A True Visionary
Ermenegildo Zegna possessed a forward-thinking international vision, ensuring that the finest natural raw materials were sourced directly from their countries of origin. Thanks to this global perspective, he made his first overseas export to the United States in 1938. Even during the challenging times of World War II, the reputation of Zegna fabrics continued to grow. Despite the harsh conditions, the exceptional quality of the fabrics allowed tailors to reverse the material, crafting a brand-new suit for the same customer. This meant clients could achieve a “second elegance” from their wardrobe. By the end of the war, Zegna fabrics were being sold in more than 40 countries.

Ermenegildo’s brilliant business acumen extended far beyond the textile industry. He believed that the quality he sought in his products was inseparable from maintaining a positive relationship with the local community. He was convinced that the beauty of the natural environment and the well-being of not only his employees but the entire region were essential for a company’s long-term success.

In 1932, Trivero-where he had established his factory-had only a meeting hall, a library, a gymnasium, a cinema/theater, and a public swimming pool. Within a few years, Ermenegildo built a medical center and a kindergarten for the community. Devoted to preserving the local landscape, he planted thousands of trees and initiated the construction of the “Panoramica Zegna,” a 14 km scenic road connecting Trivero to Bielmonte, a mountain resort at an altitude of 1,500 meters. His commitment to nature and social welfare laid the foundation for Oasi Zegna, a 100 km² open-access national nature reserve officially established in 1993.

When Ermenegildo Zegna passed away in 1966, the most valuable legacy he left to his sons was his unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, his commitment to producing premium Italian fabrics of the highest quality, his relentless efforts to enhance social well-being, his progressive stance on workers’ rights, and his environmental consciousness in protecting natural resources.

Aldo and Angelo Era
Both of Ermenegildo’s sons, Aldo and Angelo, began working with their father during their teenage years while continuing their education. By the 1960s, they gradually took over the management of the Wool Mill from their father. Embracing their heritage, Aldo and Angelo Zegna took strong steps towards the growth and transformation of their family business by leading initiatives such as launching ready-to-wear collections and bespoke products, globalizing production and distribution, and opening the first mono-brand stores in Paris and Milan. In 1968, with the opening of their garment factory in Novara, Italy, they introduced their first trouser collection. The reliability of their fabrics, combined with refined masculine designs and meticulous craftsmanship, marked the beginning of Zegna’s evolution into a leading fashion house in men’s clothing. This successful move was followed in 1972 by the launch of the ‘Made to Measure’ service, offering exclusive tailoring.

Soon after, the two brothers expanded first to Spain and Switzerland, then rapidly expanded worldwide. Meanwhile, they diversified production to include accessories and sportswear. Following in their father’s footsteps, Aldo and Angelo completed the construction of Panoramica Zegna, a 14 km scenic road connecting Trivero to Bielmonte in the Italian Alps. Remaining loyal to Ermenegildo’s vision, they also built a housing complex in 1963, additional residential sites in Bielmonte in 1965, and a ski resort. Throughout their tenure, Aldo and Angelo prepared the next generation of their family business for the future by instilling their grandfather’s vision and teaching them the intricacies of the trade.

‘Gildo’ Elevates the Legacy
In 1991, Zegna became the first luxury fashion brand to enter the Chinese market. By 2014, with 70 stores across China, the brand was generating one-third of its revenue from this market. Angelo’s son, Ermenegildo Zegna, took over as Ceo of the family business in 1997. Known as Gildo, he carried the company into the modern era while preserving all of the family’s values.

Under Gildo’s leadership, the company pursued an extensive vertical integration strategy, visionary product diversification, brand expansion, and licensing initiatives. By the late 1990s, Zegna had completed its transition into a global luxury brand spanning from clothing to accessories. In 2000, the Zegna family solidified its heritage of “the world’s finest can be created by making the world a better place” by establishing the Zegna Foundation, which continues its social responsibility projects to this day.

In 2002, Zegna acquired the luxury leather apparel brand Longhi and, in the same year, entered into a joint venture with the Salvatore Ferragamo Group to create ZeFer, making significant strides in footwear and leather goods. Product diversification further expanded with the launch of the first Ermenegildo Zegna fragrance, Essenza di Zegna, in 2003, distributed globally by Yves Saint Laurent Beauté. The fragrance line was later complemented by Z Zegna and Zegna Colonia. In 2006, Zegna introduced its first underwear collection in collaboration with Perofil. A major milestone in brand expansion was reached in 2007 with the launch of Zegna’s first global store, designed by renowned architect Peter Marino. Within three years, additional global stores followed in Milan, New York, Shinjuku Tokyo, Dubai, Hong Kong, Shanghai Lippo, and Las Vegas. In the same year, architect Antonio Citterio designed Zegna’s 8,000-square-meter Global Headquarters in Milan.

In 2008, Zegna began showcasing Ermenegildo Zegna and Z Zegna collections at Milan Fashion Week. The pursuit of excellence in men’s haute couture, the passion for superior quality, and the fusion of tradition with sophisticated, cosmopolitan tastes ensured that the Zegna Style became an essential benchmark in the industry. Zegna’s rich legacy of innovation and craftsmanship continues to be reflected in its sophisticated men’s fashion and accessory collections, offering a timeless approach to luxury beyond fleeting trends.

In 2021, the family business approved its public listing in the United States, making Zegna the first Italian luxury fashion company to go public in New York with a market valuation of $2.4 billion. That same year, the Zegna family chose to retain majority ownership, with Gildo Zegna re-elected as Chairman and Ceo, while his cousins Paolo and Anna Zegna joined the Board of Directors. Since 2022, Zegna’s legal headquarters have been in the Netherlands, while its operational headquarters remain in Italy.

Zegna Eyewear
The brand entered the eyewear segment in 2004, launching its first collection in collaboration with De Rigo. Defined as ‘vintage-futurist,’ this collection reflected the brand’s sophisticated and innovative design approach. Within the collection, different styles stood out: Highway offered a bold and refined look with metal frames; Club was designed for sporty and casual outfits; Nomad carried vintage inspirations, while the ultra-light and hypoallergenic titanium Couture series provided maximum comfort and durability.

In 2009, Zegna Eyewear renewed its licensing agreement with De Rigo Vision, continuing its partnership in the production and distribution of sunglasses and optical frames. This collaboration not only reinforced De Rigo’s strong position in the luxury eyewear segment but also ensured the global distribution of Zegna Eyewear’s sophisticated designs.

By 2015, Zegna Eyewear began developing, producing, and distributing its eyewear collections in partnership with Marcolin. During this new phase, the collections combined the brand’s core values-superior quality, innovation, and tradition-with a modern aesthetic. A meticulous craftsmanship approach was adopted in the production process, blending Zegna’s iconic heritage with contemporary style. With the renewal of their licensing agreement in late 2024, Marcolin and Zegna extended their partnership until 2030, continuing to offer eyewear collections that reflect the brand’s signature elegance.

Chronology

1910
Ermenegildo Zegna founded his textile company in Trivero, Italy.

1930
Innovative techniques in high-quality fabric production were developed, and the company began its international expansion.

1942
After Ermenegildo Zegna’s passing, his sons Aldo and Angelo Zegna took over the company’s management.

1968
The first Zegna ready-to-wear production facility was opened in Novara, Italy.

1980
The first flagship stores were opened in New York and Paris, accelerating the international expansion of luxury retail.

1991
Zegna entered the Chinese market, opening its first store in Beijing, becoming the first luxury brand to establish a presence there.

1999
Zegna established its first production facility in Shanghai, China.

2000
The company accelerated its growth in Asia and the Americas, becoming a global luxury fashion brand.

2004
Entered the eyewear segment, launching its first collection of sunglasses and optical frames in collaboration with De Rigo.

2009
Acquired a majority stake in Tessitura di Novara.

2012
Expanded its wool and natural fiber production capacity by acquiring a minority stake in Pettinatura di Verrone.

2014
Gained full control over the wool production process by acquiring a majority stake in the Achill farm in Australia.

2016
Acquired a majority stake in Italian luxury textile manufacturer Bonotto.

2018
Partnered with Reliance in India while having three stores in the country and invested in the brand of Raghavendra Rathore. The same year, acquired an 85% stake in New York-based Thom Browne.

2019
Acquired a 65% stake in Italian jersey fabric manufacturer Dondi.

2021
Zegna took a 60% stake in Tessitura Ubertino and a 40% stake in cashmere producer Tessitura Biagioli Modesto.

2023
In partnership with Prada Group, acquired a minority stake in Luigi Fedeli e Figlio S.r.l.

2024
Extended its partnership with Marcolin for eyewear design, production, and global distribution until 2030.

March 2025