Name: Fratelli Piacenza
Founded: 1733 by Pietro Francesco Piacenza in Pollone, Biella, Italy
Headquarters: Pollone, Biella region, Piedmont, Italy
Quick Facts
Specialty |
Luxury wool and noble fiber fabrics – cashmere, vicuña, camel hair, merino – for suiting, outerwear, and accessories |
Range / Collections |
Piacenza 1733 Wool and Noble Fibers collections; Piacenza Cashmere and Piacenza Luxury line; exclusive seasonal ranges blending heritage and innovation |
Product Types |
Worsted and woolen cloth, jacketing, coating fabrics, scarves and throws; famous for thistle-brushed finishes and soft hand feel |
Catalogue Size / Capacity |
Annual output in the hundreds of thousands of meters of premium fabric for luxury fashion and tailoring brands distributed globally |
Reputation |
One of Italy's oldest textile families; recognized member of the international Henokiens association for family companies over 200 years old |
Mill History
Fratelli Piacenza was founded in 1733 by Pietro Francesco Piacenza in Pollone, a village nestled in Italy's Biella region – the heart of European wool craftsmanship. For nearly three centuries, the Piacenza family has specialized in transforming the world's finest fibers into exceptional fabrics, from Australian merino wool to Peruvian vicuña and Mongolian cashmere.
Over the centuries, the mill has survived wars, industrial revolutions, and economic crises, while remaining a pioneer in technical innovation and luxury textile craft. Its iconic thistle-brushing technique and refined finishing processes helped establish Piacenza as a symbol of Italian elegance. Today, under Carlo Piacenza and his family, the company combines its historic know-how with sustainable practices – including renewable energy use and fiber traceability.
Still based in Pollone, Piacenza 1733 stands among the world's oldest continuously operating textile mills, honoring its motto: "Tradition in Evolution."
Why We Love Piacenza
Piacenza is known for their ability to handle fine and noble fibers. Shepherd's particularly utilizes their stunning cashmeres for our Signature Cashmere Vests.
They also create very fine, delicate cashmere-silk blends that finish beautifully and signal elegance of the wearer.