Antico Setificio Fiorentino
Credits: Italy Now

Stefano Ricci’s silk factory weaves new dreams 

FLORENCE — In November 2025, a new fabric design emerged from the historic archive of the Antico Setificio Fiorentino in Florence’s ancient San Frediano quarter. The broccatella Folia, a pattern whose origins lie centuries deep in Florentine textile tradition, was announced to the world via social media, accompanied by a simple declaration that this was still, as it had been since 1786, a “fabbrica dei sogni”: a factory of dreams. For a workshop that produces silk damasks and lampassi on 18th-century semi-mechanical looms, using a warping machine built on a design by Leonardo da Vinci, the description is not hyperbole. It is a statement of operating philosophy.

If you liked this story, sign up for the Italy Now newsletter to receive a handpicked selection of features, videos, and can’t-miss news delivered to your inbox once a week.

Recent news

This section is for the ads. Your ads will appear here 

The recommended size for the right sidebar banner is 300 × 250 px. You can also use 300 × 600 px if you want a larger banner.

Related news

Receive the latest news

Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter

Get notified about new articles