Who owns Loro Piana, how to clean Loro Piana shoes, and where is Loro Piana on sale?

Although Loro Piana is best known for its high-end cashmere, the iconic Italian luxury label also offers an exquisite leather goods collection, and a range of understated, beautifully crafted footwear.

We absolutely love Loro Piana shoes—they strike the perfect balance between sophistication and comfort. You will find an array of styles, from ankle boots to moccasins, from sandals to sneakers, all made from the finest materials. Before we delve further into the realm of Loro Piana footwear, let’s take a look at the history of the brand.

History of Loro Piana and Who Owns Loro Piana Now

Loro Piana has a rich history. While the brand was founded in 1924 by Pietro Loro Piana, its origins date all the way back to the early 1800s, when the Loro Piana family started trading wool.

Originally from Trivero, a district in northern Italy renowned for textile production, the family later moved to Valsesia, where Pietro opened the factory Lanificio Fratelli Lora e Compagnia, followed by the Lanificio di Quarona di Zignone & C.

After World War II, Pietro’s nephew, Franco, began exporting the company’s precious textiles, establishing Loro Piana’s reputation on a global scale: Loro Piana quickly grew into one of the world’s most renowned wool and cashmere suppliers, with labels such as Yves Saint Laurent and Giorgio Armani using the company’s yarn and fabrics for their collections.

In the 1970s, Franco’s sons, Sergio and Pier Luigi, took the helm of the family company. They made Loro Piana the luxury brand we know today, entering the fashion market in 1994 with the launch of the first Loro Piana branded ready-to-wear line.

Sergio and Pier Luigi combined tradition and innovation, sourcing new raw materials and investing in cutting edge technologies—Loro Piana was the first company to source cashmere directly from Mongolia, became the exclusive purveyor of vicuña from 1994 to 2004, and introduced baby cashmere and lotus flower fiber.

So who owns Loro Piana now?

In 2013, Loro Piana was bought by the LVMH group (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) for 2 billion euros, with the aim of “preserving its unique heritage and spirit in a perspective of fulfilling its significant future potential.”

The White Sole shoe 

The White Sole shoe is one of Loro Piana’s most iconic designs. Originally designed for sailing, the Open Walk ankle boots and the Summer Walk moccasins are functional shoes crafted from supple suede calfskin treated with a water-repellent, stain-resistant finish.

Lightweight and flexible, the brand’s signature White Sole does not leave marks on the wooden decks of boats, and its shape is not affected by sudden changes in temperature.

Whether you’re a sailing enthusiast or not, you will love Loro Piana’s Open Walk and Summer Walk. With their clean, simple silhouette, they go well with any outfit, from jeans to chino pants, and will provide you with maximum comfort. Available for both men and women, they come in a variety of shades, as well as a knitted version made entirely of Merino wool.

How to clean Loro Piana shoes

Most Loro Piana shoes are treated with a water-repellent and stain-resistant finish–yes, even the suede sandals and sneakers. Nonetheless, if you want to ensure their longevity, you need to take proper care of them, and that includes a monthly cleaning.

Here’s how to clean your Loro Piana shoes:

• Suede: gently brush the suede using a quality horsehair brush to remove dirt and grime. English footwear enthusiast Nigel Cleaver recommends using steam to reinvigorate your suede.
• Leather: clean your leather shoes with a soft, lightly dampened cloth. Every few months, apply a renovator oil, to condition and moisturize the leather. Find out more on how to care for leather shoes.
• Soles: regularly clean the soles of your shoes using a damp cloth and neutral detergent. You can also use a toothbrush to remove dust and debris.
• Laces: remove the laces and hand wash them using a mild detergent. Air dry at room temperature.

Where is Loro Piana on sale?

So, where to buy Loro Piana? Today, Loro Piana operates flagship stores all over the world: whether you’re in New York, Las Vegas, Milan, London, or Paris, you will find a boutique near you.

However, if you want to save up to 40% on Loro Piana pieces, make sure you shop in Italy. Why?

Loro Piana is an Italian brand, and prices in Italy tend to be lower, even with currency exchange rates, because there are no importer or distributor costs like there often are in other countries, and the price of doing business is lower.

Not ready to hop on a plane just yet?

Shop on italist to virtually shop the streets of Italy! Discover our selection of Loro Piana footwear, clothing, and accessories for men and Loro Piana for women.

About the Author

Alex English is the Head of Content Marketing at italist.com, building on a lifelong passion for fashion and luxury. After publishing a lifestyle blog for nearly ten years and obtaining an MBA in Milan at SDA Bocconi, one of Europe’s top business schools, he joined the italist team in 2019. His work since then has focused on upper-funnel messaging, brand storytelling, establishing italist as a thought leader in the space, and enriching the customer experience on the platform. Find him on LinkedIn.