Loro Piana presented Studies, Chapter I: On the Plaid at its Milan headquarters, Cortile della Seta, offering a focused exploration of one of the House’s most enduring design elements. Open to the public, the installation examined the plaid not simply as an object, but as a field of experimentation rooted in material, technique and craftsmanship.
First introduced in the mid-1980s, plaids have long held a central role within Loro Piana’s universe, serving as a space to explore weaving methods and fibre innovation with precision. This new project expanded on that legacy through Studies, an evolving framework dedicated to examining individual elements of interior design through a series of chapters.
For its first iteration, the scenography unfolded as a passage, guiding visitors through a sequence of twenty-three plaids, each presented as a distinct study. Differentiated by construction, pattern, technique and finish, the pieces formed a visual index, mapping the breadth of possibilities within a single object. The display adopted a curatorial approach, placing the finished works alongside the raw fibres and yarns from which they originated, revealing the processes behind their making.
Across the installation, materials entered into dialogue with a range of techniques, from embroidery and appliqué to handloom weaving, patchwork and screen printing. Crafted using the House’s signature fibres, including Vicuña, Baby Cashmere and The Gift of Kings®, the plaids reflected Loro Piana’s ongoing commitment to excellence in material sourcing and production.
Historic motifs drawn from the archives were reinterpreted through contemporary compositions, highlighting a balance between heritage and innovation. Each piece, created upon request, underscored a sense of individuality and precision, positioning the plaid as both a functional object and an expression of craftsmanship shaped by fibre, technique and time.
