Vitale Barberis Canonico

Vitale Barberis Canonico, affectionately known as 'Canonico' in Japan, is one of the most popular mills in the country. However, what image comes to mind when you think of Canonico? Interestingly, it's not an exaggeration to say that it's currently one of the most dynamic and capable mills in the world. Despite its popularity in Japan, many may not be fully aware of the true essence of Canonico. We would like to introduce you to some of its lesser-known aspects.

The History of Vitale Barberis Canonico

Vitale Barberis Canonico is said to be one of the oldest mills in Italy, with records indicating its production of woolen textiles as far back as 1663. Over the years, under the guidance of innovative leaders, it successfully rode the wave of the Industrial Revolution, embracing mechanization and expanding its scale. In 1936, the company was named after the then leader, Vitale Barberis Canonico. Today, more than 350 years since its founding, the business is managed by the 13th generation descendants of the Barberis Canonico family: Alessandro, Francesco, and Lucia. It is a member of the Henokiens Club, a prestigious association only open to companies that have been family-owned for over 200 years, and has even supported exhibitions by Toraya, another member of the Henokiens Association.

Vitale Barberis Canonico's Craftsmanship

In Japan, Vitale Barberis Canonico (VBC) is perceived as a mid-range mill producing reliable, reasonably priced fabrics. However, this is just a part of the whole picture. VBC's strength lies in its integrated production process, starting from purchasing raw wool from its own affiliated farms in Australia, through to dyeing, spinning, weaving, and finishing. This enables the creation of not only the affordable, basic fabrics well-established in the Japanese market, but also luxurious fabrics that impress top-tier tailors. Additionally, Vitale Barberis Canonico supports the special requests of premium merchants like DRAPERS, backed by its high level of technical expertise.

Many of you might already be aware, but let's take this opportunity to introduce you to some of Vitale Barberis Canonico's fabrics that differ from the conventional image. First and foremost, when talking about high-end fabrics from Vitale Barberis Canonico, one cannot overlook 'REVENGE'. Woven with genuine Super150's wool in both warp and weft, Revenge is characterized by a luster and smoothness unique to its fine yarn, while also being remarkably resilient and excellent for tailoring. This fabric, with its procurement of high-quality raw wool and integrated production, is quintessentially Canonico.

Furthermore, while Vitale Barberis Canonico is often associated with perennial, all-season fabrics ideal for suits, its vintage-style fabrics inspired by British trends are also noteworthy. A prime example is 'SUPER BIO' (also known as 'Spelvio'). This fabric, woven with exceptionally thick 21-micron wool, has an ambiance akin to vintage fabrics. It combines a rough texture and smoky hues with suppleness and drape, making it a masterpiece. Vitale Barberis Canonico also weaves more niche fabrics. The '6PLY' collection, unusually made from six twisted yarns (as opposed to the typical one or two), is a heavy-weight yet tough material with an exceptional feel. It achieves a balance between a heavy look and a light wearability, showcasing the excellence of Vitale Barberis Canonico.

According to our Italian suppliers who import fabrics to Japan, Vitale Barberis Canonico is recognized as one of the leading fabric brands in Italy. However, in Japan, the perception of Canonico as a mid-range, affordable brand persists, and this gap in perception is yet to be bridged. However, as the fabrics demonstrating Canonico's true value, like those mentioned above, become more recognized, this image in Japan is likely to change soon.

Innovation

Vitale Barberis Canonico, true to its reputation as a leading company in the fabric industry, consistently undertakes innovative initiatives. Particularly intriguing are its unexpected collaborations with brands such as Globe-Trotter and Garage Italia, previously unthinkable partners for a mill. These collaborations have helped elevate the mill from a behind-the-scenes powerhouse to a prominent player in the industry. The mastermind behind these endeavors, Creative Director Francesco, exudes an exceptional aura of coolness. While many heirs to traditional fabric manufacturers often carry a noble air, Francesco charmingly sports a more relaxed style, favoring slightly worn shirts, which adds a playful and approachable touch to his persona. His education in the UK and his love for the country strongly influence both his personal style and the fabric creations at Vitale Barberis Canonico. There is no doubt that his presence is a driving force behind the brand's current image.

The fabrics produced are also innovative. 'Super Sonic', a stretch fabric with water-repellent properties, and 'HOPE', a sustainable fabric woven from undyed, natural wool colors, showcase the mill's technical prowess and creative capacity. These offerings reflect the variety and adaptability that only a top mill like Vitale Barberis Canonico can provide. We can expect that Vitale Barberis Canonico's collections will continue to set the mainstream trends in the industry.

Cost-Performance

Discussing Vitale Barberis Canonico's fabrics cannot overlook their cost-performance aspect. As previously mentioned, being one of the most popular in Japan, major fabric trading companies in the country consistently procure Canonico's fabrics. For an order salon like ours, this means we can source Canonico's fabrics both reasonably and speedily. Remarkably, the production volume of Canonico's fabrics is exceptional, currently at an astounding 8 million meters annually (equivalent to 2.7 million suits!), continuously supplying high-quality fabrics worldwide. This immense production volume is certainly a factor in their excellent cost-performance.

At The Dressing Lab, our suit measurement samples are tailored using Canonico's bestseller, 'PERENNIAL'. It's a reliable fitting partner for me, as it resists losing shape, wrinkling, and always looks impressive. The fabrics from Vitale Barberis Canonico, embodying quality and durability, never fail to meet various needs. I strongly encourage you to experience the 350-year-old craftsmanship of Canonico through the exquisite tailoring of The Dressing Lab, maximizing the quality of our fabrics.