With a heritage of more than 360 years in fine wool textile manufacturing, Vitale Barberis Canonico (VBC), the prestigious Italian luxury fabric house, debuted its Spring/Summer 2027 collection in Shanghai under the theme A Wonderland Wardrobe. Centered on the core concept of comfort, the season presents three key lines: Intrepid Linen, Cool Weave, and Linen and the Gang. Drawing inspiration from the brand’s century-old archival fabrics, VBC blends natural fiber blends with Italian craftsmanship to deliver lightweight breathability, elegant texture, and functional performance, perfectly suiting warm climates and the sartorial needs of the modern gentleman.
As a global benchmark in high-end menswear fabrics, VBC upholds 100% Made-in-Italy production and a strong commitment to sustainability. Its participation in the Intertextile not only showcases the new summer collection but also communicates the brand’s core vision of heritage, innovation, and superior quality.
On this occasion, China Fashion Info.com spoke exclusively with Mr. Alessandro Barberis Canonico, Managing Director of Vitale Barberis Canonico, to gain an in-depth understanding of the SS 2027 collection’s design philosophy, technological innovations, sustainability practices, and strategic layout in the Chinese market.
Vitale Barberis Canonico presents its new SS 2027 fabric collection in Shanghai. Could you share the core purpose of your participation in this exhibition, and the brand philosophy you aim to convey to the Chinese market and consumers?
Our participation in the Shanghai exhibition reflects the strategic relevance in the mid long term of the Chinese market for Vitale Barberis Canonico. Through the SS 2027 collection, we aim to present a clear and consistent vision of the brand, where heritage, innovation, and product excellence converge. We seek to convey a philosophy grounded in authenticity, quality, and a contemporary interpretation of classic elegance.
The three key collections on display — INTREPID LINEN, COOL WEAVE and LINEN AND THE GANG — are designed around the core concept of “comfort”. What market trends and consumer needs informed this focus?
The emphasis on comfort is the result of a careful observation of evolving consumer expectations. Today’s market increasingly demands fabrics that combine refined aesthetics with lightness, breathability, and ease of wear. This direction allows us to respond to both functional needs and lifestyle changes, particularly in warmer climates due also to the global warming.
The INTREPID LINEN collection draws inspiration from the brand’s classic fabrics dating back to 1911 and adopts a special singeing process. How does the brand blend historical classics with contemporary style?
With INTREPID LINEN, we have reinterpreted archival fabrics dating back to 1911, integrating them with advanced finishing techniques such as modern singeing processes. This approach enables us to preserve the identity of the original fabric while enhancing its performance and adapting it to contemporary standards. The Intrepid family, which takes the Super 150’s wool to a new level of fluidity and pleasure, expands with a new summer interpretation that combines this finest of wools with linen. Inspired by a volume from summer 1911 from the wool mill’s archives, a contemporary fabric is born with a slightlyiridescent, denim look, a modern evolution of what at the start of the last century was called flambagerayante.
品牌传承与技术创新融合
Integration of Brand Heritage and Technological Innovation
Q：品牌 360 余年毛纺历史中，面料档案库等文化遗产是如何持续赋能当代新品研发的？
With more than 360 years of history in wool textile manufacturing, how do cultural assets such as your fabric archive continue to empower the development of modern products?
Our historical archive represents a fundamental asset for the company. It serves as a continuous source of inspiration, supporting the development of new collections through the reinterpretation of textures, constructions, and design elements in a modern context.
The SS 2027 collection extensively features natural fiber blends of wool with linen and silk. Does this represent a new direction for the brand’s fabric R&D, and what strategic thinking lies behind it?
The introduction of blends combining wool with linen and silk reflects an evolutionary path in our research and development activities. This approach allows us to expand the offer of our fabrics from a look and aesthetic point of view while maintaining coherence with our core expertise in natural fibers.
The 100% Made-in-Italy production model ensures full control over the entire manufacturing process. From raw material selection to spinning, weaving, and finishing, each phase is managed internally, guaranteeing consistency, traceability, and the highest quality standards.
How are the brand’s H.O.P.E. collection and QSE management system applied in the raw material selection and production processes of the three SS 2027 collections?
Sustainability is integrated into all stages of production. The H.O.P.E. project reflects our commitment to responsible materials, while the QSE system ensures strict compliance with environmental, quality, and safety standards across all processes involved in the SS 2027 collection.
Q：原料端的 “羊毛卓越计划” 可持续标准，是否延伸到了本次系列所用的亚麻、真丝等新原料采购中？
Has the sustainable standard of the Wool Excellence Plan for raw materials been extended to the procurement of new materials such as linen and silk used in this collection?
For linen and silk is achieved through collaboration with carefully selected partners who meet our standards in terms of traceability, environmental responsibility, and ethical sourcing.
Q：品牌在低水耗、低污染等绿色生产上的经验，未来将如何进一步应用在新品研发和全球生产中？
How will the brand’s expertise in green production — such as low water consumption and low pollution — be further applied to new product development and global manufacturing in the future?
Looking ahead, thanks to our philosophy we will continue to invest in technologies and processes aimed at reducing water consumption, energy usage, and environmental impact. Sustainability remains a key driver in both product development and industrial strategy.
中国市场布局与未来展望
China Market Strategy and Future Outlook
Q：您如何看待当下中国高端男装面料市场的消费新特征，以及该市场的长期发展潜力？
How do you view the new consumption trends in China’s high-end menswear fabric market, and its long-term growth potential?
The Chinese market will be characterized by increasing sophistication and a growing appreciation for quality, craftsmanship, and brand heritage. At the same time, there will be a strong demand for innovation and functional performance.
With the launch of the SS 2027 collection in Shanghai, what new plans does the brand have to deepen its presence in the Chinese market and cooperate with local tailors and apparel brands?
Strengthening collaboration with local tailoring houses and fashion brands is a central element of our strategy. We aim to support our partners through high-quality and Made in Italy fabrics and technical expertise, fostering long-term relationships.
Q：针对中国夏季高温高湿的气候特征，品牌是否会为中国市场量身研发专属面料，未来还有哪些市场动作？
Given the hot and humid summer climate in China, will the brand develop exclusive fabrics tailored for the Chinese market? What other market initiatives are planned for the future?
In general we are already developing lightweight and breathable fabrics specifically suited to hot and humid climates as the Chinese one. Going forward, we will continue to refine and expand these solutions to better address the specific needs of the Chinese market.
