Loro Piana Opens an 8,000-Square-Meter Knitwear Center in Piedmont
The Italian luxury house has unveiled Ghemme, its first new manufacture in over 30 years, consolidating every stage of knitwear creation from fiber research to finishing.
Loro Piana has opened Ghemme, an 8,000-square-meter facility in Piedmont dedicated entirely to knitwear, according to LVMH. The center is the house’s first new manufacture in more than 30 years and brings every phase of creative and production work under a single roof: research and development, knitting, assembly and finishing.
The location carries weight in Loro Piana’s story. In 1987, the house established its worsted wool spinning mill on this site, choosing a region where textile knowledge has been handed down through generations of craftspeople. Two original structures from that era remain standing—a water tower and a caretaker’s house. The latter has been converted into the Accademia dei Mestieri, a training academy where the next generation learns the specialized skills required for knitwear production.
Materials and Production
Ghemme consolidates work with Loro Piana’s signature fibers: cashmere, Baby Cashmere, vicuña, Merino wool and Pecora Nera®. The facility merges advanced machinery with hands-on expertise, moving materials through research, programming, knitting, assembly and finishing stages. An educational space within the center traces Loro Piana’s history and technical knowledge in knitwear. Visitors can also view an exhibition of the Loro Piana Knit Design Award, which honors emerging designers whose work engages with the house’s materials and methods.
Architecture and Environment
The building’s design echoes the precision that shapes Loro Piana’s garments. Large windows and glass surfaces admit abundant natural light throughout the spaces. Wood, glass and finished surfaces establish a visual conversation with the Piedmont landscape beyond. According to the company’s announcement, Ghemme operates without fossil fuels and incorporates rainwater collection systems and solar panels, embedding environmental consideration into its operations.
Craftsmanship and Training
The Accademia dei Mestieri represents a formal commitment to preserving specialized knowledge. The preservation of the 1987 water tower and caretaker’s house serves as a physical link to the region’s textile roots and the house’s own history there.
This article was compiled by the Glamorade editorial desk from the official announcements and reporting listed under Sources.
