Animals and insects inspired the new collection of fabrics Autumn/Winter 2018/2019 by Vitale Barberis Canonico

While visiting the XXVth edition of Milano Unica at Rho Fiera from 11th – 13th July 2017 I was impressed by the new Autumn/Winter 2018/2019 fabric collection of the Vitale Barberis Canonico wool mill, managed by the same family for more than 350 years. The collection is divided into the three ranges: Classic; Vintage; and Earth, Wind & Fire. The dominant factor? A return to the original winter fabrics predominantly in weightier pure wool.

The new collection takes its original idea from the “Cabinet of Natural Curiosities”, the natural history book written in the 18th century by the Dutch pharmacist Albertus Seba, and inspired by his collection of mirabilia. The book is a compilation of illustrations of his entire collection of animals, plants and insects from all over the world: from exotic plants to snakes, frogs and crocodiles, from shells to corals, from birds to butterflies, even including creatures which are now extinct.

Vitale Barberis Canonico at the XXVth edition of Milano Unica at Rho Fiera from 11th – 13th June 2017

Vitale Barberis Canonico at the XXVth edition of Milano Unica at Rho Fiera from 11th – 13th June 2017

Vitale Barberis Canonico at the XXVth edition of Milano Unica at Rho Fiera from 11th – 13th June 2017

Autumn/Winter 2018/2019 fabric collection by Vitale Barberis Canonico

The Vitale Barberis Canonico designers found their inspiration for the fabrics for the next Autumn/Winter season in the book’s colourful, luminous, refined images. In this way, curious and amusing combinations arise between the performance of the fabrics and the characteristics of the creatures. A game where Seba’s genius comes together with and is interpreted by creativity in textiles.

In the Classic range, the fabric Montecarlo in special 21 micron wool is reminiscent of the versatility and eclecticism of the chameleon. This fabric is typically more appropriate for jackets, but may also be translated into an unconventional suit, with the unique performance and characteristics associated with ordinary 21 micron wool.

Autumn/Winter 2018/2019 fabric collection by Vitale Barberis Canonico

Autumn/Winter 2018/2019 fabric collection by Vitale Barberis Canonico

In the Vintage range we find article 237, the armure overcoat in pure wool, where the weave provides the fabric with dimension and depth. At 500 grams per metre, it presents itself as a solid, protective fabric with the softness and resistance observed in the armadillo. Just as the frog is able to adapt to both land and water, article Meg?ve MEC-125 (70% wool, 16% silk, 14% polyurethane, weight 400 grams) is a jacket fabric with a slubbed hopsack look in wool and silk in conjunction with a coloured membrane making it waterproof, windstopper and breathable. A winter fabric which can be used to create upscale casual trench coats and overcoats.

Autumn/Winter 2018/2019 fabric collection by Vitale Barberis Canonico

Autumn/Winter 2018/2019 fabric collection by Vitale Barberis Canonico

For the Autumn/Winter 2018/2019 season, Vitale Barberis Canonico has created a total of 2,874 variations expressed in these three ranges. The exhibition area, completely refurbished, returns extensively to the theme of natural curiosities, offering visitors a true gallery of animals created in the fabrics of the new Vitale Barberis Canonico Autumn/Winter 2018/2019 collection.

Heritage, Innovation and Elegance are the key words of the company philosophy. In 2016, the production of Vitale Barberis Canonico reached 10 million metres, and the turnover rose to € 152 m (in contrast to € 135 m in 2015).

Autumn/Winter 2018/2019 fabric collection by Vitale Barberis Canonico

Autumn/Winter 2018/2019 fabric collection by Vitale Barberis Canonico

Autumn/Winter 2018/2019 fabric collection by Vitale Barberis Canonico

Autumn/Winter 2018/2019 fabric collection by Vitale Barberis Canonico

Autumn/Winter 2018/2019 fabric collection by Vitale Barberis Canonico

Autumn/Winter 2018/2019 fabric collection by Vitale Barberis Canonico

Autumn/Winter 2018/2019 fabric collection by Vitale Barberis Canonico