Name: Drapers Italy
Founded: 1956 by Arturo Lolli in Bologna, Italy
Headquarters: Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Quick Facts
Specialty |
Distributor of exclusive, high-end fabrics for men's tailoring; curates and markets cloth from leading Italian and English mills |
Range / Collections |
Notable "bunches" include Lady San Felice, Arrival, Blazon, Montecarlo, Supersonic, Rainbow, Portofino Linen, and H.O.P.E. – each combining luxury fiber with contemporary color and design |
Product Types |
Fine worsted and woollen suiting, flannels, technical performance cloths, linens, and eco-responsible blends |
Catalogue Size |
Over 1,500 articles across multiple weaves, dyes, and textures, all stocked for fast sampling and delivery |
Reputation |
Highly regarded among bespoke tailors and luxury retailers as a refined Italian draper balancing tradition, service, and contemporary style |
Mill History
Arturo Lolli founded Drapers in 1956 in Bologna, drawing on Italy's post-war textile momentum and the country's growing appetite for refined men's tailoring cloth. Initially a small family enterprise, Drapers quickly became known for its curated selection of the finest suiting fabrics available from both Italian and English mills.
For decades, the Lolli family remained closely involved in the business, shaping Drapers' character as a company defined by aesthetic taste, craftsmanship awareness, and personalized client relationships. In 2018, Drapers entered a new chapter when it became part of Lanificio Vitale Barberis Canonico (VBC), aligning itself with one of Italy's oldest and most prestigious wool mills in the world. This partnership gave Drapers access to unparalleled textile resources and solidified its place within the top tier of global fabric distributors.
Today, Drapers operates as the retail and distribution arm of VBC, offering tailors worldwide access to premium collections that combine Italian elegance, color creativity, and textile innovation, continuing its legacy as a leading name in men's luxury fabrics.
Why We Love VBC / Drapers
Ranging from entry level to very high-end, Shepherd's has a wide collection of VBC / Drapers in all of our stores. From incredible waterproof technical fabric for outerwear, to classic suiting fabrics for sports coats, to limited editions of exclusive colors each season – VBC / Drapers really does do it all, but notably at a mid-range price point. They're one of the oldest mills in existence and are vertically integrated, meaning they manage everything from selling and distribution all the way down to owning the herds of sheep used for their wool.