Mill focus: Egidio Ferla
Established in Biella in 1880, Ferla has been run by three generations of the same family. World-renowned for its tactile cloths, it specialises in baby alpaca yarns and textured bouclé weaves.
Tucked away in the hills of Polto, Biella, lies Ferla, a family-run mill with a legacy spanning 150 years and creativity at its heart. Renowned for its expertise in crafting unusual yarns and intriguing textures, Ferla’s crown jewel is baby alpaca - a delicate, silky wool akin to cashmere, sourced from an alpaca’s first shearing. Remarkably rare, baby alpaca represents just 1.5% of the world’s total alpaca production. As the exclusive weavers of the fabric, Ferla has cemented its reputation as a true authority in the Italian textile industry.
The mill is led by Paolo Ferla, who has been deeply involved in the family business for over 40 years alongside his brother and cousin. Ferla is the epitome of a family-run enterprise, with Paolo personally overseeing every step of the production process. Many of the employees are locals, often staying with the company for years, a testament to its close-knit culture. Mastering the craft takes around two years of dedicated training, reflecting the skill and precision required in every creation.
The Ferla identity
Ferla is renowned for its textured cloths, with flecks in the weaves a signature of the mill's craftsmanship. Alongside baby alpaca, which is sourced from Peru, Ferla also weaves slub and boucle, some of which is supplied to high fashion houses such as Chanel. Paolo and the team are incredibly focused on details and craftsmanship - all finishing is kept in-house for consistent Ferla handwriting on all its fabrics.
Silk, linen and cotton blend
A light, breathable cloth that'll do well in warm weather, Ferla's silk, linen, and cotton blend is a testament to the mill’s heritage of craftsmanship. The combination of these natural fibers results in a fabric that is both airy and substantial, balancing the crisp structure of linen, the softness of silk and the comfort of cotton. The slubbed weave - distinctive to Ferla - adds depth and richness, creating a nuanced texture that speaks to the artistry behind its production. This blend not only enhances comfort but makes the cloth more tactile, offering a fabric that feels as exceptional as it looks.
Wool with baby alpaca
A lightweight, textured fabric that brings together the best of nature’s finest fibers, blending premium wool with baby alpaca, silk and linen. Wool’s natural ability to regulate temperature is enhanced by the unmatched softness of baby alpaca, for comfort in a range of climates. The addition of silk lends a refined smoothness, resulting in a fabric with an elegant drape and a soft handfeel.
