Illustration featuring Ermenegildo Zegna, founder of the ZEGNA brand.
IL CONTE: ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA

OUR FOUNDER

Ermenegildo Zegna was born in 1892 in Trivero, a small town in the Alpine foothills of northern Italy. In 1910, with a pioneering spirit and an eye for beauty, he founded Il Lanificio, our wool mill. He had a vision of creating the world’s most beautiful fabrics, which extended beyond craftsmanship. He sought prosperity for his community and harmony between industry and nature.
Illustration featuring Ermenegildo Zegna, founder of the ZEGNA brand.

Il Conte

Over time, he transformed the surrounding landscape into Oasi Zegna – a 100km² natural territory in the Biellese Alps – laying the foundation for an ethos where creativity, responsibility, and respect for the natural world thrive together. His dedication earned him the title of Count of Monte Rubello, in recognition of his entrepreneurial achievements as well as his role as a philanthropist and steward of the land.
Today, ZEGNA stands as the world’s leading luxury menswear brand, renowned for impeccable Italian craftsmanship, textile expertise, and a pioneering spirit. Each collection carries forward the values of our Founder: innovation, quality, responsibility, and the belief that industry, community, and nature can flourish. Our Road To Tomorrow is a journey rooted in more than a century of history, inspired by the vision of Ermenegildo Zegna and carried forward by generations to come.
Landscape with green hills of Oasi Zegna in the Biellese Alps in Piedmont.

1910–1960

The early decades established ZEGNA as a leading name in fine textiles, with fabrics gaining international acclaim. Ermenegildo Zegna’s ethos of craftsmanship, innovation, and responsibility became the DNA of the company, providing a balance between progress and preservation.
Vintage photo of Ermenegildo Zegna, founder of the ZEGNA brand, in Oasi Zegna, the natural territory in the Italian Alps.
Vellus Aureum wool by ZEGNA, a sustainable luxury fibre with a fineness of 13 microns.
Top view of the natural landscape of Oasi Zegna.
A bespoke experience: custom tailored clothes for men.

1960–2000

Throughout the second half of the 1900s, ZEGNA built upon its global reputation, introducing innovations such as the Su Misura service and expanding from textiles into luxury menswear. In 1963, our Founder established the Ermenegildo Zegna Wool Trophy Awards in Australia – a prestigious prize designed to support woolgrowers in their quest for the world’s finest wool.
Today, we continue this tradition, sourcing exceptional fleeces from Australia before transforming them into Vellus Aureum – the pinnacle of wool. These years marked the evolution from a local family business into a global luxury brand, always remaining rooted in the values of Italian heritage and uncompromising quality.
Top view of the natural landscape of Oasi Zegna.

2000–Present

A new chapter began with ZEGNA’s listing on the New York Stock Exchange and its commitment to international initiatives such as the Fashion Pact. Under the artistic direction of Alessandro Sartori, the brand has embraced a contemporary vision, redefined by the iconic 232 Road linking Oasi Zegna to the wider world.
Landscape with green hills of Oasi Zegna in the Biellese Alps in Piedmont.
Text ‘Green Mind’.
Black and white image of Ermenegildo Zegna, founder of the ZEGNA brand.
Today, heritage is not only remembered but renewed. From the creation of the Born In Oasi Zegna book, capturing more than 110 years of history, to collaborations with voices like John Turturro reflecting on craftsmanship and individuality, the ZEGNA story continues to evolve.

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Top view of the natural landscape of Oasi Zegna.

OASI ZEGNA