Wynn Magazine - Las Vegas
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/49393
WYNN LUXURY baby cashmere knitwear for women and men, as well as custom shirts and suits for men, are the type of exclusive and personalized items a client shopping at Wynn would want to make his or her own. Loro Piana nurtures exclusivity; a personalized and monogrammed product is just one way we address our clients' needs. Materials are sourced from around the world—Mongolia and Peru, for example—but how would you define Loro Piana as a brand that excels in Italian handcraft? "Made in Italy" speaks to excellence, a long tradition of craftsmanship and quality control. We go to the ends of the earth to procure the best raw materials, but we bring them to Italy to transform them into precious products. From design and execution to hidden details such as a special cut in the lining, a hidden pocket only the wearer knows about, the client's needs are addressed in a very personal way. You took the step of establishing a free-range vicuña population in Peru, for your own product and also for the protection of the species. Since the 1980s we have been involved in the preservation of these marvelous animals. In 1994, an agreement with the Andean Communities "We go to the ends of the earth to procure the best raw materials, but we bring them to Italy to transform them into precious products." was signed to handle the reintroduction of vicuña fiber to the world market, the sale of which was long prohibited in an attempt to safeguard the survival of the species. The success of the project is demonstrated by the fact that the vicuña population in Peru has significantly increased and now totals more than 150,000. Through our controlled company, Loro Piana Peru, [we] acquired a property of more than 2,000 hectares that was converted into a private reserve to safeguard the vicuña. Given Loro Piana's involvement and contribution to protecting the vicuña from extinction, it was important for us to establish a natural reserve, named after our father, Franco Loro Piana, where these beautiful animals can coexist in a safe and natural habitat. Not unlike your work with baby cashmere, Loro Piana recently has delved into the development of a fabric derived from the lotus flower. The Loro Piana Lotus Flower Fabric is the latest discovery and a very exciting one. The qualities intrinsic in the filament extracted from the stem of the lotus are unique. The yarn is obtained by joining the filaments of three to five stalks, then rubbing and spinning it by hand. The women who do this produce just enough yarn for 50 meters of fabric, 75 centimeters wide, each month. Only a handful of custom men's jackets will be produced with the Loro Piana Lotus Flower Fabric, available only where custom services are offered. This fiber and Loro Piana's investment in sourcing it and supporting the community that has upheld such an ancient tradition speaks to our dedication to 80 WYNN bring the best raw materials into focus. It's as exclusive as vicuña and reserved for a handful of clients who treasure that exclusivity. Which item from the collection do you turn to when you know you want to wear something that looks great and feels like the ultimate in luxury? "My Sunglasses" are a recent addition, but they are an absolute favorite and speak to our passion for researching and bringing unique products to the marketplace. We wouldn't be introducing and developing eyewear if we didn't feel that these types of lenses are exceptional: Made of optical glass, they're just 1.8 millimeters thick and are the thinnest in the world. They contain so-called "rare earth elements" which improve contrast and clearness. The amount of each rare earth element in these lenses is exclusive to Loro Piana. Developed and tested for world gliding champions, they are just one of my favorite products. What do you think Pietro might say about the company today? I would like to believe that he would be proud of what all the ensuing Loro Pianas have achieved. It's remarkable and inspiring to know that we belong to a tradition that has never wavered from its core mission: to source and deliver the best-quality fabrics and products. ■ Ostrich-leather Bellevue bag, part of Loro Piana's "Made to Measure" service. ABOVE: Peruvian vicuñas. BELOW: My Tennis Bag in Delon calf leather PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHELE GASTL (ORANGE BAG)