Who would not like, for once, to take a chance and be the black sheep in the world of business?
Have no fear — I am not about to encourage you to do anything unduly reckless, nor is this an advertisement for any other company. But as a tailor, I am always on the lookout for extraordinary fabrics and products, so as to dress you, my valued clients, in a truly unique fashion.
And with this particular product — wool from black Merino sheep — I thought to myself: “You simply must see this. For there are so many wonderful things in this world that even we are constantly astonished!”
And another discovery in the way of fabrics awaits you in the summer, when we shall present a further sensation. I, for my part, am already looking forward to it — but first, let us tell you the story of the black sheep.
Pecora Nera — the black sheep among the Merinos.
When one thinks of Merino wool, one imagines only white sheep — a flock drifting softly like clouds across the pastures of the world.
But if we go back in time, we shall discover that black was originally the natural colour of early sheep. It was only when farmers realised that white wool could be dyed far more easily that a selective breeding process began, through which the white sheep became the dominant variety.
To this day, the dark gene endures in some white sheep as a secondary trait, which is why every now and again a black or dark-coloured lamb is born within an otherwise white flock. The wool of these “unwanted” animals was never used, and it is from this that the expression “the black sheep of the family” arose — a phrase describing an unwelcome, disruptive member of a group.
There are, however, companies and individuals who have recognised the value of the wool from dark Merino sheep and who know how to put this outstanding fibre back to use.
Companies such as Loro Piana have joined forces with the world’s finest breeders to bring back the famous black sheep of New Zealand. Through the careful selection of animals whose particular genetic heritage was crossed, the original characteristics gradually re-emerged — the exceptionally strong wool and the distinctive natural colours ranging from mixed brown to black.
Thanks to this sustained effort and passion, the Pecora Nera(R) breed now lives on in its original state, producing naturally dark wool of exceptional quality.
Pecora Nera(R) is extremely soft, comfortable, hard-wearing and exceptionally light — ideal for the transitional seasons. By using this exquisite and rare fibre, Loro Piana is able to produce particularly fine garments and fabrics with unique insulating properties in a dynamic range of naturally dark tones.
The extraordinary fabrics produced from the wool of dark Merino sheep give rise to collections in warm, natural tones that require no further colour finishing.
In this way, we are able to transform every gift that nature offers us into garments crafted to the very highest standards, with all the refinement necessary to dress you like no one else.
Have we whetted your appetite? Then do get in touch with us by e-mail or by telephone. We look forward to welcoming you.
Further reading
The business essentials — More joy in your wardrobe!
Stylish on business travel — How to pack properly for your business trip.