A fabric worthy of royal chambers. Material, only contemplation of which already causes admiration, and touch - a true delight. This article is an ode to real velvet handmade and Italian textile manufactories. Nobility, refinement, luxury are associations associated with the image of velvet. They were decorated with thrones, altars and chambers of representatives of the upper class. His abode was the theater. And now he is again at the peak of popularity. Studying the interior trends, we are convinced that this material is always in fashion, and the interior objects created with its use have a unique charm. 
Velvet supposedly possesses magical powertransform the style of the room and the character of the whole space. What must be taken into account when decorating a room, as velvet attracts all attention to itself. 
What is the secret of the uniqueness of this fabric? Natural velvet from silk threads due to its high density retains its original appearance and properties for many years. Although this fabric has long gone beyond the aristocratic chambers and today produces its cotton and synthetic counterparts, the possession of a cut of velvet from silk, and even more so its use in interior design is a real treasure. 
Inspired by the design solutions of the use of this fabric in modern interiors and wishing to learn more about textiles, we have recovered to the best manufactory in the world for the production of real velvet. 
Initially it is a silk fabric, with a short tightsoft pile from the front side of the canvas. Velvet in Italian - velluto, means 'to be woolly'. The fabric is of two kinds: smooth and with a print. The patterned is called moire: it is created with the help of combinations of villi of different color and length. 
More than two thousand years, there is a history of velvet,about his appearance, there is no exact information. It is unambiguously known that in Europe it appeared thanks to the Arab traders who are delivering this cloth along the Great Silk Road from the East to Italy, where in the 13th century the first guild of producers of velvet cloth was created. 
The textile markets of the whole world were dominated by Venice, Florence, Lucca and Genoa. They influenced the prices, fashion, technology, economic structure of Europe for centuries. 
Today we are at the origins of history, inthe region that opened velvet to the whole world - in Liguria, and we have the opportunity to study in detail the production technology, which is quite expensive and incredibly time consuming. At the presentation of the Ligurian handicraft brands Artigiani In Liguria in Palazzo della Borsa in Genoa, we were attracted by a stand with magnificent fabrics. 
And we visited a weaving workshop in the town of Zoal-i (ital. Zoagli) - one of the main producers of the exclusive material Cordany Velluti srl, where the representative of the family business Magda Cordani cordially shared the secrets of skill and told about the relevance of the fabric. 
Magda Cordani, owner of the manufactory:- Our company is one of the last five velvet and velveteen manufactories that have been handcrafting amazing smooth and patterned velor from 100% silk since 1849 on old wooden looms. In our manufacture there are five machines of the 19th century and one machine of the 16th century, which, in particular, is the last such machine in the world for the production of one-color velvet. As you can imagine, all machines have a scale commensurate with the human body. 60 centimeters is the length of an arm, and the production of handmade velvet, but with a width of, for example, 80 centimeters, is impossible. www.tessiturecordani.it 
Magda Cordani, owner of the manufactory:- Despite the crisis period of the 90s, Mr. Giuseppe Cordani kept these machines operating precisely so that this ancient tradition would not be forgotten in the Ligurian territory. And for four generations we have not modernized our machines, which means that our velvet is original and is produced according to the technologies of the century before last. www.tessiturecordani.it 
Magda Cordani, owner of the manufactory:- We are engaged in the production of exclusively velvet, and we can say that we are able to produce textiles of any complexity according to individual projects. The real Genoese smooth velor, of which we are the only producers, is undoubtedly considered unique; it is velor of the 16th century, a fabric woven on a special machine that allows you to obtain such a shine and density that is unmatched. On looms of the 13th century, embossed velor and carré are weaved, on the basis of silk and grodetour; yarn of pure silk, but sometimes weft threads of pure gold and silver are also included and, of course, dyeing in special colors can be done. www.tessiturecordani.it 
Magda Cordani, owner of the manufactory:- We have a private collection of more than 80 patterns, but we can also make other patterns for individual orders. Having the ability to change the density and pattern of velvet, we produce fabrics for various purposes, from interior to those intended for clothing and accessories. www.tessiturecordani.it 
Magda Cordani, owner of the manufactory:- All this provides a wide range of clients, including the most important fashion houses, both Italian and foreign, Contrad Palio di Siena, museums, churches, as well as the luxury shipbuilding industry. Since recently, there has been close cooperation with the United States, which is why velor cordani can also be found in major American cities such as New York, Boston and Los Angeles. For Russia, a large order was recently made for a private customer engaged in the restoration of a family estate. www.tessiturecordani.it 
Magda Cordani, owner of the manufactory:- The price is made up of the complexity of the ornament, the length of the canvas and the quality of the velvet, I will show you the exclusive velvet, which is more expensive. Sizes depend on the type of velvet, order and delivery point. www.tessiturecordani.it 
Magda Cordani, owner of the manufactory:- The maximum length of the canvas is 8 meters, we have our own collection of white velvet, the color also depends on the wishes of the clients. For example, if you want some shade of red, we prepare several shades suitable for your description and leave the decision for you, but it is very difficult to guess the color the first time, because it darkens when cut. www.tessiturecordani.it 
We visited the boutique of the manufactory witha stunning variety of fabrics, designer products. Here is a delightful view of the landscape that opens from the terrace to the Riviera, where the boutique is located. 
In 2009, the company received recognition of the trade mark of artisans of Liguria - Velluto di Zoagli, which allows to protect the uniqueness of products. 
We thank the department for the development of trade exchangeEmbassy of Italy ICE and company Liguria International for providing a unique opportunity to join the mystery of making this luxurious textile.
His majesty velvet: Italian handmade fabrics
