We traveled to Tuscany to visit the vintage shuttle loom factory of Andrea’s 1947.
In the world of luxury accessories, the family-run business of Andrea’s 1947 has not only stood the test of time but has woven itself into the very fabric of the industry. Founded in 1947, Andrea's began its journey as a producer of woolen fabrics. Now in the hands of the founder's grandson, Marco Cini, the brand maintains their unwavering commitment to the artistry of fabric.
The roots of Andrea’s 1947 trace back to Tuscany. As a producer of woolen fabrics, the company witnessed a transformative journey over the decades. Today, still nestled within the Tuscan hills of Prato, Andrea’s 1947 has shifted its focus to accessories while keeping fabric at the forefront of its endeavors.
Having catered to renowned names such as Chanel, Brunello Cucinelli, Loro Piana, Kiton and more, Andrea’s 1947's creations are sought after by discerning clientele worldwide. The brand is proudly carried by over 300 retailers, a testament to its enduring legacy and commitment to quality.
The company's history is not just about fabrics; it also involves a fascinating venture into machinery and the preservation of vintage shuttle looms. The bulk of Andrea’s 1947 looms come from Officine Galileo, who manufactured fabric looms until the 1970s, transitioning later to crafting lenses for satellites. The machines, dating back to 1954, stand as a symbol of longevity in an ever-changing industry.
The chemistry of color is a crucial aspect of Andrea’s 1947's craftsmanship. Spools can span upwards of 50 miles, while individual shuttles and spindles can travel 10x the equator over the course of their life. Many of the looms themselves have a unique story— being salvaged from the flood of the Arno River in 1966, coated in mud but resilient.
At the heart of Andrea’s 1947's operation is a familial dedication to craft. Marco's uncle, a skilled pattern puncher named Fabio, works to set each loom to produce 10 to 15 scarves daily. The tubular scarves are even more limited, with only eight pieces made per day.
In the other parts of the industry, modern looms have evolved and are capable of producing up to 400 scarves daily without any human interaction.
The company's commitment extends beyond the confines of its workshop. Marco is driven by a strong sense of community, and in one courageous act, he chased away a thief with a piece of a loom and ensured the safe return of stolen money—a testament to the values embedded in Andrea’s 1947's DNA.
Andrea’s 1947's journey is not merely a story of fabrics and accessories; it is a tale of resilience, innovation, and a commitment to preserving the rich legacy handed down through generations. As the brand continues to evolve, one can only anticipate the masterpieces it will weave into the future.
A shuttle loom is a type of weaving machine that was historically used for textile production. It operates by passing a shuttle back and forth between the threads of the warp to create a woven fabric. The shuttle contains the weft thread (horizontal thread) and moves across the warp threads (vertical threads) to interlace and form the fabric. Shuttle looms were widely used in the textile industry before the advent of more modern and automated looms, such as air jet and rapier looms. Shuttle looms are less common today due to their more time consuming process, however the result is an old world product with unique characteristics and the artisanal touch unlike those fabrics woven by mass manufacturers of today.
Tuscany has a rich tradition of textile production including fabric weaving. The art of fabric weaving in Tuscany dates back centuries, and the region is known for producing high-quality textiles using traditional techniques.
This season's collection includes a design based on marbled paper made exclusively for The Armoury. These scarves feature prints in vibrant hues to cut through dark winter tones.
Andrea's 1947 has been manufacturing textiles the old fashioned way for over seven decades. Made by hand on vintage shuttle looms, the fineness of the cashmere is nearly unparalleled in today's market.
SHOP ANDREA’S 1947
