L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2025 www.italoamericano.org 12 L'Italo-Americano For US and Canadian Residents – Full Representation in the Italian Legal and Financial Systems, both at the Federal Level and Across All 20 Regions of Italy Our Rome-based Italian Family Law Practice Includes: - Estate Probate - Inheritance - Real Estate - Family Succession - Trusts - Bank Accounts - Power of Attorney - Taxes - Dual Citizenship 100% Fluency in English. US-based Senior Business Manager. No cost/ no obligation telephone consultations. Fixed cost "total fee" engagement pricing. Visit our website www.ItalyLawyerforAmericans.com for a full profile of our firm and all the services we offer, email our US-based Business Manager at support@italylawyer-us-can.com or call 267.500.1807 from 900AM-500PM ET. P anno Casenti- no is a traditional wool fabric with an incredibly long history and tradi- t i o n , p r o d u c e d i n t h e Casentino Valley of Tus- cany. Known for its distinctive curly surface and vivid col- ors, particularly orange and green, Panno Casentino has b e e n a s y m b o l o f I t a l i a n craftsmanship and style for generations: indeed, what started as a rustic cloth for monks and laborers, eventu- ally turned into a high fash- i o n s t a p l e , b e l o v e d b y f a m o u s p e r s o n a l i t i e s a n d high-end designers alike. Origins and early uses T h e o r i g i n s o f P a n n o Casentino can be traced as far back as the 14th centu- ry when wool production in Tuscany became an integral part of the local economy. Back then, the fabric was used primarily for monks' habits and other utilitarian garments due to its durabili- t y a n d w a r m t h . T h e w o o l processing techniques, which w e r e i n t r o d u c e d t o t h e region by the Etruscans, were refined over centuries, particularly in the village of Stia, where the local water's u n i q u e c o m p o s i t i o n w a s believed to enhance the bril- liance of the fabric's colors. By the 19th century, the dis- t i n c t i v e c u r l y t e x t u r e o f Panno Casentino was devel- o p e d t h r o u g h a p r o c e s s called ratinatura, which m a d e t h e f a b r i c m o r e r e s i l i e n t a n d s u i t a b l e f o r harsh weather conditions , reason for which it became popular among coachmen who used it to cover their horses during winter . A little trivia: even the Savoias, Italy's former royal family, used Panno Casentino to keep their horses warm. W h y o r a n g e a n d green? One of the most curious aspects of Panno Casentino i s t h e o r i g i n o f i t s i c o n i c b r i g h t o r a n g e c o l o r , because the hue was, actual- ly, the result of a dyeing mis- take. Indeed, the aim was that of getting a red fabric but, due to a chemical error, a d e e p o r a n g e s h a d e w a s obtained instead. However, the color was popular to the point that it soon became s y n o n y m o u s w i t h P a n n o Casentino itself. The other key color, green, was ini- tially used only for lining but ended up being employed with success also for outer- wear. While green and orange r e m a i n i c o n i c , P a n n o Casentino is today available in a variety of shades, allow- ing for more versatility in fashion and design, a factor that certainly supported its expansion into international markets and the birth of col- laborations with major fash- ion houses. From rustic roots to high fashion Although Panno Casenti- no started as a practical fab- ric for workers, by the late 19th century it had gained a reputation for its elegance. Nobility and the upper class- es began wearing it, and it wasn't long before it caught the attention of famous fig- ures: Giuseppe Verdi and G i a c o m o P u c c i n i , f o r instance, were both known to have worn cloaks made from Casentino wool. The f a b r i c g a i n e d e v e n m o r e fame when fashion design- e r s i n t h e 2 0 t h c e n t u r y embraced it: for example, Audrey Hepburn wore a c o a t m a d e f r o m P a n n o Casentino, designed by the Parisian atelier Givenchy in the classic film Breakfast at Tiffany's. I n l a t e r y e a r s , f a s h i o n designers such as Roberto Cavalli, Gianfranco Ferré, and Pierre Cardin incorpo- rated the fabric into their collections, making it popu- l a r a l s o i n h i g h f a s h i o n : C a s e n t i n o w o o l c o a t s became a status symbol, and were recognized for their craftsmanship and durabili- ty, with traditional styles including double-breasted coats and capes, often fea- turing intricate details like fox fur collars and martin- gale belts. In contemporary fashion, Panno Casentino remains a beloved material. Designers like Roberto Capucci have creatively employed the fab- ric in their collections, fur- ther solidifying its status as a timeless and versatile tex- tile. Capucci himself noted that while the fabric origi- nated as a utilitarian materi- al for rural garments, by the early 20th century, it had become a favorite for ele- gant, sporty coats worn by both men and women . M o d e r n - d a y P a n n o Casentino Today, Panno Casentino remains a prestigious fabric, cherished for both its practi- cality and aesthetic appeal. It continues to be produced in the Casentino Valley, with mills such as C a s e n t i n o 1848 preserving traditional methods while embracing modern innovations. In case y o u a r e i n t e r e s t e d i n t h e subject and would like to k n o w m o r e , t h e M u s e o dell'Arte della Lana in S t i a i s a p e r f e c t p l a c e t o learn about the history of this iconic textile, and how the wool industry shaped the region's identity . While still used for coats and cloaks, Panno Casenti- no has found its way into other applications, including furniture coverings, hand- bags, and other accessories. It remains highly valued for its thermal insulation and waterproofing, making it an ideal fabric for colder cli- mates. The curly texture, once a hallmark of durabili- t y , h a s n o w b e c o m e a n emblem of luxury. Despite the rise of mass- produced textiles, Panno Casentino's appeal remains strong thanks to its history, quality, and adaptability. A n d w h i l e — i t h a s t o b e sadly admitted — sales may no longer be those of the times of Puccini and Audrey Hepburn, Panno Casentino is, still today, a symbol of the best Italian manufactur- ing tradition. P a n n o C a s e n t i n o i s a b e a u t i f u l e x a m p l e o f t h e enduring appeal of crafts- m a n s h i p a n d h o w i t c a n a d a p t t o m o d e r n n e e d s while staying faithful to its roots. From being a utilitari- an fabric to becoming a sym- bol of elegance and heritage, this beautiful, durable fabric holds within the essential dynamism of the relation- ship between tradition and innovation. Despite changes in fash- ion and in the textile indus- try, Panno Casentino con- t i n u e s t o c h a r m w i t h i t s distinct style, rich history, and versatility. Crucially, it does so while embodying the lasting value of quality and authenticity, in a modern fashion world, which is, per- haps, too focused on being fast and disposable. LUCA SIGNORINI Panno Casentino: when durability becomes fashionable Panno Casentino is known for its quality, durability and for having been the choice of iconic stars, including Audrey Hepburn (Image created with DALL-E 2) LIFESTYLE FASHION FOOD ARTS ADVICE

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