Como Silk
Explore la bellezza of Italy.
Como is a city near Lake Como, in the northern region of Lombardy, Italy. Known for its breathtaking and picturesque sceneries, it is also known for its silk. In fact, it’s called the Silk City.
In 1400, Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, had the idea to plant mulberry trees around Lake Como, to feed the silkworms. The mulberry trees as well as the ample supply of water from the lake and alpine streams allowed for an abundance of silk. By the 18th century, Como had become Italy’s largest silk producer. By 1972, it out-produced both China and Japan.
Today, in Como, and surrounding areas, there are approximately 1,000 family-run businesses engaged in the silk and textile trade—manufacturing, printing, dyeing, designing, and selling. Today, Como represents 80% of all silk made in Italy, and it provides 90% of Europe’s silk.
The whole region has a passion and dedication to the perfection of the silk craft. Silk ties and scarves are particularly popular in Como. Many of the large designer brands rely on Como’s silk houses. Interesting to note that Italy is also the second largest worldwide producer of textile machinery, including machines for spinning, weaving, knitting and finishing that are exported to more than 100 countries.
If you travel to Lake Como, make sure you visit the Lake Como Silk Museum. The museum tells the history of Como silk, and through exhibits, shows the entire production process of silk making. From the silk worms, to the spinning, dying and looming work, right down to the finished piece.
