBC Creative Director

Man in beige suit examining a large fabric sample book

Hands holding and inspecting woven fabric with label

Timeless Heritage, Modern Consciousness

For Vitale Barberis Canonico, sustainability is not just a market response, but a true calling that’s deeply engrained into this famed Italian mill’s culture. A fabric can only be as good as the environment it’s sourced and crafted within, that’s why VBC has led the way in implementing state-of-the-art water conservation system, waste management and recycling, and gets 100% of its energy from renewable sources. Like an uncompromising pursuit of quality, social and environmental responsibility is just another value that’s been passed down throughout the generations.