From the Latin “vellus”, fleece (or mantle), the velvet fabric as we know it originated in Italy, around the XIII century but if we talk about furry fabrics, from which the velvet was born, we must go as far as the eastern lands, probably in the Kashmir regions, between India and Pakistan, along the so-called “Silk Road“. From there, thanks to the skill of Arab merchants, the velvet has come down to us, especially in the ports of Genoa, Venice, and Palermo and later also in Florence and Lucca.
In the following years, in particular, in the current Venetian, Ligurian, and Tuscan capital, were developed various types and processes of this fabric which became increasingly requested and appreciated by the noble families, not only Italians but also Europeans. The tradition then moved to Belgium, with the Flemish, who, over time, got to have a reputation similar to that of Italians.

Originally, the velvets were made of natural animal fibers, as silk, wool, mohair and subsequently also natural vegetable fibers, like cotton and linen. The best velvets are surely those made by silk, which make the fabric soft and shiny as well as particularly precious.

In recent years synthetic velvets, in nylon, polyester and viscose, came to life to make it a more accessible and at the same time more resistant product. The most common uses are for clothing in all its derivation and for interior furnishing fabrics, such as coverings for sofas and cushions, curtains, drapes but also upholstery and trimmings.

The “Manifattura Tessile DINOLE®” produces velvets of the highest quality since 1913, with over 30 looms, each dedicated to a particular quality and structure of velvet. Our clients are international textile editors and our velvets can also be found in prestigious theaters as well as in the sumptuous residences all around the world, including royal courts and papal environments.