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Velluto
Venice, Genoa, Florence
Venetian velvet has adorned nobility since the Renaissance—still hand-woven on historic looms for the world's most prestigious interiors.
Velvet weaving in Venice dates to the 13th century, when Venetian merchants controlled the silk trade from the East. Venetian velvets became symbols of wealth and power, covering thrones, lining churches, and adorning nobility. Today, a handful of historic workshops continue the tradition using looms that are themselves antiques.
Region
Venice, Genoa, Florence
Origin
Silk or cotton pile, woven in Venice and Genoa
Price Range
€200-€2,000+ per meter
Venice's velvet industry flourished from the 14th to 18th centuries. The Doge's Palace interiors feature Venetian velvets. Genoa developed its own velvet tradition for church vestments. When Napoleon's conquest disrupted trade, many looms fell silent. A few workshops preserved the craft, including Bevilacqua (founded 1875) and Fortuny.
Traditional velvet weaving uses antique Jacquard looms, some 400+ years old. The pile is created by weaving extra threads that are cut or left as loops. A skilled weaver might produce only 50 centimeters of complex velvet per day. Modern production supplements but cannot replicate the antique methods.
Who works with velvet
Historic patterns, Giudecca studio
18th-century looms, Venetian tradition
Contemporary and historic designs
Luxury interior velvets
Professional cleaning recommended
Hang vertically; never fold velvet
Steam to revive crushed pile
Brush gently in direction of pile
Protect from direct sunlight
Find authentic velvet in Italy
Historic velvet production is inherently sustainable—slow, artisanal, made to last generations. Workshops maintain antique looms rather than replacing them. Natural silk velvet biodegrades, unlike synthetic alternatives.
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