Ermenegildo Zegna: Brand, Designer & Luxury Fashion – From Wool to Suits
Ermenegildo Zegna – Ermenegildo Zegna is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of fine fabrics and the largest menswear brand in the world, producing suits both for its own label and for world-famous brands such as Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Dunhill and Tom Ford. One of the world’s most famous luxury fashion houses for men’s clothing and accessories was founded in 1910, when Ermenegildo bought his father’s textile weaving mills. Today it is run by the fourth generation of the Zegna family.
From the very beginning, the company quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality suiting fabrics. Since the 1920s, the company was one of the largest buyers of Australian wool, and by the end of the 1930s, the wool mill employed 1,000 people. In the following article you will learn more about the brand and its history. If you want to know more brands check out our brand guide.
The history of the brand: from sheep to luxury brand
Angelo Zegna originally founded a watch manufactory in the second half of the 19th century. At the end of the 19th century, he started a watch business. He began experimenting with wool weaving and gradually steered the business in a different direction – the clothing industry. His last child, Ermenegildo, took over the business from his father Angelo and continued the family business.
As a young entrepreneur, Ermenegildo Zegna founded Lanificio Zegna, a wool spinning mill, in Trivero in 1910. Zegna began producing fabrics on four looms. He described the fabrics as “the most beautiful in the world”.
With an international vision, Zegna wanted to source the best fibers directly from their country of origin. With this goal, Zegna exported fabrics to America as early as 1938, and by 1945 Zegna fabrics were sold in over 40 countries.
Here you can see an outfit of the fall collection 2021:
Expansion and environment
As his company expanded, Zegna emphasized a positive relationship with his environment. Thus, he built a medical center, a kindergarten and planted thousands of trees in the Trivero area. Since Zegna was now married with children, his sons Angelo and Aldo began working for the company and learning their father’s secrets. In the sixties, Angelo and Aldo gradually took over the management of the wool factory from their father.
Under the influence of Angelo and Aldo, the company expanded to produce ready-to-wear collections and made-to-measure clothing. The company began to produce and distribute internationally, opening its first brand stores in Paris and Milan.
Quality in a class of its own
In 1968, the company opened a factory in Novara, Italy, where pants and sleeves were produced. The garments were immediately successful due to the quality of the fabrics.
The brothers began to expand the business abroad, first to Spain and then to Switzerland, which led them to operate almost worldwide. Around the same time, they added accessories and sportswear to their product list. In 1972, the company officially launched its made-to-measure service.
The beige suit from the 2021 menswear collection:
Like their father, the brothers believed in the welfare of their workers and the surrounding communities. Aldo and Angelo built a 14-kilometer road connecting Trivero with Bielmonte in the Italian Alps. They also built a housing estate.
Aldo and Angelo introduced their children to the company, just as Ermenegildo had done with them. Their children Ermenegildo, Paolo, Anna, Benedetta, Laura and Renata were all initiated into the secrets of the company and prepared for management positions.
The new generation
The new generation expanded Zegna’s global position, and by the end of the 1990s the company now had a range of products from apparel to accessories.
In 2002, Zegna acquired the Longhi brand. In the same year, a joint venture was established with the Salvatore Ferragamo Group to build a global business in footwear and leather goods.
The following year, 2003, a fragrance was launched. Three more fragrances followed. In 2004, sunglasses and eyewear were added to the business portfolio, followed by an underwear collection in 2006. The Ermenegildo Zegna and Z Zegna lines were introduced at Milan Fashion Week in 2008.
Here you can see the Ermenegildo Zegna perfume:
Zegna is known as one of the most famous family-owned companies in Italy. Grown over generations, the company is known for its luxurious, sustainable fabrics used for exquisite menswear.
Zegna’s future
Looking to the future and taking into account the past, the Group has focused not only on production but also on expanding its brand portfolio and global presence. Over the years, the Group has carefully expanded its scope of activity through a series of acquisitions. These strategic ventures testify to a strong entrepreneurial spirit that has been passed down from generation to generation, ensuring that the name Ermenegildo Zegna Group remains synonymous with entrepreneurial pioneers and the highest quality.
Frequently asked questions about Ermenegildo Zegna
Here you will find the most frequently asked questions on the Internet.
Where does Ermenegildo Zegna come from?
Zegna was born in a small village in Italy called Trivero
When was the brand created?
Zegna founded a small woolen mill in 1910 and made his first fabrics in Trivero
Brands similar to Ermenegildo Zegna
Below you’ll find brands similar to Ermenegildo Zegna.
Brioni
Brioni is also one of the most prestigious brands in the field of suits and luxury fashion. In our article about Brioni you can learn more about its history and development.
Thom Browne / Thom Browne Video
If you talk about luxury suits, it’s likely that at some point the name Thom Browne. Learn more about Thom Browne and its uniqueness in our Thom Browne articles.
Fashion brands: list
Are you excited about Helmut Lang and want to get to know more brands? Then check out our fashion guide here and get to know the top fashion brands in the world. Extravagant haute couture. Sophisticated prêt-à-porter. Fine sportswear and innovative accessories. The world’s most luxurious fashion brands delight millions of people and fashion lovers every year with their exquisite collections. They camp out in front of stores to snag limited edition specials, stand on the streets of Paris during the highly coveted Fashion Week, and sit wide-eyed in front of TVs to watch the latest and hippest runway shows. Here’s the ultimate fashion brand guide.
